Prasanna Shree Ghopadev Temple, Keshav Borkar Chal, Ghopadev, Ray Road, Mumbai

A small yet unique temple stands in Ghodapdev, preserving the memory of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred approximately 66 million years ago. The deity here derives the name ‘Ghodapdev’ from the locality itself. Nature worship is an essential part of Hindu religious tradition, where the Panchamahabhutas (five elements) are revered as divine; consequently, even stones are worshipped as God. An example of this can be seen in this temple, where it is said that Ghodapdev resides in the form of a cooled lava rock. This is considered a powerful deity, and according to some devotees, Ghodapdev is a form of Lord Hanuman.

According to geology, about 66 million years ago, at the end of the ‘Cretaceous’ period, volcanic eruptions occurred through large fissures in the earth (fissure eruptions). A massive amount of lava emerged slowly from the depths of the earth and spread over several kilometers. Layers of lava accumulated one upon another, forming the ‘Deccan Traps’ or the ‘Deccan Volcanic Province’. A large part of Maharashtra is composed of basalt rock formed from these lava eruptions. The islands of Mumbai are also a creation of this eruption. It is said that a remnant of that natural phenomenon is worshipped in the form of a lava rock at the Ghodapdev temple. Like many place names in Mumbai, there is a legend behind the name ‘Ghodapdev’. There used to be a large hill in this area. According to the book ‘Agnat Mumbai’ (Unknown Mumbai) by Mumbai historian Nitin Salunkhe, this hill extended from the Ghodapdev temple to the New Hind Mill area, up to the northern boundary of Mazgaon.

In the past, the sea reached the base of this hill, and a large rock protruded from the upper part. The shape of this rock resembled a horse’s head. For the Koli fishermen arriving from the sea, this rock served as an important landmark. Those nature-worshipping Kolis considered the rock itself to be divine and named it ‘Ghorapdev’, which later became ‘Ghodapdev’. Some old English books written about Mumbai also refer to this deity as ‘Ghorapdev’. The book ‘Mumbai-cha Vrutant’, published in 1889 by Balkrishna Acharya and Moro Vinayak Shingne, also mentions Ghodapdev. It states, “At the end of Mazgaon lies Motechay Mazgaon. Near this is a small hill; this hill and its surrounding area are called Ghodapdev. The reason for calling this place Ghodapdev seems to be that, at first glance, the shape of this hill resembles a horse.” This hill was demolished between 1893 and 1908.

Just six years after the 1857 rebellion, in 1863, Govind Narayan Madgaonkar’s book ‘Mumbai-che Varnan’ was published. Regarding the Ghodapdev temple, it states, “The real name of Ghodapdev should be Khadakdev (Rock God), because it is a large rock, and by applying vermilion to its front, it has been made into a God.” According to the author of ‘Mumbai-cha Vrutant’, this site is very ancient. The book also mentions that devotees seek the deity’s blessing (kaul) with betel nuts for the birth of a son, and couples who are blessed with children return to fulfill their vows by tying cradles and swings here. The temple is located in Keshav Borkar Chawl on Barrister Nath Pai Marg (Reay Road) in Ghodapdev. The temple is privately owned by the chawl owner, Borkar, and can be seen a few steps past the large metal gate of the chawl.

In front of the temple is a small courtyard containing a tall stone lamp pillar (deepastambha) and a Tulsi Vrindavan. There is also a small shrine here housing an idol of the Goddess. The temple has a simple structure with a Konkani-style sloping roof that looks somewhat like a pagoda. A kalash is installed at its peak. The temple structure consists of a sabhamandap (assembly hall) with the deity’s pedestal (chautara) in front. The walls of the sabhamandap have iron grilles, and the entrance is also made of iron mesh. The pedestal in the sabhamandap is enclosed by a steel railing. Four large brass bells and a small chandelier are hung from the ceiling. On the pedestal in front is the broad rock of Ghodapdev, which is colored blackish at the bottom and smeared with vermilion at the top. To the right of this rock are stone padukas (footprints), and in front of it are small brass idols of various deities.

The sixth generation of the Borkar family currently manages the temple. A yatra (procession) of the deity is held here on Paush Purnima, during which the deity’s palanquin is taken out. Countless devotees from the area participate in this ceremony. On this day, special bhajans, kirtans, mahaprasad, and cultural programs are also organized. Since devotees believe that Ghodapdev is a form of Lord Hanuman, the Hanuman Jayanti festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees can visit the temple between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery