Chief Minister Eknath Shinde gave approval for an INR 220-crore project for integrated community development spanning 9,000 square metres surrounding the Mumbadevi temple precinct on March 13, stated the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This area of Mumbai got its name from the goddess Mumbadevi's temple.
This precinct will be built entirely of natural materials, like stones and basalt, to take worshippers back in time. More areas will be provided for improved crowd control, along with specific areas for rites like havans and mundan ceremonies. For the purpose of allowing devotees to wash their feet prior to entering the temple premises, an exact replica of the long-gone Pydhonie Talav will be constructed.
Known by its official name, the Integrated Community Development and Beautification of Mumbadevi Temple Precinct is being led by AGH RBV Design's lead architect, Dr. Aseem Gokarn Harwansh. He listed several difficulties and stated that one of the main ones was the poor access to the shrine. Dr. Aseem Gokarn Harwansh said that the devotees face difficulties while departing from the Mumbadevi side and entering from either a small entrance or the Kalbadevi side. She said crowds of worshippers overflow onto the roads during festivals due to a lack of facilities like seating, rest areas, parking, and restrooms.
To address this, the concept calls for a wider 30-foot entry from Kalbadevi, as well as lounging areas, senior citizen amenities, restrooms, nursing rooms, walkways, and temple gardens.
There are two stories about the centuries-old temple, said Dr. Aseem Gokarn Harwansh. One theory says she was a Kolis deity, and another says the temple was at Boribunder originally and was moved to its current location, she explained. The Mumbadevi deity possesses a vast cultural heritage.
During the presentation to Shinde on March 13, a high-ranking municipal official mentioned that the Mumbadevi temple precinct could be renovated to house as many as 7,000 people at once. However, managing crowds during Navratri is a major challenge. Right now, the area is being encroached upon by about 18 shops and 35 licensed hawker booths.
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The official said they intend to add thirty feet to the width of the Mumbadevi gateway leading to the Kalbadevi side. They will also build a pond, a special place for havans, and a garden with a mandal vaatika. They suggest displaying Devi's idol outside, where a tour experience with a laser show might be arranged for devotees. On March 15, the bids for these projects will be opened.
The official stated that unfortunately, the temple had been taken up by the busy bazaar area. Its dome is hardly visible now. Over time, intrusion from all sides has destroyed the temple's ambiance. All of the stores and authorised street vendors, however, will get restored. To guarantee that they keep their customers, they will be granted premium locations along the paths that ardent devotees follow.
The Devi idol at Isha Foundation, similar to the Shankara murti, would be the focal point of a big maha aarti, said Dr. Aseem Gokarn Harwansh. She stated that this idol would narrate the story of Mumbadevi's long past. She asserted that the nakshatras' importance in the Indian tradition will be highlighted by the integration of a nakshatra walk. She said the plants in the temple garden will be arranged in accordance with their auspicious directions, showcasing various Indian themes.
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