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Babulnath Overview
Constructed in 1780, the temple of Babulnath in Mumbai is an example of great architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The entire architecture of the temple gives you the impression of Mount Kailash because the interiors are carved in such a manner.

Come here not just because you are religious and you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, but come here to see the splendid architecture of the temple and its interiors. The history of the temple dates back to the 12th century when Raja Bhimdev placed the Shivling and idols at the now temple of Babulnath.

The idols were discovered in the 18th century. The Shivling was discovered about 300 years ago when Malabar Hill used to be a pasture. Upon the discovery of the Shivling, the temple was constructed in the same spot as it was found. The temple of Babulnath is situated at the very end of the Marine Drive, close to the Girgaon Chowpatty.

For a pleasant and memorable experience, visit the babulnath temple early in the morning. You will have a beautiful view of the surroundings and you can enjoy the architecture while the weather is still cool.

Location: 16, Babulnath Road, Charni Road, Malabar Hill, Near Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Best Time to visit: Any time of the year
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: 5AM-10PM every day.
Distance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 3.4 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Whenever you are visiting Mumbai, Babulnath Shiva temple is a must-visit for inner peace and tranquillity. It is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai, which increases its importance in the eyes of the loyal devotees.

Its walls are specially carved with limestone that depicts the Hindu mythology, which travellers find it exciting at the first look.

At this temple, the beautiful marble flooring is specially brought down from Rajasthan. 

Thus, each step you take inside this temple feels royal and enchanting along with the daily devotees you can meet and greet, dressed in Indian attires. So, every moment spent in this temple is blissful with internal peace and devotion.

Moreover, you can witness devotees from different corners of the world who love to pay their tribute to Lord Shiva and other idols.

Once you enter the holy temple revered by so many Hindus and locals, you can find sculptures and idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Nandi with Kashyap. We would also advise you to buy a basket outside the temple steps before entering.

This basket will bring joy, happiness and fulfil all your wishes once you pay your heartfelt worship to Shiva and other lords like Durga Mata and Goddess Parvati at the centre of this temple.  

If you have any doubts regarding the same, you can always ask devotees around you or the priest to know how to get the prayer done with the basket that you buy.

On the other hand, idols of Goddess Parvati and Durga Mata are respectfully placed in the centre of this temple.
What’s even more special about this temple is that around 4 times a day, prayers for Lord Shiva are recited here.

This temple gets approximately a lakh devotees for Darshan during the Mahashivratri. The whole scenario is a sight to behold and capture in your hearts to narrate stories about back home.

How To Reach

-  From Mumbai Bus Stand 

Officially there are around 10+ buses that take commuters daily to the Babulnath bus stop from different corners of Mumbai’s bus stands.

Bus 28 boards from Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Chowk Museum, Bus 33 boards from PT. Paluskar Chowk, Bus 83 starts from Colaba Bus Station, and 92LTD starts from World Trade Centre.

On average, the journey of a bus will take about an hour from the farthest Mumbai bus stands to reach the Babulnath bus stop.

Best Time To Visit

To witness the mesmerizing throngs of devotees in this temple, the best time to visit would be around Mahashivaratri and other Hindu festivals. Otherwise, if visitors wish to listen to devotional prayers, then this temple plays aarti/prayers for Lord Shiva 3-4 times a day.

The timings are: 6:15 am to 7 am, 11:30 am to 12:15 pm, 5:15 pm to 6 pm, and then the last prayer is at around 8 pm. Hence, it’s up to you to decide if you want to visit, sit quietly, and listen to prayers to soothe the tension from the mind.

Other Essential Information

Location: 16, Near, Babulnath Rd, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 40000
 It is located in the vicinity of Girgaum Chowpatty, Mumbai. The area is slightly hilly.

Timing: From 5 am to 10:30 pm, this temple is open for devotees coming from all across the world. Any traveller or foreigner can visit the temple between this window of time.

Price: Free entry

Tips For Visiting Babulnath 

1.Preferably dress in an Indian/Hindu attire: When you are visiting this Hindu temple, as a respect to the elders inside and the idols of Lord Shiva and his family, it is always advisable to wear Indian attire like an Indian suit (women), and long kurta and pyjamas (men).

2. Buy the Prasad basket from outside: There are many vendors outside the temple who sell the items for a proper basket of Prasad that can be bought for the Darshan. You can easily purchase it in a few bucks.

3. Take care of your belongings when there’s a crowd: It is to be noted that during the festival season, especially Mahashivartri, chances for theft are high. So keep your purse and bag safely tucked beside you.
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Babulnath FAQs

How Many Steps Are There In Babulnath Temple?

This temple is quite beautiful and ancient with lesser steps of stairs. So, young people will not have any issues to climb the temple. This temple is quite beautiful and ancient with around 40-50 long steps. So, young people will not have any issues to climb the temple.

However, for older citizens, there is an elevator service available. It takes you up and down from the temple at Re. 1 per person.

How Old Is Babulnath Temple?

Preferably dress in an Indian/Hindu attire: When you are visiting this Hindu temple, as a respect to the elders inside and the idols of Lord Shiva and his family, it is always advisable to wear Indian attire like an Indian suit (women), and long kurta and pyjamas (men).

 Temple was built in 1780 and is around 240 years old. Whereas, the Shiva Ling inside this temple was built around the 12th century. But the idols that are worshipped daily were unearthed from 1700-1780, till the temple was finally ready. On the other hand, other idols worshipped in this temple are dated back to 1700-1780.

How Can I Go To Babulnath Temple?

This temple is beautifully located within walking distance of Charni Road railway station. So, you can either take a bus or train when you are in Mumbai. The total hours of commute will be around 1-2 hours at a stretch. But that also depends on the traffic.

How To Get To Babulnath Temple From Mumbai Airport?

Via road: the best way to commute to the Babulnath temple will be by hiring a taxi or private car from the Mumbai airport. The road is pretty much straight, only a bit zigzag in the middle. As per the calculations, the whole journey from a taxi or private car will take around an hour to reach the Babulnath temple.

Is There Any Place To Eat Near Babulnath Temple?

  • Soam: This restaurant near Babulnath is known for its mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. Items like Bajra Methi Dhebra, Farsali Paanki, and potato veggie are quite famous here.
  • Govinda’s: For top-class Italian, Chinese, and Indian menu, this centre is next in the line. Majorly, great lunch and dinner are served here. And popular items include varieties from Chole Bhature to different pizzas. 

  • Babulnath Dosa Centre: This dosa centre is just 5 mins of walk from the temple. For a roadside crispy taste of south Indian flavours inside one’s mouth, this centre is recommended by travellers visiting Babulnath.

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