MAHASHIVRATRI ( Babulnath Mandir,Mumbai)

Babulnath Temple

   MAHASHIVRATRI(Babulnath Mandir,Mumbai)

Located in the very heart of Mumbai City, at nearly 1000 feet above sea level, over looking the Arabian Sea lies the majestic temple of Lord Babulnath [Lord Shiva]. Even in a city like Mumbai you'll be surprised to feel peace and tranquility at Babulnath - a place where Almighty resides. The granduer and magnificence of the temple is guaranteed to make you forget where you are, giving an illusion of Mount Kailas, the eternal abode of Lord Shiva . Every year millions of devotees visit this magnificent temple. It was built nearly 200 years ago and is one of the most spacious temples in the city. The devotees are undoubtedly proud of its rich and varied heritage. Over the ages many saints across India have sung praises of Lord Shiva. Pushpadanta wrote the Shiva Mahimnah Stotram , as he was a great devotee of Lord Shiva . Even today devotees recite the same Stotram for Lord Shiva Pujan. This temple is located at the end of Marine Drive and south of Malabar Hill, which was built in 1780. Also In 1900, a tall spire was added to this auspicious, original temple of Lord Shiva. A stone Lingam of Lord Shiva is worshipped at Babulnath. Babulnath Mandir Babulnath is an ancient Shiva temple in Mumbai. Shiva in the form of the Lord of the Babul tree is the main deity in this temple. Babulnath Temple Shiva Linga and Idols were originally consecrated in the 12th century by the then Hindu king of the region. Over a period of time the temple was buried and lost over a period of time. The idols were re discovered (unearthed) in 1700 to 1780 time frame. The first temple was built in the 1780 year. Architecture of Babulnath Temple The Babulnath Temple was patronised when built for the first time by Hindu merchant of that time and mainly theGujarati community. A bigger temple was built in 1890 by contributions from the Gujrati merchants and the likes of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda state. The current temple structure can be dated back to 1890. The temple height was considerable when built in 1890 but a lightning strike in the 1960s and damage to the spire lowered the height of the present temple considerably. Till the 1980s Babulnath Temple was one of the Tallest structure & location in the city of Mumbai. Importance of Babulnath Temple One of the most ancient temples in Mumbai, Lord Shiva in the form of a Babul tree is the presiding deity of the Babulnath temple. Situated at the end of Marine Drive and South of Malabar Hill, the temple is nearly 1000 feet above the sea level, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The temple was built in 1780 and is one of the most spacious temple complexes in the city. In 1900, a tall spire was added to the original construction. The temple is always abuzz with festivities, especially on Mondays, which is the main day of worship. A stone `lingam` of Shiva is worshipped in Babulnath temple. In the month of `Shravan` or August/September, which is associated with Lord Shiva, millions of devotees visit the Babulnath temple to offer milk to the `Shivling`. The `Shivling` is believed to be the head of Lord Shiva, and it is venerated amidst the holy chanting of the mantra “Om Namah Shivay”. History of Babulnath Temple According to the legend associated with the Babulnath temple, a cow named Kapila belonged to a prosperous goldsmith called Pandurang, had stopped giving milk. This becoming a daily affair, Pandurang became curious, on enquiry, it was found that before coming home Kapila, the cow, regularly gave away all milk at a particular spot. To Pandurang`s amazement there was a huge Shivling at that spot. This was primarily the inspiration behind the building of the Babulnath temple, on this sacred spot. People flock to this temple in search of peace and tranquility, because the sheer beauty of the architecture reminds one of Mount Kailash, the eternal home of Lord Shiva. How to reach Babulnath Temple Babulnath temple is easily accessible from all corners of the city. The nearest railway station to the temple is Grant Road and you can take an taxi  to reach the Babulnath temple.   facebook-------   like the page    Privies Blog------108-names-of-god-ganesh    Next Blog---------TWELVE JYOTIRLINGAMS OF INDIA                                                                                                                   The God Shiva(Babulnath)