Babulnath Temple is one of the most famous and ancient temples in Mumbai, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on a small hillock near Girgaon Chowpatty, this temple holds deep spiritual significance for devotees. The main deity here is Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam, and the temple is believed to date back to the 12th century. The name “Babulnath” comes from the Babul trees (Acacia trees) that once surrounded the temple area.
The temple attracts thousands of devotees every day, and during the festival of Mahashivratri, it becomes one of the most crowded places in Mumbai as lakhs of devotees come here for darshan. The temple’s architecture is very beautiful, with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere despite being located in the busy city. People believe that offering prayers here fulfills wishes and brings peace to life.
Babulnath Temple is not just a spiritual center but also an important cultural landmark in Mumbai. From its hilltop location, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding cityscape. For anyone visiting Mumbai, Babulnath Temple is a must-visit place for both its religious importance and its serene environment.
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Overview of Babulnath Temple
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Babulnath Temple |
| Location | Near Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Lingam form) |
| Built | 12th century (renovated in 18th century) |
| Festivals | Mahashivratri, Shravan month, Mondays |
| Speciality | Hilltop temple with view of Arabian Sea |
| Entry Fee | Free for all devotees |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning and during festivals |
| Nearby Attractions | Girgaon Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Haji Ali Dargah |
Timings of Babulnath Temple
The temple is open every day for devotees, but timings vary slightly on Mondays and during special occasions.
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 4:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday – Sunday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Special Festivals (e.g. Mahashivratri) | Open all day with extended hours | Till late night darshan |
It is advised to visit early in the morning for peaceful darshan, as the crowd increases during the evening. Mondays are the most auspicious day for Shiva devotees, so the temple remains very busy on that day.
Sevas and Darshans Available at Babulnath Temple
Babulnath Temple offers several types of poojas, sevas, and abhishekams for devotees.
| Seva / Darshan | Timings | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rudrabhishek | Morning 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM | ₹500 – ₹1000 |
| Bilva Archana | Morning & Evening | ₹101 |
| Laghu Rudra | On request | ₹2500 – ₹5000 |
| Abhishek with Milk | 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | ₹151 |
| Special Darshan (Festival Days) | As per schedule | ₹200 |
| Mahashivratri Darshan | Whole Day | Free entry, Seva costs extra |
Devotees can book these poojas at the temple counter directly. On festivals, prior booking is recommended.
How to Reach Babulnath Temple
Babulnath Temple is well connected to all parts of Mumbai.
- By Road: The temple is close to Girgaon Chowpatty and easily accessible by taxi, auto, or BEST buses.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Charni Road (Western Line), just 1 km away. Mumbai Central is also nearby.
- By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is about 20 km from the temple.
- By Metro: The upcoming Mumbai Metro lines will make travel easier in the future.
Devotees have to climb around 100 steps to reach the temple, but elevators are available for senior citizens and those unable to climb.
How to Book Darshan Tickets at Babulnath Temple
Entry to Babulnath Temple is free, and no darshan ticket is needed for general devotees. However, for special poojas and sevas like Rudrabhishek or Abhishek, tickets need to be booked at the temple counter.
Steps for booking:
- Visit the temple premises.
- Go to the seva counter near the entrance.
- Choose the seva or pooja you want to perform.
- Pay the required fees.
- Collect the receipt and attend the pooja at the given time.
Currently, there is no official online booking system for Babulnath Temple. All bookings are done offline at the temple counter.
Nearby Attractions to Babulnath Temple
When visiting Babulnath Temple, you can also explore nearby tourist spots:
- Girgaon Chowpatty Beach – A famous beach just 500 meters away. Perfect for evening walks and street food.
- Marine Drive – Also called the Queen’s Necklace, a beautiful sea-facing road close to the temple.
- Haji Ali Dargah – A popular mosque located in the middle of the Arabian Sea, about 4 km away.
- Taraporewala Aquarium – India’s oldest aquarium near Marine Drive, around 2 km from the temple.
- Gateway of India – About 6 km from the temple, one of Mumbai’s most iconic monuments.
Accommodation Options near Babulnath Temple
For devotees traveling from outside Mumbai, there are several accommodation options nearby.
| Accommodation | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Girgaon Palace | Budget | ₹1000 – ₹1500 per night |
| Sea Green Hotel, Marine Drive | Mid-range | ₹2500 – ₹3500 per night |
| Hotel Suba Palace, Colaba | Premium | ₹4000 – ₹6000 per night |
| MTDC Guest Houses | Government Lodge | ₹1200 – ₹2000 per night |
| Dharamshalas near Chowpatty | Basic stay | ₹500 – ₹800 per night |
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Dress modestly when visiting the temple. Traditional Indian wear is recommended.
- Photography inside the sanctum is not allowed.
- Carrying leather items, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food inside the temple is strictly prohibited.
- Devotees should maintain silence and follow the queue system during darshan.
- Mondays and Mahashivratri days are extremely crowded, so plan accordingly.
- Elderly and disabled visitors can use the lift facility available at the temple.
Dos and Don’ts at Babulnath Temple
Dos:
- Do take a bath and wear clean clothes before darshan.
- Do offer Bilva leaves, milk, and flowers to Lord Shiva.
- Do respect the traditions and follow temple instructions.
- Do use eco-friendly bags for offerings.
Don’ts:
- Don’t consume alcohol or non-veg food before visiting.
- Don’t carry mobile phones into the sanctum area.
- Don’t push or rush inside the darshan line.
- Don’t litter the temple premises.
FAQs about Babulnath Temple
Q1. Where is Babulnath Temple located?
It is located near Girgaon Chowpatty in South Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Q2. Which deity is worshipped at Babulnath Temple?
The main deity is Lord Shiva in lingam form.
Q3. What are the temple timings?
The temple opens from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Mon-Sun), with extended hours on Mondays.
Q4. Is there an entry fee for darshan?
No, entry is free for all devotees.
Q5. Can I book darshan tickets online?
Currently, there is no online booking system. Tickets for sevas are available only at the temple counter.
Q6. What is special about Mahashivratri at Babulnath Temple?
On Mahashivratri, lakhs of devotees visit, and the temple remains open all night.
Q7. Are lift facilities available for senior citizens?
Yes, the temple provides elevator access for the elderly and differently-abled.
Q8. Which nearby places can I visit?
Girgaon Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Haji Ali Dargah, and Gateway of India are close attractions.
Q9. Are there accommodation facilities near the temple?
Yes, several hotels, lodges, and dharamshalas are available nearby.
Q10. When is the best time to visit Babulnath Temple?
Early morning or during the month of Shravan is considered the best time.