Banganga: Mumbai’s own Varanasi…
Mumbai, the city of dreams with its bustling life and streets famous for the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and the salty sea also has a beautiful fresh water tank, Banganga.
Malabar Hill normally associated with the elites of Mumbai and the powers that be is also home to ancient history and mythology. Occasionally Bollywood movies like Ghulam or Chandni Bar picturise their characters seeking solace on the steps of the Banganga yet most Mumbaikars would have never explored this historical wonder.
I am no different. The only two occasions I remember going there was at a time I went for a concert at the once famous Banganga Festival and the second when I felt my growing up son should know beautiful places in Mumbai.
Bnaganga for all its glory remains a mystery to many Mumbaikars as it does not feature as prominently on its tourist map as Marine Drive or the Gateway of India.
Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape of Mumbai, Banganga stands as a serene and ancient water tank, embodying history and spirituality. This hidden gem, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, carries a charming tale that dates back to centuries.
Hindu mythology, traces its origin to the legendary lore that Lord Rama halted at this spot during his search for Sita, and in a moment of desperation for water, he shot an arrow into the ground, miraculously creating the freshwater spring we now know as Banganga.
What stands today is a beautiful step tank surrounded by intricately carved temples and ghats, showcasing the architectural prowess of the bygone eras. Each stone tells a story, and every step taken on the ghats echoes with the footsteps of the past.
The Walkeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prominent structure standing as a testament to the historical significance of Banganga. The Shivalinga in this temple is believed to have been made of sand, ( Valu, Valuka ) by Lord Rama for worship of Lord Shiva and is therefore known as Valukeshwar.
Banganga is not merely a historical relic; it remains an active centre of religious activities. It has several beautiful temples dedicated to Gods and Goddesses like the Shri Maa Shanta Durga, Shri Dev Walukeshwar, Shri Dev Balaji, Shri Maa Mahalakshmi, and Shri Dev Parasuram among a hundred such temples. It also houses famous maths like the Shri Kashi Math and the famous Shri Kavale Math of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins who are the main trustees of the temple precinct.
Pilgrims and locals alike gather here for various rituals, religious ceremonies, and festivals. The aura is charged with devotion and reflects a harmonious blend of the ancient and the contemporary. The descending steps, the water flowing from its perennial source, the small and big temples around it, the teeny-weeny lanes, the deep stambh connect us to our souls.
Banganga has withstood the test of time but faces contemporary challenges such as urbanization and pollution. The tank with little fish and gliding swans is also littered with plastic and other waste. Various initiatives and community efforts are underway to preserve and restore the sanctity of this historical marvel. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, locals, conservationists, and corporates are working hand in hand to conserve its unique glory and ensure that Banganga continues to thrive for generations to come. There are several plans to transform this “Mini Varanasi” into a memorable pilgrim for Mumbaikars.
Banganga, with its rich history, architectural marvels, spiritual significance, and cultural vibrancy, silently stands as a unique tapestry woven into the fabric of Mumbai.
As we ended our ‘Parikrama’ of the Banganga, I realised that this is a place where the past and present come together to offer a tranquil escape from the city's chaos and explore its deep-rooted heritage. The winding lanes may be a little cut off from our everyday lives and a bit distant but worth the visit for they would lead us to a flight of steps into a wonderful world...
