On my second visit to the historic site nestled in the Malabar Hill area of South Mumbai, I was accompanied by my friend Dr. Swaroop Dhume, whom I had met during my travels. Coincidentally, she resided in the vicinity, offering us a prime vantage point to admire the historic locale I was eager to explore: The BanGanga Tank at Walkeshwar.

Legend has it that Lord Rama, the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu, halted here enroute to Lanka in pursuit of rescuing Sita from Ravana’s clutches. His thirst unquenched, Rama invoked a miraculous event by piercing an arrow into the ground, whence sprung forth the waters of the underground Ganga or Patal Ganga. This miraculous emergence earned the pond its name, Banganga, signifying the Ganga formed by an arrow.

Today, Ban Ganga stands as a pond encompassed by nearly 18 temples, maths, samadhis, and even a cremation ground. Fed by a natural spring at its northeast corner, it’s believed to be the spot where Lord Rama unleashed these waters. The Walkeshwar temple complex, which I traversed with Swaroop, provided profound insights into its historical tapestry.

Spanning 115 meters in length and 40 meters in width, the talao or pond, features steps leading to its water’s edge. Despite its proximity to the sea, the tank’s spring-fed waters retain their sweetness, and this is attributed to Lord Rama’s divine intervention. Initially built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, it was later reconstructed in 1715 AD through a donation for the Walkeshwar Temple by Rama Kamath.

Our journey commenced at the Shree Venkatesh Balaji Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Adorned with white walls accented by red trimmings, it boasts a tall deepstambh at the forefront, flanked by shrines of Garuda and Lord Ganesha. The temple’s Maratha Architectural Style, with its wood-pillared, stone-domed structure, dates back to 1789.

Stepping outside, we entered the Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, administered by the Srimali Brahmin Trust, followed by a visit to the Sri Gowdapadacharya Sansthan office and temple, honoring the revered sage Gaudapadacharya. Our exploration continued through the lanes, revealing hidden gems like the Siddheshwar Temple and the Ram Temple, each steeped in rich history and devotion.

The Walkeshwar Temple, our final destination, bears testament to Lord Rama’s reverence for Lord Shiva, with its name derived from the sand lingam crafted by Rama in his impatience. This swayambhu lingam, protected within a brass armor and serpent coil, is believed to have been brought from Varanasi by Lakshman.

As we concluded our journey, the Banganga Tank, adorned with ancient relics and stone carvings, stood as a testament to Mumbai’s enduring heritage. From the stone relics at its north end to the symbolic dhwajastambh in its center, each element narrated a tale of spiritual significance and historical resonance.

Our walkthrough of the Walkeshwar complex, enriched by Swaroop’s insights, offered a glimpse into Mumbai’s vibrant cultural mosaic. While I’ve strived to encapsulate our experience comprehensively, I welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts on this enriching journey.

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