PLACES OF WORSHIP

TopTen

1. Magen David Synagogue

prac_info 340, Sir J J Rd, Byculla • 022 2300 6675 • Open 8am–6pm daily • www.jacobsassoon.com/synagogues

Known to be the largest synagogue of the Baghdadi Jewish community in India, Magen David Synagogue was built by David Sassoon in 1864. The structure features Gothic architecture with tall, stylized columns and vast grounds. Morning services are conducted here daily.

2. Global Vipassana Pagoda

This beautiful monument (see Global Vipassana Pagoda, Gorai), designed to stand as a symbol of peace, aims to provide information about modern-day Buddhist practices. The pagoda was built entirely through donations and was inaugurated in 2009. Its traditional design is modelled after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, and it houses genuine relics of the Buddha.

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Impressive façade of the Global Vipassana Pagoda

3. Haji Ali Dargah

A long causeway leads visitors to the immensely popular Haji Ali Dargah, standing out at sea. Housing the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a merchant and later, a Sufi saint, this beautiful shrine is built of the same marble as the Taj Mahal in Agra. The regularly held qawwali (devotional Sufi music) performances are a major draw.

4. Mahalakshmi Temple

One of the oldest temples in the city, it is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Mahalakshmi. Elegant and intricate designs adorn the temple’s interior and exterior, while the idols are bedecked with ornate jewellery.

5. Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue

Showcasing beautiful Victorian stained-glass windows as well as Burmese teakwood furnishings, this synagogue is a towering sky-blue building. It was commissioned by Jacob Sassoon, David Sassoon’s grandson, and is synonymous with Mumbai’s Jewish cultural life.

6. Afghan Church

prac_info 62, Navy Nagar, Colaba • Open 7am–6:30pm Sun

Officially known as St John the Evangelist Church, Afghan Church was built as a memorial for those who fell during the first Anglo-Afghan war in 1838. A beautiful altar, stained-glass windows and tall, graceful arches make the interiors of this church just as stunning as the impressive exterior.

TopTen

The altar at Afghan Church

7. Babulnath Temple

prac_info Charni Rd • 022 2367 8367 • Open 5am–10pm daily • www.babulnath.com

Named after the babul (acacia) tree and made of marble and limestone, this majestic temple overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is devoted to the god of destruction, Lord Shiva, and stands at a height of 305 m (1000 ft).

8. Mumbadevi Temple

prac_info Mumbadevi Rd, near Javeri Bazaar, Bhuleshwar • 022 2242 4974 • Open 5am–9pm daily (prayers 7am & 7pm)

One of Mumbai’s most revered ancient temples, Mumbadevi lends its name to the city itself. Adorned with rich clothes, a golden necklace, silver crown, and a nose stud, the idol of the goddess is the highlight of the temple. There are also several shrines dedicated to other deities within the complex.

9. Cathedral of the Holy Name

prac_info Nathalal Parekh Marg, Colaba • 022 2202 0121/2204 5394 • Open 9:30am–1pm & 4–6pm Mon–Fri, 9:30am–1pm Mon–Sat • www.cathedraloftheholyname.org

This 107-year-old cathedral is built in a beautiful Gothic architectural style. Octagonal spires sit atop the two tall towers, and the inner walls as well as ceilings are covered in colourful frescoes. The cathedral is presently the “mother church” of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay, and the seat of the Archbishop.

10. Siddhivinayak Temple

Dedicated to the elephant-god, Ganesha, this temple is a favourite among locals. It is also one of the richest temples in the country, with donations pouring in from around the world. The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the wooden doors bear intricate carvings of other deities.

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Exterior of Siddhivinayak Temple

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