Hidden treasures of Mumbai: Discover the enigmatic secret temple in Girgaon’s bustling streets this Shravan 2024

India is a land of festivals that range from religious and seasonal to cultural and geographical. The month of Shravan is considered one of the most sacred months according to the Hindu calendar.

Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and one of the holiest months, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Interestingly, Shravan, or Sawan as it is called in North India, has two different periods for people in northern India and Maharashtra. According to drikpanchang.com, Shravan in northern India will begin on July 21 this year, while in other regions, including Maharashtra, it will start on August 5.

The period of Shravan is considered a holy month for Hindus and is regarded as the best time to visit Shiva temples across India. This auspicious month is dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology and coincides with the monsoon season. Mondays hold particular significance during this time, and devotees from all over the country visit Shiva temples to show their respect and offer prayers to the mighty God.

Popularly known as the commercial and economic capital of India, Mumbai is famed for its fast-paced life. However, this metropolitan city is also renowned for its temples, which feature diverse architectural styles, traditional values, and rich religious legacies.

With its rich culture and traditions, Mumbai is a city where people cherish ancestral stories. This heritage can be experienced at various locations, particularly in the city's hidden temples.

One such temple is located in South Mumbai's Girgaon area. The Kalaram Mandir stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and deep-rooted spirituality. Situated in the locality of Thakurdwar in South Mumbai, this revered temple is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark that has witnessed the city's evolution over the centuries.

History of Kalaram Mandir:

The Kalaram Mandir dates back to the 19th century and was established by the prosperous Prabhu community, who played a key role in its construction and upkeep. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, one of the most venerated deities in Hinduism, known for his virtues of righteousness and adherence to dharma. The name "Kala Ram" refers to the black stone idol of Lord Ram enshrined within the temple, a unique feature that distinguishes it from other temples where Lord Ram is typically depicted in lighter shades.

Entrance of Kala Ram Mandir. Pic/Atmarambua's Shri Ram Mandir Trust

The temple is managed by the Pathare Prabhu community trust, Shri Atmarambua's Kalaram Mandir Trust. It was built in 1828 by Atmarambua Palsule Desai, whose samadhi is located in the temple's sabhagruha. The shrine, constructed from black stone and wood, is named "Kalaram" because the idols are made of black stone.

The iconic Kalaram Temple at Girgaon has a long history and will celebrate its 196th anniversary this September.

The temple is known as Atmarambua's Shri Ram Mandir or Kalaram Mandir.

The sanctum sanctorum, or 'garbhagriha,' houses the idol of Kala Ram, flanked by his consort Sita and his loyal brother Lakshman.

In addition to Lord Ram, the main temple has a secret temple above it that opens only six to seven times a year. This hidden temple houses a shivling, which is worshipped only on special festive occasions.

The secret temple:

Shedding light on the secret temple, Sameer Ranjit, a trustee of the Kalaram Mandir, explained that the main temple has a hidden, cave-like structure above it that opens only six to seven times a year. "It is accessible on all Mondays during the Hindu pious month of Shravan, once during Mahashivratri, and once on Tripuri Purnima," he said.

While the Kalaram Temple is quite popular, not many are aware of the cave-like structure located in the dome of the mandir. According to Ranjit, this is where the founder, Atmarambua, used to sit and meditate.

Sameer Ranjit said, "The secret temple, a cave-like structure located directly above the main temple, is opened during Shravan, Mahashivratri, and Tripuri Purnima. It houses a shivling in the centre of the cave. The structure has no electricity, and a mobile phone network is barely available inside. The only source of light is the diyas placed in front of the shivling and around it."

He further mentioned that the secret temple is open on all Mondays during Shravan. "It opens at 7 am and closes at 11:30 pm," the temple trustee said.

"Nestled in an enclosed area measuring 6 ft x 4 ft, the cave-like structure is built of black stone, giving it a unique appearance," Ranjit said.

The temple experiences a huge footfall during Shravan and Mahashivratri. "On Mahashivratri, we receive over 1,000 visitors. During Shravan, every Monday sees around 300 visitors," the temple trustee said.

Speaking about the maintenance of the secret temple, Ranjit said, "The upkeep of this cave-like structure is funded by the offerings and donations we receive at the temple."

Devotees speak:

Devotees are very enthusiastic about visiting this ancient and secret temple. Yatin M, a 60-year-old Girgaon resident, is planning to visit the secret temple for the first time. "It is considered auspicious to visit Lord Shiva temples during Shravan. Since this secret temple has a shivling inside, I will be visiting it this year. I am very excited and looking forward to the visit," he said.

When asked how he learned about the secret temple, Yatin said he recently started visiting Kalaram Mandir, and one of the priests informed him about the hidden shrine.

Another Girgaon resident, who wished not to be named, said he has been visiting the secret temple for a couple of years. "My uncle showed it to me, and since then, I have visited this secret temple every year. It is a very quiet place and brings a sense of peace of mind," he said.