Banganga, located near Raj Bhawan on Malabar Hill, Mumbai, is a site steeped in mythology and spiritual significance. According to the epic Ramayana , Lord Ram, along with Lakshman were on the voyage to rescue Sita and visited this place during their exile. A devoted follower of Lord Shiva, Ram wanted to worship him but could not find a temple in the surrounding dense forest bordered by the Arabian Sea.
As a solution, he fashioned a Shiva Lingam out of sand and performed his prayers. This sacred spot was originally named Balukeshwar (from “balu,” meaning sand), but during the British era, it came to be known as Walkeshwar . Mythology also recounts how Ram needed water to complete his rituals.
In response, Lakshman shot an arrow into the ground, and fresh, sweet water gushed forth like a fountain. This miraculous spring came to be revered as the Ganga of the West . A parallel legend suggests that the Pandavas too visited Balukeshwar during their exile.
When Kunti expressed her thirst, Arjuna shot an arrow into the earth, bringing forth sweet water for her to drink. The spring-fed water eventually formed a sacred tank, known as Banganga , which remains the center-piece of this revered site. Encircling the tank are ancient temples, including the Walkeshwar Temple, which dates back to the 13th century, as well as other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna.
The Grand Maha Aarti at Banganga If one wishes to attend a mini Kumbh, he should attend the Banganga Maha Aa.