Walkeshwar Temple
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The famous Walkeshwar Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva situated on Malabar Hill, Mumbai, India.
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[edit] Legend
Legend has it that Hindu god, Ram paused at that spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon, Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. He is said to have constructed the original lingam of sand, after having tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring an idol. The name is etymologically derived from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand - Valuka Iswar, an avatar of Shiva.
When Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available (except sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganga. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.
[edit] History
The temple and the attached fresh water Banganga Tank were built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 AD. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their reign over Mumbai (Portuguese Bom Bahia) in the 16th century. It was rebuilt due to the generosity of Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, a Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The main temple has been substantially reconstructed and many smaller temples have come up around the Banganga tank.
[edit] Worship
The temple is generally busy every month only during the full moon, and at amavasya (new moon). In the past it was a favorite of the Malabar pirates who used to frequent the islands during the 16th and 17th centuries.
It is currently the site of an annual Hindustani classical music festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma.
A branch of the Shri Kashi Math, a famous religious seat of Saraswat Brahmins, is located on the western bank of the tank.
[edit] References
- Mallya, K.G. The Merchant Of Bombay,Mumbai:Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 170pgs, Rs.125
