Nobody knows how long since ancient times this deity has been residing at this place in Mumbai. The place is filled with spiritual vibes because of her presence. The temple, abode of the deity, must have been built several times
Walkeshwar on Malabar Hill in Mumbai is famous for the well-to-do lifestyle of the people who reside there as well for its serene natural beauty in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. This place is also famous for the political developments in Maharashtra. Political power centres are located at this place.
Towards the Southern part of the Hill on the slopes is the Raj Bhavan. Some parts of Raj Bhavan are almost on the sea. This Bhavan has been witnessing the history of Maharashtra for more than 200 years. In the year 1820, Mountstuart Elphinstone, then Governor of Bombay, chose this hill for his residence and gradually the place became the political hub for Maharashtra and continues to be so even today.
The place is also famous for its spiritual sanctity. Valukeshwar is the original name of the place meaning Shiv Linga out of sand. Shri Ram resided here for some time as per the legend. Many temples are within the
periphery of the place.
One amongst them is that of Sri Gundi within the campus of the Raj Bhavan, very close to the sea. Shri Gundi is the deity of Koli samaj of Mumbai. Original residents of Mumbai are the fishermen community.
Entering through the main gate of Raj Bhavan, at the very end of the road is the shrine of Sri Gundi, amidst the roaring sea and the pleasant wind, blowing constantly across the shrine. Nobody knows how long since ancient times the deity has been residing at this place. The place is filled with spiritual vibes because of her presence. The temple, abode of the deity, must have been built several times. This time it has been the pious attempt of the honourable Governor and the temple was renovated in 2015. The mountain curdles the temple and Sri Gundi seems to be in the womb of the mountain and the sea at her feet. The path to reach her was difficult in early days but not now. The architecture of the temple merges with the surrounding nature.
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