When it comes to pilgrimage destinations
in Mumbai or Bombay, the first place
that comes to mind is the Siddhi
Vinayak Temple in Prabhadevi. Usually,
in most religious representations,
elephant headed god Ganesha also
known as Ganpati in Maharashtra
has his trunk wrapped to his left.
But in this temple, it is represented
with his trunk pointing to the right.
It is hard with four arms, one carrying
a lotus, the other an axe, the third
one Modak, a traditional Indian
sweet Ganpati which is said to have
a weakness and the fourth in a crown
of pearls. It is flanked on either
side by his two wives, Riddhi and
Siddhi. The temple is the most congested
during Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturthi
day, which are considered as holidays
according to the Hindu calendar.
Haji Ali, Haji Ali Bombay - An integral
part of the plurality and diversity
of multi ethnic Mumbai, Haji Ali
mosque is a major pilgrimage in
Mumbai. Not surprisingly there are
as many Hindus as there are Muslims
who visit the mosque to wish achievement.
The mosque was built in the middle
of the sea with a narrow strip of
land leading to it. Together with
about 500 meters into the sea, it
can be achieved only at low tide.
According to folklore, Haji Ali
was a wealthy businessman who died
on a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is
said that the coffin carrying the
body floated all the way back to
the site where the mosque stood.
Built in the 19th century the mosque
gives the impression that it is
floating on the sea, especially
during high tide. As in Islamic
laws there are separate prayer rooms
for men and women. Crowds of people
come to bow their heads on the red
and green brocade sheet on the tomb
and pray for the realization of
their dreams.
Shirdi Baba Temple, Mumbai Shirdi
- Located about 296 km from Mumbai,
Shirdi is a popular pilgrimage site
for followers of Shirdi Sai Baba.
The seat of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan
are located here. The Sansthan does
a lot of work, and have built a
Sai Baba Bhakti Niwas which accommodates
about 3500 faithful, Shri Sainath
a hospital that is well equipped
with the latest equipment and offers
free treatment and which provides
Prasadalaya Prasada for 1000 followers
at a time. There is a railway link
that links the east Korpargaon station
to Shirdi, 15 km on the Manmad-Daund
section of the Central Station.
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