About Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai
Shri Mahalakshmi Temple is one of Mumbai's most important temples, standing on Bhulabhai Desai Road by the Arabian Sea, close to Haji Ali. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is worshipped here together with Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. Business people, families and pilgrims visit throughout the day, and the temple is especially crowded on Fridays and during Navratri. The lane leading to it is lined with stalls selling flowers, coconuts and sweets for offering.
The temple dates to the late 18th century. According to popular legend, when the British were building the Hornby Vellard, a sea wall to join Mumbai's islands, the wall repeatedly collapsed. An engineer named Ramji Shivaji is said to have dreamt of the goddess, and idols were then recovered from the sea nearby. A temple was built for them, and the sea wall was completed. Since then the temple has been a focal point of devotion for the city.
The temple has a modest entrance gate leading to a hall and sanctum. The three goddess images are adorned with gold ornaments, nose rings and pearl necklaces, with Mahalakshmi at the centre. Devotees often press a coin onto a wall near the shrine, a popular local custom for good fortune. The rear of the complex looks out over the sea.
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai timings & aarti
Usually open about 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Around 6:00 AM |
| Midday Aarti | Around noon |
| Evening Aarti | Around 7:30 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai
By air
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, about 18–20 km away.
By train
Mahalaxmi station on the Western line is about 1.5 km away; Mumbai Central is about 3 km away.
By road
Taxis and BEST buses run along Bhulabhai Desai Road and Haji Ali junction.
Festivals at Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai
- NavratriSep/Oct
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)Oct/Nov
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Kojagiri PurnimaOct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to all with no entry fee. Footwear and large bags must be left outside.
- Visit early on a weekday to avoid long queues.
- Buy flowers and offerings from the stalls in the lane leading to the temple.
- Combine your visit with Haji Ali Dargah nearby, best seen at low tide.
- During Navratri, allow several hours for darshan.
Places to visit near Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai
- Haji Ali DargahFamous sea shrine reached by a causeway, about 1 km away
- Mahalaxmi RacecourseHistoric racecourse, about 2 km away
- Mahalaxmi Dhobi GhatLarge open-air laundry, about 3 km away
- Babulnath TempleHilltop Shiva temple, about 3 km away
- Marine DriveSeafront promenade, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai timings?
It is usually open about 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Hours may change during festivals.
Which goddesses are worshipped at Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?
Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati are worshipped together, with Mahalakshmi at the centre.
What is the nearest station to Mahalaxmi Temple?
Mahalaxmi station on the Western line is about 1.5 km away.
When is Mahalaxmi Temple most crowded?
Fridays, Navratri and Diwali see the largest crowds.
What is the aarti time at Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?
Morning Aarti: Around 6:00 AM; Midday Aarti: Around noon; Evening Aarti: Around 7:30 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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