Introduction

Banganga is a paradox at two levels. Firstly, there’s a fresh water pond barely a hundred meters from the Arabian Sea. And secondly, there's a traditional community living by a temple pond hemmed in by high rises in one Mumbai poshest locality. Sitting on the pond steps with the gentle sound of sea waves in the backdrop is an experience to cherish.

As you leave Marine Drive a little beyond Chowpatty beach, a gentle climb leads towards Walkeshwar. You cross the bungalows of Malabar Hill and start descending towards Land’s End. Suddenly in the middle of unbridled modernization you hit up on a charming community village living around a tank. The history of the place is shrouded in facts and mythology.

Facts point to one Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings of Thane, who built it in the 1127 CE. It was rebuilt in 1715 CE out of a donation for the Walkeshwar Temple by Rama Kamath. According to mythology, the Banganga is believed to have been created 5,000 years ago. An exiled Lord Rama during his wandering landed in one the seven islands (that constitute Mumbai today) and shot an arrow into the Earth seeking fresh water. The water that flowed out was a that of the river Ganga. Lord Rama is also said to have fashioned an image of Shiva out of sand here. Therefore, the name Walkeshwar (Lord of the Sand).

In more recent history, a group of resident have been organizing the 'Banganga Festival' – a cultural festival of Indian classical music. By all accounts it is a great experience to listen to live music out in the open, with the lights reflecting on the water. But many in Mumbai come to Banganga just to observe a gentle, traditional way of life and enjoy the quiet. A supreme luxury in Mumbai!

The tank in its present avatar is a rectangular pool surrounded by steps on all four sides reminiscent of traditional ghats. Spring fed, the tank’s water remains sweet, despite being located within a stone’s throw from the sea. It is annually cleaned and bedecked for 'Banganga Festival', organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). If you happen to be in Mumbai in January, put this down as a must see, must experience.

Special Attributes

A traditional community living by a sacred pond

Nuisance

The site is peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Very well connected by buses and taxis

Enjoyed by

Religious people and culturally inclined

Exposure

Substantial. Carry a cap, sunglasses, a bottle of drinking water

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Sit by the steps of the pond.

Type of site

Sacred Temple Pond