MAHALAKSHMI TEMPLE IN INDIA

Location:	On B. Desai Road, Breach Candy, Mumbai
Built in:	1785
Dedicated to:	Goddess Lakshmi
Significance:	an ancient temple of Mumbai
How to reach:	One can easily reach Mahalaxmi Temple by taking local Buses, Auto-rickshaws, metro or by hiring Taxis from Mumbai

Mahalakshmi Temple is one amongst the oldest shrines of Mumbai. Located on B. Desai Road at Breach Candy in Mumbai, Mahalaxmi Mandir is the one of the most visited temples of the city. The temple is renowned for its exclusive history and devoutness. Sited at the seashore on the northern side of Malabar hills, Mahalakshmi temple can be reached easily by the means of local transport in Mumbai. The waves of the Arabian Sea impart a perfect background to this religious shrine of Mahalakshmi.

The temple is particularly dedicated to Mahalakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth as per the Hindu mythology. The main doorway of the temple is richly ornamented, leading to the temple complex. Here, one can see various stalls that sell flower garlands and other items to make an offering to the Goddess. A flight of steps takes to the shrine of the Goddess. The main shrine comprises the images of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. Nonetheless, the principal deity is Goddess Lakshmi, after whom the temple is named.

Each and every image is bejeweled with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The celestial appearance of these images, enhance the spiritual aura of the temple. It is regarded that the Goddess fulfills all the wishes of her true devotees. People with their firm conviction, come to the holy shrine of Mahalakshmi, to seek blessings from the Goddess.

History
The origin of this temple is linked with the construction of Hornby Vellard. Actually, the engineers were not in a position to connect the Mahalakshmi area with Worli by making Breach Candy, due to the reason of vicious tides. The condition was that the engineers dropped the plan. One day, Mahalakshmi appeared in the dream of Chief Engineer and asked him to make her shrine at the current place. Accordingly, the temple was constructed around 1785, which ultimately lead to the construction of the Breach Candy.

Festival
Reminiscent of other temples dedicated to the Goddess, 'Navaratri' is the special event that is celebrated with full fervor at Mahalakshmi Temple. During the gala time of 'Navratri', the temple is decorated from the top to bottom. Devotees from far and near come to pay their homage to the Goddess. Even they don't mind standing in long queues to have a glimpse of Goddess Mahalakshmi at this time.