Shri Zhavba Shriram Temple Zhavbawadi, Girgaon, Mumbai

In Nashik, which is sanctified by the touch of Lord Shri Ram’s lotus feet, there are two temples known as Kala Ram and Gora Ram. Similar temples are situated in the ancient locality of Girgaon in Mumbai. One of these is famous as Atmarambuva’s Kala Ram Mandir, while the other is well-known as Zhavba’s Gora Ram Mandir. Built in the latter half of the nineteenth century, this temple is a place of deep faith for the devotees of Shri Ram in the area. A unique feature of this temple is its two dome-shaped shikhars; one is positioned above the idol of Shri Ram, and the other is above the main temple structure.

According to the book ‘The Origin of Bombay’ published in the year १९०० by historian Gerson da Cunha, the name Girgaon originated from the combination of the words ‘Giri’ (hill) and ‘Gram’ (village). As this area was situated at the foothills of Malabar Hill, it came to be called Girigram, which later corrupted into Girgaon. This Ram Mandir here has a history spanning about one hundred and fifty years. Krishnarao Raghunathji Navalkar, alias K. Raghunathji, published a book titled ‘The Hindu Temples of Bombay’ in १८९५, which contained notes on temples in central and south Mumbai. This book mentions that the building in which the temple is currently housed originally belonged to a gentleman from the Prabhu community named Vithoba Kanoji.

This bungalow-style building passed from Vithoba Kanoji to Vithoba Vasudevji Zhavba. He passed away in the year १८७६ at the age of ७७. In his will, he instructed his trustees and the executors of his will to convert this house into a temple of Ram. He had set aside a separate sum of money through his will for the conversion and maintenance of the temple. Accordingly, the building was converted into a temple. At that time, it cost about २०,००० rupees (approximately one and a half to two crore rupees in today’s value). The temple was consecrated on Phalguna Shuddha १०, Shake १७९९, Ishwara Nama Samvatsara, Samvat १९३४, १४ March १८७८.

Located along the busy, bustling road of Thakurdwar in Girgaon, this three-story bungalow-like Zhavba Shri Ram Mandir still stands with grandeur. It continues to attract countless devotees of Ram from the surrounding area every day. The temple premises have an iron entrance gate. Upon entering, there is a small courtyard. In this courtyard, a tall, elegant octagonal lamp pillar (Deepastambha) stands on a high pedestal. The temple structure itself is built on a high foundation. One enters the porch of the temple by climbing nine marble steps. There are two lion sculptures on the pedestals flanking these steps. The porch features elegant pillars, and between these pillars are arched, latticed screens. The porch, which offers a glimpse of what luxurious residences looked like about one hundred and fifty years ago, is equipped with benches for devotees to sit. Above the porch is the railing of the second-floor balcony, which features a unique clock in the center. In this clock, instead of the hour numerals, the twelve letters ‘Ra Ma Ja Ya Ra Ma Ja Ya Ja Ya Ra Ma’ are inscribed. From the porch, one enters the main assembly hall (Sabhamandap) through the front entrance. Above the arch of this entrance, a plaque providing information about the temple’s consecration is installed. The Sabhamandap is spacious. Inside, there are carved circular pillars. At the top of these pillars, sculptures of animals like lions are carved. Between two pillars, near the beams, are exquisitely carved horizontal wooden panels. The ceiling of the Sabhamandap is also of wooden construction. The Sabhamandap is illuminated by old-style tall arched windows in the side walls. Above the central square are the balconies of the upper floor. On the beams of these balconies, images in the Maratha painting style are carved on the inner side. In front is the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) of the temple. This sanctum, resembling a tall, ornate shrine decorated with beautiful carvings and color schemes, is enclosed on all three sides by a wooden railing. Between the two pillars in front of the sanctum, statues of Vaishnava gatekeepers (Dvarapalas) are placed on both sides. On the ceiling hangs a crystal chandelier that is about one hundred and fifty to two hundred years old. Inside, on a high black stone altar, the smiling idol of Lord Shri Ramachandra is enshrined. Next to this idol are the idols of Lakshmana and Sita. Carved from marble, these idols are adorned with clothes, ornaments, and flower garlands. The idols wear golden crowns. Here, Shri Ram and Lakshmana are depicted as Kodandadhari (wielders of the bow). They hold arrows in their right hands. There is a golden canopy above the idol of Shri Ram. A unique feature of these idols is that the figures and the back slab behind them are carved from a single stone. To the left of these idols is a marble idol of Hanuman, and to the right is one of Ganesha. On the railings of the ceiling of this shrine-like sanctum, there are monkey (Vanara) figures in all four corners. There is a dome-shaped shikhar above the sanctum. A similar large dome-shaped shikhar is also present on the upper part of the temple.

Devotees can visit the temple daily from ६ AM to १२.३० PM and from ४ PM to ९.३० PM. Aarti is performed in the temple every morning and evening at eight o’clock. Various festivals and celebrations are observed here with great enthusiasm. The biggest festivals here are Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. A grand celebration lasting १५ days is held here, from Gudi Padwa to Ram Navami and from Ram Navami to Hanuman Jayanti. During this period, a Kirtan program is organized every evening at ५.३० PM, followed by Aarti and Mantrapushpa at eight o’clock at night. In addition, various religious programs are organized on Phalguna Shuddha Dashami and Kartika Vadya Panchami. During the month of Shravan, Laghurudra and Kirtan services are held. Kirtans are also organized in the temple every Ashadha. The administration of this temple is managed by the trust ‘Late Vithoba Vasudevji Zhavba Charities’.

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