Ancient Parleshwar Temple/Ganpati Temple Hanuman Road, Vileparle (East), Mumbai

Vile Parle is known as an educated and culturally rich hub among the suburbs of Mumbai. This suburb is also recognized as the birthplace of the popular biscuit brand ‘Parle’. Parleshwar here is the presiding deity (Gramadaivat) of Parle. The temple of Parleshwar and Ganesha, which holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of this suburb, is a place of faith for countless devotees. Many devotees visit this temple daily, which has a history as old as the establishment of the village of Vile Parle itself. On the day of Mahashivratri, this premises becomes vibrant with the crowd of devotees.

Today’s Vile Parle was once a small, quiet village under the rule of the Portuguese and the British. Irle (or Idle) and Parle (Padle) were the two main settlements here. The Pachkalshi and Pathare Prabhu communities were the original inhabitants of this place. During the Portuguese era, forced conversions took place here, and many adopted Christianity. The Wadia family, a big name in the shipping business, had leased the two villages of Juhu and Parle from the British in the year 1843. The intention behind this was to increase the population and agriculture to boost revenue. Many had purchased land here from them. The Gujarati Tejpal family played a major role in the development of Vile Parle.

The current ‘G. T. Hospital’ is known by the name of Gokuldas Tejpal. His son, Govardhandas Tejpal, had decided to build a large mansion in Vile Parle. At that time, it was difficult to bring construction materials from outside. The ‘B.B. & C.I.’ railway had started rail service from Virar to Colaba on 12 April 1867. At that time, no railway station was built here. Therefore, Tejpal donated some of his own land for the railway station. A railway station was built here in the year 1906-1907. That station was named ‘Vile Parle’ by combining the names of the settlements Irle and Parle. According to some historians, the word ‘Vile’ might have come from the Portuguese word ‘Vila’, meaning village or colony. The very next year, Tejpal’s mansion was completed. This grand mansion was known as ‘Mor Bangla’. It was demolished in the year 1957. Currently, the ‘Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagriha’ stands at that location.

The plague epidemic of 1896 and the railway station led to the growth of the population in Vile Parle. The exact history of the establishment of the Parleshwar temple is not available. During the British colonial period, there were forests and paddy fields everywhere. During that time, this Shivalinga was found while digging a well. The local people consecrated this Shivalinga with devotion. In the early days, the temple here was very simple and had a tiled roof. The temple was renovated at the beginning of the twentieth century.

This temple structure is located in a spacious courtyard on Hanuman Road. The temple premises have a simple entrance gate. The entire courtyard is paved with paver blocks. In this uniquely designed structure, there is a Mukhamandapa (main entrance hall) in the center. On the front wall of this Mukhamandapa, there are two grand statues of Dvarapalas (gatekeepers). To the left of the Mukhamandapa is the temple of Parleshwar Mahadeva, and to the right is the temple of Ganesha. One can enter both these temples from outside, as well as from inside after passing through the Mukhamandapa. There are two Deepastambhas (lamp pillars) in the courtyard in front of the Parleshwar temple. The Sabhamandapa (assembly hall) of the temple is tall and spacious. Marble stone has been used in the construction of this Sabhamandapa, which has a balcony on the upper floor. Above the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, there is an image of Ganesha in the upper section. There is a statue of Nandi in the Sabhamandapa. Inside, in the center at ground level, the Shivalinga of Parleshwar Mahadeva is consecrated. Devotees believe that this Shivalinga is Swayambhu (self-manifested). The Nagadevata (serpent deity) holds a canopy over the Shivalinga. The Sabhamandapa of the Ganpati temple here is also tall and spacious. Images of celestial attendants are carved on the front pillars of the sanctum sanctorum here. There is a large Kirtimukha in the upper part. In this sanctum sanctorum made of marble, a large idol of Ganesha is seated on a high pedestal.

Devotees can benefit from the darshan of the deity in this temple from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Religious rituals in the temple begin with the Kakad Aarti at 5:30 AM. Madhyanha Aarti is performed here at 12:00 PM, Dhoop Aarti at 7:00 PM, and Shej Aarti at 9:00 PM. Various religious and cultural programs are organized in the Parleshwar temple throughout the year. Mahashivratri is the biggest festival of the temple. On this day, thousands of devotees stand in queues from the night itself for the darshan of Parleshwar. On this day, Mahaprasad, Bhajans, and continuous Rudra-patha take place in the temple. There is a crowd of devotees in the temple throughout the month of Shravan. Every Monday, special decoration (Shringar) such as Attar Shringar, Vegetable Shringar, or Fruit Shringar is offered to Mahadeva. On the day of Tripuri Purnima, a festival of lights (Deepotsav) is celebrated with thousands of lamps in the temple premises. Apart from this, festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and Ganeshotsav are also celebrated with great enthusiasm. Ganesha is considered the deity of wisdom, so a library facility is also available for curious devotees in the premises of this temple.

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