Balaji Temple

About:

Balaji Temple at Nerul, Mumbai is the exact replica of Balaji Temple at Tirupati. This temple is built on the lines of Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati and has been constructed according to the Shilpashastras. Others temples - Vidya Ganapati Temple, Shri Padmavati Devi Temple, Hanumana Temple, Vishvakasena Temple, Ramanuja Temple, and Lakshmi Nrisimha Temple surround the main temple.

'Bali Peetham' and the tall 'Dhwaja Stambham' can be seen as one enters the temple. Next to the Bali Peetham and the Dwaja Stambham, a flight of steps leads to the 'Tiru Mamani Mandapam'. The structure of the Mani Mandapam has been built based on modern architectural practices. The cement concrete surfaces are being dubbed with exquisitely carved granite stones.

Behind the Ardha Mandapam, there is the 'Garbha Griham'. At the right foot of the lord is a small silver idol, which is called 'Bhoga Srinivasa' or 'Kautuka Bera'. This idol imbibes the essence of the Lord and is loosely bonded to the main 'Moolavar' idol by a string. There are also other idols like Shrinivasa with Sridevi and Bhoodevi made of 'Pancha Loha' known as Utsava idols (images for festivities). There are also the idols of Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya, Shri Krishna with Rukmini.

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Boat Trips:
The seaport located on the back side of the gateway, offer the boat riding. The tourist can enjoy the boat trips by paying a reasonable charge.

Elephanta Island:
Fishing boat near Elephanta Island Bombay Mumbai IndiaThe Island located just 10 Kms from Gateway of India, contains a fine cluster of 6th-8th century rock cut caves. The caves have beatifully executed sculptures, the most interesting is the five metre high Mahesmurthy or Trimurthi. It represents three aspects of Shiva, such as the creator, the preserver and the destroyer.

Never-ending bazaar:
The large open area below and surrounding the arch is always filled with street performers, vendors, photographers, snake charmers, and just about anyone else who wants a guaranteed audience in front of a largely tourist crowd that also includes commuting locals.

Interesting things to Visit:

Essel World:
This amusement park is located at Gorai, at a distance from the hub of the city. The main attractions here are the 34 rides that comprise of roller coasters, rainbows, bumping cars. The complex houses many cafeterias and restaurants. Nearest Railway Stations: Malad or Borivali, from where the journey must be made by road and sea (Ferry). Also approachable by road via Bhayandar on Western Express Highway. Open: 1100 to 1900 (off season) 1000 to 2000 (April-June & October-December).

Water Kingdom is just next to Essel World and claims to have the largest wave pool in Asia. It has water slides and swimming pools for kids as well as elders.

Bassein (Vasai):
Bassein or Vasai was an ancient Portuguese settlement located about 48-km to the north of Mumbai, near the Thane creek. The Bassein Fort was constructed in 1532 by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. You can see ruins of the Fort and the Cathedral of St. Joseph and the Churches of St Antony and St. Paul. The city walls are still intact. There are also decorative gateways inscribed with coats of arms and Portuguese graves dating back to 1558.

Ganeshpuri:
This is a small town near Bhivandi, about 40 km from Thane which is the residence of Swami Nityananda Maharaj. An ancient temple is also there with four tanks called kundas. The kundas are some 800 years old. It is more famous for its hot water springs.

Titwala Ganesh Mandir:
Titwala is about 75-km from Mumbai located in Thane district, Maharashtra. It is considered as sacred pilgrim center as it houses Mahaganesh Temple and the temple of Shri Vithoba. There is also a fascinating temple dedicated to Ambarnath, dating back to the 11th century, which was built in the 'Hemadpanti' style of architecture.

Juhu Beach:
Spread for 5 kilometers along the shore of Arabian Sea, Juhu beach is the most visited destination of Mumbai both by the locals and tourists. A walk in the serene sea line may give you an amazing experience specially when the sun sets to make his journey to the West. In the evenings and on weekends, the beach virtually turns into an undeclared fair and you may feel that life can't be as ecstatic as this. Your Mumbai trip can't be complete until you make a visit to ever charming Juhu Beach.

Mahalaxmi Temple:
One of the most visited Hindu shrines in Mumbai, the Mahalaxmi temple has an interesting legend behind it. The temple was built by a contractor at the end of the 18th century. The man claimed that Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, appeared to him in a dream. The contractor, who had been assigned the project of building a sea wall by the British, also said the Goddess had promised him success if he built Her a temple. An idol, which was actually found during the excavation for the project, was installed in the temple.

Prince of Wales Museum:
The Prince of Wales museum is another major attraction of Mumbai. Built in the year 1914, it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape forming an ideal getaway for the people of Mumbai. The museum houses art, sculpture, rare coins, and old firearms and a priceless collection of miniature paintings. The Prince of Wales museum is regarded as one of the best museums in the country.

Marine Drive:
A stroll down the Marine Drive is the best way to discover Mumbai. This winding stretch of road with tall buildings on one side and sea on the other extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills. Due to its curved shape and many street lights, it was once called the Queen's Necklace. A popular sea front, Marine Drive is also the main thoroughfare linking for the Malabar Hills to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, and the Fort.

Hanging gardens:
The Hanging Gardens makes another must see site in Mumbai. The park was built during the early 1880s over Mumbai's main reservoir at the top of the Malabar Hills. The reason of its location being to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence. Located just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park, this terraced garden, also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Garden, is famous among the locals as well as tourists. The garden provides lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea.

Chowpatty Beach:
Another sandy gateway of Mumbai is the Chowpatty beach in the suburbs of the city. Chowpatty is perhaps the most famous beach of Mumbai, characterised by the usual hustle and bustle of stallwalahs, people snoozing under the shade of its stunted trees, screaming kids, Ferris wheels, pony rides, wayside astrologers, monkey shows, and even the odd self-styled gymnast demonstrating their skill for a fee. Moreover, the bhelpuri shops and sometimes the film shoot or a street play also adds to the festive atmosphere of the beach. A beach of action, Chowpatty makes a must visit in Mumbai.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

• Siddhivinayak Temple
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Mumbadevi Temple
• Babulnath Temple
• Afghan Memorial Church
• Cathedral Church of St. Thomas
• Mount Mary Church

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Nearest Hospital:

Sushrusha Hospital, Nerul
Meenatai Thakarey Hospital,Nerul