Banganga Tank — Attraction in Mumbai

Banganga, Walkeshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra Banganga, Walkeshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra The Tank was built in the 1127 AD, by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings of Thane. It was rebuilt in 1715 AD, out of a donation for the Walkeshwar Temple by Rama Kamath.

The main temple, has been reconstructed since then and is at present a reinforced concrete structure of recent construction. According to local legend, it sprang forth when the Lord Ram, the exiled hero of the epic Ramayana, stopped at the spot in search of his kidnapped wife Sita.

As the legend goes, overcome with fatigue and thirst, Rama asked his brother Lakshmana to bring him some water. Laxman instantly shot an arrow into the ground, and water gushed forth from the ground, creating a tributary of the Ganges, which flows over a thousand miles away, hence its name, Banganga, the Ganga created on a baan (arrow).

Legend relates Lord Rama and Lakshmana to the origin of Walkeshwar temple too. It is said that the Shiva Linga here was installed by Lord Rama after waiting too long for his brother Lakshmana who went to Benares to bring a Shiva Linga. It is believed that the original Shiva Linga was made by sand and the name Walkeshwar corresponds to that-Valuka Ishwar (idol made of sand).

The Banganga also houses the 'Shri Kashi Math' and 'Shri Kaivalya or Kavale Math' of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins at its banks and samadhis of their various past heads of the Math.

The area also has a Hindu cremation ground which after 2003, received a makeover to house a Gas crematorium. The area still has an old Hindu cemetery consisting of samadhi shrines of various Advaita gurus, such as Sri Siddharameshwar Maharaj (1888–1936) and his disciple, Sri Ranjit Maharaj (1913–2000)

The tank today is a rectangular pool structure surrounded by steps on all four sides. At the entrance are two pillars in which oil lamps called diyas were lit in ancient times.

The tank, as well as the main Walkeshwar Temple and the Parshuram Temple belong to the Goud Saraswat Temple Trust, which once owned most of the property in the complex. Many Goud Saraswat Brahmin families (Rege, Anaokar, Mulgaonkar, Kenkre, Sakhardande, Sukthankar, Keni, Marudkar, Naik, Wartikar, Warerkar, Bidikar, Bhende, Prabhavalkar, Pagnis) used to reside / still reside in the Temple Trust buildings in the complex.

The tank is spring fed and so its water remains sweet, despite being located only a few dozen meters away from the sea. Apart from being a cultural hub, the place over the years has provided inspiration to many artists, be it on film or on canvas.

This structure is one of the holiest sites in Mumbai and one among the few surviving historical spots in the otherwise concrete jungle. As the water in the tank is regarded as the subsidiary of Holy Ganges, it is considered scared and is trusted to have healing powers. However, despite being located 1.5 kilometres from the city, it is overlooked by many tourists.

Photos by Viswas Menon (c) Viswas Menon Write up compiled by...

​ ​ As born and brought up guy from Mumbai, I never visited this place ever and I really asked this question to myself that why I didn’t??? A beautiful location hidden in busy life of Mumbai. We always travel to Malabar hills or pass by that area but I never ever thought of visiting banganga.

It’s said that Hindu God Ram was in that area and he was wanted a water to drink so Lakshman shot the arrow on the ground and then water started coming. It was so pure and was for God Ram that’s why it’s said Ganga and he shot arrow so it named Banganga. This are said stories but we don’t have any proof of this.

The road to Banganga passes through very tiny lane and has a beautiful view of Arabic sea on right side of it. As you will see tank is build in rectangle shape with steps on all four side of it which will take you to the water level. You will find Walkeshwar temple just adjacent to the tank.

Tank is really huge if you have a look from topmost step. Water level differs from season to season. As now its being summers, it was lowest and it’s really full in monsoon season. It has springs in bottom so it helps to maintain the water level and water is little on sweetish side.

As I said we visited in summer days, kids nearby area had summer vacations so they were truly enjoying the water in sunny day. Water was cold enough and could see all the young kids aging from 5-15 were having fun and swimming in it. Such an amazing view it was. As being mumbaikar I know how busy the life Mumbai is, and here just few kms away it was so calm and pleasant. Lot of photographers and painters visit this place for photos or for paining on canvas.

I personally felt it’s a must visit place in Mumbai and kind of hidden or not so popular venue in Mumbai. I feel very few tourists visit here. I guess can be ideal place for writers where they can sit in one of the corners and pen their thoughts. I should be thankful to my friend ninad, who suggested me that we should go to Banganga. Was lovely time away from busy noisy life of Mumbai. I suggest all the tourists and local mumbaikars that they should visit Banganga for sure.

​ How to travel- 12 Kms from Grant Roast Railway station. Catch taxi from west side or bus no. 101,105 and then walk...

Banganga is a historic and serene area located in the Malabar Hill neighborhood of South Mumbai. It is part of the Walkeshwar Temple complex and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the city. Key Features

Banganga Tank: A sacred water tank surrounded by ancient temples, dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses), and residential buildings. The tank is fed by an underground spring believed to be connected to the Ganga River.

Religious Significance: The site is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. Legend says Lord Rama, during his exile, shot an arrow (baan) into the ground to create a freshwater spring when his brother Lakshman was thirsty. This is how the tank got its name — "Banganga" (baan means arrow, and Ganga refers to the sacred river).

Walkeshwar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Silhara dynasty and later rebuilt by Hindu philanthropists in the 18th century.

Cultural Importance

Annual Banganga Festival: Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), this music festival brings classical musicians to perform at the site, enhancing its cultural charm.

Rituals and Offerings: Many devotees come here for religious ceremonies, ancestral rituals (pind daan), and other sacred observances.

Architectural Charm

The area features old, stone pathways and traditional-style houses, offering a glimpse into Mumbai's past. The rustic architecture stands in stark contrast to the city's modern skyline.

Accessibility

Location: Near Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai.

Transport: Easily accessible by taxi or public transport from South Mumbai areas.

Things to Note

It's a peaceful place amidst the bustling city, making it ideal for reflection and quiet walks.

Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, as it is a religious and culturally...