Prabhadevi Temple Mumbai

Prabhadevi Temple- Mumbai

Prabhadevi Temple, also known as Prabhavati Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Prabhadevi area, near Dadar in Mumbai. The idol representing the main deity, Prabhavati Devi, dates back to the 12th Century. The temple itself, though, was constructed in 1715, making it over 300 years old.

According to historians, the temple’s main deity, earlier referred to as Shakambaridevi, was the famous goddess of Bimba Raja of Gujarat.

History

According to historians, the main deity of Prabhadevi Temple was originally referred to as Shakambari Devi. She was the famous goddess (Kuladevi) of Seuna Yadava king Bimba Raja of Devgiri.According to local folklore, Prabhavati Devi appeared in the dreams of a devotee named Shyam Nayak from the Pathare Prabhu (one of Mumbai’s earliest native communities), who would go on to build the temple of Prabhadevi.

The idol of the goddess was shifted to Karnataka, where it was attacked by muslim invaders. Later, it was moved back to Mahim Creek and placed in the current Prabhadevi temple.
Along with the deity of Prabhadevi, deities of Kali Mata and Chandika Mata deities on either side can be seen.

Every year in the Paush month, the temple bears a festive look. A ten day ‘Jatra’ is held, beginning on Shakhambari Purnima day, to celebrate the consecration of the idols. During this period, the normally quite temple is transformed into a hub of activity.

The temple is managed by Bhatji Jaywant Joshi who is a third generation pujari of the temple.