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 calendarShravan 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 drikpanchangcom Shravan in northern India will begin on July 21 this year while in other regions including Maharashtra it will start on August 5The 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 GodPopularly known as the commercial and economic capital of India Mumbai is famed for its fastpaced life However this metropolitan city is also renowned for its temples which feature diverse architectural styles traditional values and rich religious legaciesWith 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 citys hidden templesOne such temple is located in South Mumbais Girgaon area The Kalaram Mandir stands as a testament to the cityrsquos rich cultural tapestry and deeprooted 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 citys evolution over the centuriesHistory of Kalaram MandirThe 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 shadesEntrance of Kala Ram Mandir PicAtmarambuas Shri Ram Mandir TrustThe temple is managed by the Pathare Prabhu community trust Shri Atmarambuas Kalaram Mandir Trust It was built in 1828 by Atmarambua Palsule Desai whose samadhi is located in the temples sabhagruha The shrine constructed from black stone and wood is named Kalaram because the idols are made of black stoneThe iconic Kalaram Temple at Girgaon has a long history and will celebrate its 196th anniversary this SeptemberThe temple is known as Atmarambuas Shri Ram Mandir or Kalaram MandirThe sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha houses the idol of Kala Ram flanked by his consort Sita and his loyal brother LakshmanIn 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 occasionsThe secret templeShedding light on the secret temple Sameer Ranjit a trustee of the Kalaram Mandir explained that the main temple has a hidden cavelike structure above it that opens only six to seven times a year ldquoIt is accessible on all Mondays during the Hindu pious month of Shravan once during Mahashivratri and once on Tripuri Purnimardquo he saidWhile the Kalaram Temple is quite popular not many are aware of the cavelike structure located in the dome of the mandir According to Ranjit this is where the founder Atmarambua used to sit and meditateSameer Ranjit said The secret temple a cavelike 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 itHe further mentioned that the secret temple is open on all Mondays during Shravan ldquoIt opens at 7 am and closes at 1130 pmrdquo the temple trustee saidldquoNestled in an enclosed area measuring 6 ft x 4 ft the cavelike structure is built of black stone giving it a unique appearancerdquo Ranjit saidThe temple experiences a huge footfall during Shravan and Mahashivratri ldquoOn Mahashivratri we receive over 1000 visitors During Shravan every Monday sees around 300 visitorsrdquo the temple trustee saidSpeaking about the maintenance of the secret temple Ranjit said The upkeep of this cavelike structure is funded by the offerings and donations we receive at the templerdquoDevotees speakDevotees are very enthusiastic about visiting this ancient and secret temple Yatin M a 60yearold Girgaon resident is planning to visit the secret temple for the first time ldquoIt 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 visitrdquo he saidWhen 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 shrineAnother Girgaon resident who wished not to be named said he has been visiting the secret temple for a couple of years ldquoMy 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 mindrdquo he said