HOLY TRAIL
SPEND A DAY DISCOVERING SOME OF THE CITY’S UNIQUE PLACES OF WORSHIP — BUILT OF BELLS, BUILT FOR MARTYRS AND MORE
A typical guided tour of the city will often take you to places of worship like Siddhivinayak Temple, ISKCON Temple and so on. But there are some lesser-known places that we often miss out on. From tying bells after prayers are being answered to climbing some 1,400 stairs to reach the temple, these shrines are replete with fascinating history and folk legends.
1. Afghan Church, Colaba
Tucked away in one of the quaint lanes of Navy Nagar in Colaba, the Church of St John the Evangelist, popularly known as the Afghan Church, was built in the memory of the martyrs of the first and second Afghan wars. Not many know that this is the first Presbyterian Church built in India to commemorate a military event. Although, the church maybe found locked during most times, the verger, who lives in the premises of the church, will open the doors if you request him to. This heritage structure features eight large bells in the bell tower, which were brought in from Taylor Bell foundry of England in 1904.
2. Global Vipassana Pagoda, Borivali (W)
Opened in 2009, this temple is relatively new. It is situated in
Gorai, and is dedicated to the teachings of Gautam Buddha — peace,
harmony and meditation. The pagoda stores the antique artefacts of
Buddha, which are believed to emit positive vibrations. Hundreds of
people come here in search of peace. You can make an interesting journey
to the monument by availing of a ferry boat from the Gorai jetty. Also,
adventure lovers can have a ball at EsselWorld and Water Kingdom that
are at a walking distance from the pagoda.
3. Shri Ghanteshwar Hanuman Mandir, Khar (W)
Festooned with brass bells of varied sizes, this 55-year-old temple is Mumbai’s very own bridge of love locks. According to devotees and legends, once you make a wish here, and it is fulfilled, you should return to tie a bell of any size to one of the pillars of the temple. The infinite number of bells that adorn the shrine’s walls and pillars talk volumes of the humongous number of devotees. There is a chain of shops selling brass bells — huge to tiny — and interestingly, they are always crowded.
4. Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
This temple is not only a religious spot, but also calls out to adventurers with a picturesque view to enjoy. Situated atop one of the hills of the Satpura Range, you need to climb around 1,450 stairs to reach the temple. Alternatively, for people who cannot brave the climb, they can avail of the ropeway services available (`150 including return fare). With tea and snacks stalls at regular intervals, and restaurants at the end of the climb, this is a safe climb. And once you make the climb, the view from the mountain top is worth capturing.
3. Shri Ghanteshwar Hanuman Mandir, Khar (W)
Festooned with brass bells of varied sizes, this 55-year-old temple is Mumbai’s very own bridge of love locks. According to devotees and legends, once you make a wish here, and it is fulfilled, you should return to tie a bell of any size to one of the pillars of the temple. The infinite number of bells that adorn the shrine’s walls and pillars talk volumes of the humongous number of devotees. There is a chain of shops selling brass bells — huge to tiny — and interestingly, they are always crowded.
4. Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
This temple is not only a religious spot, but also calls out to adventurers with a picturesque view to enjoy. Situated atop one of the hills of the Satpura Range, you need to climb around 1,450 stairs to reach the temple. Alternatively, for people who cannot brave the climb, they can avail of the ropeway services available (`150 including return fare). With tea and snacks stalls at regular intervals, and restaurants at the end of the climb, this is a safe climb. And once you make the climb, the view from the mountain top is worth capturing.
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