Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai Temple

Navaratri and Diwali are the special events that are celebrated at Shree Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai – ‘Chaitra Navaratra’ in the month of Chaitra i.e. between March-April and ‘Ashwin Navaratra’ in the month Ashwin between September –October and Diwali during October – November. During Navaratra, the temple is decorated from the entrance to gabhara. Entire temple surrounding is decorated with various series of lights, flowers, garlands etc.

Navratra (nine nights) festival is celebrated for ten days during the Hindu months of Ashwin (around October). The daily routine of the temple is modified during this period. At 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Abhishek is performed followed by Mahanaivedya and Aarti. Later at 2.00 p.m. the deity is decorated with all the ornaments. On all ten days at 9.30 p.m. the litter of the Goddess is decorated in different forms with flowers and lights and is taken out in procession in the temple complex. Government sponsored police and military band is played at the head of the procession. The event culminates at 10.30 p.m. when the litter returns to the Garud Mandap and is placed on a special pedestal. The Goddess then receives one canon salute. Various cultural programmes are organized by the Mahalaxmi Temple Trust in these ten days. At the time of Navaratri celebrations, devotees from distant places visit the Mahalaxmi Temple to witness the glorious festive celebrations. They have to stand for hours in long queues holding coconuts, flowers and sweets which they offer to the goddess. During three to four days of Diwali including ‘Laxmipoojan’ there is heavy rush of devotees.

Annakut which is held on the day of Kartik Pournima, celebrated in this temple after the Diwali festival when 56 types of various sweets and food items etc. are offered to matajis as naivedya and then the said items are distributed to all the devotees and more than 500 devotees avail of benefit of Prasad /dinner on Annakut day.

Margashirsh month: During recent years there is more rush of ladies on the occasion of Margshirsh month (i.e.During December and January). There is tremendous rush like Navaratra in the temple. This month is considered very auspicious when devotees offer their prayers sitting in front of Sabha Mandap.

Palkhi of Mataji Palkhi procession takes place on ‘Gudhi Padwa’, i.e. 1st day of the Marathi New year in the month Chaitra (March/April). Chaitra Navratra starts on 1st day of Chaitra. Palkhi procession takes place on 17th June every year being the anniversary day of the ‘Dhwjasthambha’ which was erected in front of the temple near deepsthambha. Dhwjasthambha was dedicated at the hands of Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti. During palkhi procession lot of devotees take part and pray to the Goddesses for choicest blessings.

Rathotsav

Rathotsav (chariot festival) is organized in April. The chariot bearing the silver representation of the Goddess is decorated with flowers and lights. It is taken out in a procession in the evening from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The devotees can pay their respects to the Goddess when the procession arrives at the main entrance of the temple. At 9.30 p.m. one canon salute is given to the Goddess and the procession is taken outside the temple. It moves in the city and returns to the temple. The procession is accompanied by military or police band. Huge Rangoli (floor paintings) are drawn along the path of the procession and fireworks add to the festivities. Several devotees flock to participate in this event.

Kirnotsav

Kirnotsav (festival of Sun rays) is celebrated when the sun rays fall directly on the deity’s idol at the time of sunset on the following days:

31st January & 9th November: Sun rays fall directly on the feet of the deity.

1st February & 10th November: Sun rays fall directly on the chest of the deity.

2nd February & 11th November: Sun rays fall directly on the entire body of the deity

Special Rituals/ Prarthana performed in temple

The three idols, Shri Mahalakshmi, Shree Mahakali and Shree Mahasaraswati are bathed daily and dressed in Saree and heavy ornaments like nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The idols are then decorated with flowers, tika, fruits, prasad and various offerings followed by the morning prayers.