|
Location :
On Malabar hill in South Mumbai
Specialty : Two-day Banganga Musical Festival in January
Attraction : Banganga Tank, Walkeshwar temple, Hanging
Gardens
Timing : January
Perched on
Malabar Hill, Banganga tank is housed in the precincts of
ancient the Walkeshwar temple. |
 |
|
This temple
was built by the kings of Silhara dynasty who ruled Bombay
from 9th to 13th Century. It was during their reign that
Banganga tank was built and was renovated in 1715 by the
donation made by Rama Kamath, Bombay's rich businessman and
philanthropist.
According to legends, the Walkeshwar temple was built by
Lord Rama, who sent his brother Lakshman to Benaras to get a
Shivalinga to be established here. Before it could be
brought here, an alternative linga was placed at the site
made of sand. And the name Walkeshwar cropped up as in
Sanskrit Valuka Iswar meant idol made of sand.
About the appearance of Banganga, legends mention that a
thirsty Lord Rama shot an arrow at the site leading to the
gushing stream of water from the ground. Whatever the
legends and mythologies have it, Banganga tank has its own
sacred importance and devotees flock the place to pray.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) organizes
a two-day cultural festival early in the month of January
each year. The festival is a vibrant occasion when live
musical performances and concerts are organized electrifying
the whole of the atmosphere.
Neighboring to the Banganga Tank on Malabar Hill there are
several attractive destinations with great tourist
importance. These spots include Jain temple, the Hanging
Gardens, Kamala Nehru Park and Priyadarshini Park.
|
