Walkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Walkeshwar Temple or the Lord of the Sand temple is one of the oldest heritage sites in Mumbai. Situated on Malabar Hill, the original Walkeshhwar Temple was built by the Silaharas around 1050 years ago. According to Ramayana, Rama rested here on his way to rescue Sita in Lanka and constructed a lingam of sand at the site. The original Walkeshwar Temple was destroyed by the Portuguese and the sand lingam is said to have jumped into the sea to avoid desecration. The temple was rebuilt by Rama Kamath in 1715, though the current temple dates only 1950's. The tank today is a rectangular pool structure surrounded by steps on all four sides. At the entrance are two pillars in which oil lamps called diyas were lit in ancient times. The Banganga tank, attached to the temple, is one of the oldest structures in Mumbai. The tank is spring fed and so its water remains sweet, despite being located only a few dozen meters away from the sea.