The Temple Club

We took a train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Station (formerly known as Victoria Terminus). From there, we took a little red BEST bus and it went through these places:

The Asiatic Society's Library (on your left)...

Oval Maidan (maidan = ground), where children, all dressed in white, still play cricket (to your right).

Along Nariman Point - the business hub of Bombay...

...and finally to our destination: Banganga!

Banganga is a place I'm rediscovering after marriage. It's a place my in-laws and husband tend to visit whenever they need solace or peace or want to reach out to the highest power. This place belongs to temples and to those who wish to be closer to God. It's a serene atmosphere broken only by the pealing of temple bells, the shouts of children and grannies, the chanting of God's name a 100 times, the prayers that the priests conduct on behalf of family members. Every good event or bad necessitates a visit to this temple district. Rich or poor, all are welcome here.

The Banganga tank (which you see in the photo) is an ancient water tank on Malabar Hill. The water has become darker than the shade of green you see in the photo. The place has become messier. There are plans of renewing its beauty but for now, all we see is a poor tribute to Bombay's ancient riches.



Some History (from wikipedia): The Tank was built in the 1127 AD, by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings of Thane.[2][3]

The tank was rebuilt in 1715 AD, out of a donation for the Walkeshwar Temple by Rama Kamath.[4] The main temple, has been reconstructed since then and is at present a reinforced concrete structure of recent construction.


According to local legend, it sprang forth when the Hindu god Ram, the exiled hero of the epic Ramayana, stopped at the spot five thousand years ago in search of his kidnapped wife Sita.


Banganga draws visitors also thanks to its mythological link. It's also one of Mumbai's historic sites. Do visit it whenever you visit Bombay. It's worth a look just to get a sense of the city's heritage.

The Bombay Store

Overrated or an Alladdin's treasure trove of all things Bombay?

You may not find a Bombayite doing anything other than browse through this Bombay Swadeshi Store. I have often picked up glistening stoles, flamboyantly embroidered pillow cases and quilts, elegantly textured drapes, imagining a newer me and a newer house dressed in each of its offerings only to have this dream-bubble bursting when I glance at the price tag. For this store is exquisite and expensive. But nothing beats stepping from the blistering noon-day heat into the store's cool exterior with a wide eyed glance at all things ethnic. And exotic.

About the store (from the store's website): It was established around 1906 by eminent patriots and businessmen (Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Ratanji Jamshedji Tata) to promote all things 'Made in India'. The flagship store was earlier located at the Times of India building and shifted to its present location in 1938.

Its offerings: It offers a treasure trove of all things Indian, from apparel (for men and women) in traditional or contemporary designs and patterns. A range of accessories from scarves to leatherware to elegant pieces of jewellery. Home furnishings, exotic teas, skin and aroma therapy products. Handmade paper products. I wasnt kidding when I said Alladdin's treasure trove, was I?

Go here for a virtual tour of the store. But do go and get firsthand experience of the store even if to only stop and stare a bit. The quality is A plus or more. And also definitely worth what they're asking for it, as is every indulgence.