Babulnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, located on Babulnath Road in Mumbai, situated on a hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty beach. Situated at the heart of the busy Mumbai city, at the end of Marine Drive, and south of Malabar Hill at nearly 1000 feet above sea level, overlooking the Arabian sea, lies the majestic temple of Lord Babulnath.

It is believed that a “swayambhu” (self-incarnated) Shivling had existed here since the 12th century and a temple originally said to have been constructed during that period which was destroyed over a period of time. The idols were re-discovered (unearthed) during the period of 1700 to 1780.  

Legend

This place is believed to have existed as an expansive hill owned by a goldsmith named Pandurang. His cows grazed on these lush green pastures. They were herded by Babul who was responsible for the cattle that belonged to Pandurang. One day, Pandurang noticed that one of his perfectly healthy cows had no milk to give. Upon asking why, Babul told his master that this cow would often make her way to a specific spot on the hill and release her milk on the ground. Pandurang found this to be unbelievable and both men followed the cow and found that the cow released her milk on a designated spot on the ground.  When they dug that exact spot to their surprise, they found a Shivling buried below.  In reverence and gratitude, Pandurang built a temple at this very spot with the Shivling as the primary deity. Thus, the temple was built in the year 1780.

A bigger temple was built in 1890 by contributions from the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda state. Apart from the main Shivling, the temple also contains idols of Parvati, Ganesh and Hanuman which were excavated at the site along with the Shivling. As the cowherd Babul discovered the Shivling as per the above legend, the Lord Shiva is known as Babulnath. It is also said that since the Shivling was under the shadow of a Babul tree, it is named as Babulnath. Babul also means father and as Shiva is considered to be the father of the universe, He is worshipped as Babulnath at this temple.

Since 1890, Babulnath temple was considered as the tallest structure in Mumbai, but in 1962 strike of lightning destroyed its gopuram and lowered the height of the present temple considerably. Over time, the temple underwent several renovations and additions were made to the structure. The pillars and ceiling of the temple are made out of limestone and marble sourced from Rajasthan and are decorated with scenes from Hindu mythology.

In the initial days the temple was frequented by yogis who used to stay there on the hillock for “Dhyan” (Meditation) and remain quietly in the vicinity/radius of the Shivling’s vibrations.

The temple complex includes a main shrine of Lord Shiva, a smaller shrine for his consort Parvati, a lingam (an upright stone pillar representing Shiva), and a Nandi bull (Shiva’s sacred bull). The temple complex also includes several other shrines, temples, and monuments. The most notable is the Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of wealth; the Ganesh Temple; and the Hanuman Temple.

 The main temple is a five-story structure with a gold-plated dome. The temple’s first floor houses the sanctum sanctorum, where the Shivling (an idol of Lord Shiva) is installed. The second floor has a mandapam (a hall for worship), and the third floor has an open-air garden. The Ganesh temple is located on the ground floor of the main temple complex. It is a small but beautifully decorated shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

Architecture of Babulnath Temple

Babulnath Temple architecture, with its beautifully carved pillars, resembles the architectural style of Hindu temples. The walls of the temple are intricately carved from limestone, the designs of which attracts the attention of tourists. The pillars and ceilings are decorated with stories and figurines from the Hindu mythology. The marble flooring is done with the stones brought down from Rajasthan, which enhances the aesthetics of this temple.

There are 110 steps to be climbed to reach the main temple shrine. Lift facility is also available for those devotees who find it difficult to climb the steps.

The Shiva Mahimna Stotra, a Sanskrit composition (stotra) in praise of Shiva, believed to have been composed by a gandharva (celestial musician) named Pushpadanta is recited by the devotees at Babulnath temple, while performing puja to Lord Shiva.

There is also a small museum inside the complex that displays artifacts related to the history and culture of Maharashtra.  The old monument of the temple has been classified as Heritage Property of Indian Culture by the Government of India. When one visits the Babulnath temple in the busy Mumbai city, he will get a feeling that he is in a small island of peace and tranquillity amidst a noisy ocean.