Mumbai: Security has been tightened at the famous Mumbadevi temple in Mumbai following the recent tension between India and Pakistan.
Hemant Jadhav, the manager of the trust told the Free Press Journal that, “We have posted more than 50 security guards and around 60 volunteers around the vicinity of the temple.”
Meanwhile, special prayers are being dedicated to the Mumba Devi Temple in the Kalbadevi situated in the city for 11 days of Navratri.
The temple has watched over the city for 381 years now. This temple was once situated in CST near the railway station. The original red sandstone idol is untouched by the ravages of time.
The temple was built in the year 1635 and some call the name Mumbadevi as it is a version of Ma Amba, while some stress upon the Portuguese meaning of Bom Bahia, which means fine harbour.
Jadhav was not willing to speak on it without any factual information, “The devi was worshipped by the Kolis. The origin of the goddess has not been traced yet.”
There are 30 CCTV’s put to keep a watch on the devotees who come to offer prayers to the 3.5-foot idol with its large beautiful face and eyes. Around 100 policemen are on duty for 11 days, with 15 doctors and one ambulance.
More than one lakh devotees from morning 5.30 am to 9.45 pm visit the temple to seek blessings. “Apart from the festivals the temple is always under security as there is a constant security threat from terrorists. Three bomb blasts have taken place in the vicinity since 1993. Apart from the security, even the LT Marg police station always keeps a strict watch in and around the temple,” added Jadhav.
The donations made in the temple by the devotees across the world are used for social and medical purposes for the needy people.
