About Walkeshwar Temple
Walkeshwar Temple stands on the western slope of Malabar Hill in South Mumbai, beside the Banganga Tank, a freshwater tank surrounded by stone steps, small temples and old houses. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Walkeshwar, the Lord of the sand linga. Hidden among the high-rise buildings of one of the city's most expensive neighbourhoods, the temple and tank form a peaceful pocket of old Bombay, where pilgrims, families performing rites for ancestors and local residents still gather every day.
According to tradition, Lord Rama halted here on his way to Lanka in search of Sita. While waiting for Lakshmana to bring a linga for worship, he shaped one from sand, which gave the place its name, from the Sanskrit for a sand idol. When he needed fresh water, he is said to have shot an arrow (bana) into the ground, bringing up a stream of the Ganga, which is why the tank is called Banganga. Historically, the temple and tank are said to have been built around 1127 CE by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister of the Silahara kings. The temple was destroyed in the 16th century during Portuguese rule and rebuilt in 1715 with the help of the Mumbai merchant Rama Kamat.
The present temple is a modest structure that has been rebuilt more than once, with a shikhara over the sanctum and a hall where devotees offer water and bel leaves to the linga. The Banganga Tank nearby is fed by an underground spring that stays fresh despite being so close to the sea. Around its steps stand smaller shrines, lamp pillars and the branches of old religious mathas.
Walkeshwar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a short midday pause on some days. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Walkeshwar Temple
By air
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is about 25 km away.
By train
Grant Road and Charni Road stations on the Western line are about 4 km away.
By road
Take a taxi or BEST bus to Walkeshwar Road or Teen Batti; the temple and tank are a short walk down narrow lanes.
Festivals at Walkeshwar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan month (Mondays)Jul/Aug
- Tripuri Purnima (lamps at Banganga)Oct/Nov
- Banganga Festival of musicJan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- The lanes leading to the temple are narrow; leave vehicles on Walkeshwar Road and walk down.
- Visit early morning to see the Banganga Tank at its quietest.
- Respect families performing ancestral rites on the steps of the tank.
- Combine your visit with the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park on top of Malabar Hill.
Places to visit near Walkeshwar Temple
- Banganga TankSacred freshwater tank beside the temple, just a few steps away
- Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru ParkHilltop gardens with city views, about 1.5 km away
- Babulnath TempleHilltop Shiva temple, about 3 km away
- Mahalaxmi TempleFamous goddess temple by the sea, about 4 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Walkeshwar Temple?
The name comes from the Sanskrit for a sand idol, because tradition says Lord Rama made a linga from sand here.
What is the Banganga Tank?
It is a spring-fed freshwater tank next to the temple. Legend says it was created when Rama shot an arrow into the ground.
How old is Walkeshwar Temple?
It is said to have been founded around 1127 CE in the Silahara period and was rebuilt in 1715 after being destroyed in the 16th century.
How to reach Walkeshwar Temple?
It is on Malabar Hill in South Mumbai, about 4 km from Grant Road station; taxis and buses go to Walkeshwar Road.
What is the aarti time at Walkeshwar Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Walkeshwar Temple timings?
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a short midday pause on some days. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Walkeshwar Temple?
Modest, traditional clothing is recommended.
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