Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai (must see)

The Mahalaxmi Temple is a Hindu temple that honors three Hindu deities: Shri Mahalakshmi, Shri Mahakali and Shri Mahasaraswati. This is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai.

The origins of the temple date to the late 18th century. Idols had been thrown into the sea to protect them from Muslim invaders. Ramji Shivji Prabhu, a government engineer, dreamed that Shri Mahalakshmi instructed him to remove the idols and build a temple. Construction of temple began in 1761 and was completed in 1771.

The interior of the temple includes images of the Tridevi goddesses. Mahalakshmi is the central figure, who holds a lotus flower, the Hindu symbol of eternity, purity and divinity.

Visitors can purchase flowers and other offerings at stalls near the temple that can then be given as an offering to Mahalakshmi. Aarti, the offering of light, takes place during the daily pooja each morning, evening and at night before the temple closes.

Many people come to visit the Mahalakshmi Temple around festivals of Navaratri and Diwali.