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| Prabhadevi Temple |
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| Neighbours dwelling in the same locality. One
is famous, the other, relatively unknown , waits for its place in the
limelight. |
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| Down the road from Siddhivinayak is the
285-year-old Prabhadevi temple that leads its name to the locality. There are
no crowds or long queues here but a serenity and calmness that stills the
wandering mind. The tranquillity of the place is intermittently broken by a trickle
of devotees with offerings, making their daily routine daily pilgrimage. They
appear very much at home as they go about the temple there's a sense of
belonging that comes with familiarity. |
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| Built in 1715, this 18th century temple has a
very interesting history behind it. The main deity, Shakambaridevi, dating
back to 12th century, was the famous goddess of Bimba raja of Gujarat. The
Kalikadevi and Chandikadevi, two other manifestation of Shakti are sited
on the either side of Shakambaridevi. Today known to all as Prabhavatidevi , the
name Shakambaridevi lies forgotten. According to the temple priest,
the story goes that when the Mughals invaded the area, the idols were shifted to
safer location to escape the vandalism. They first found refugee in Mahim Creek
and then in a well, located near the temple site. |
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| Prabhavatidevi appeared in the dreams Shyam
Nayak who belonged to the rich Pathare Prabhu community. The temple was later
built under his supervision and is now managed by the trust setup by the
Kirtikar family, descendants of Shyam Nayak. At present, this 12th century idol
made of black stone lies hidden under the coats of paint in an attempt to mask
the years of slow deterioration. Every year in the Paush month, the temple bears
a festive look. A ten day 'Jatra' is held, beginning on Shakhambari Purnima day,
to celebrate the consecration of the idols. During this period,
the normally quite temple is transformed into a hub of
activity. |
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| In the temple are also seen numerous other
deities of Hindu mythology, each belonging to different periods. Lakshmi Narayan
guarded by Jay and Vijay the 'Dwarpals' occupy pride of place, a lit earthen
lamp keeping them constant company. Facing Lord Shiva a small distance away are
a tortoise and Nandi the bull. "Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, is in
hurry, depicting the wandering human mind that pursues many desires at the same
time. On the other hand, the tortoise signifies the truth that no matter how
slow the headway, a clear idea of the goal ahead surely leads to success",
says Jaywant Gajanan Joshi, third generation priest serving the temple. |
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| What adds to the charm of the temple is
the devotees, paying obeisance to each deity in turn. There are
'Bel' leaves,
milk and curds abhisheks for Lord Shiva and generous portions of oil are offered
to Lord Hanuman. |
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| Prabhadevi temple with its colourfully tiled
interiors and simplicity, wooden beams and airy portico, has a very welcoming
air to it. Those looking forward to some quite time in their busy
schedules need not look any further. |
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-article by Veena Kamath |
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The Bombay Times (The Times of India) |
| Dated:- Monday 6th August 2001
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