My Weekend Odysseys

Mumbai is city full of surprises and it never fails to amaze you with monuments or heritage structures which are truly hidden gems. On four road junction which is bustling with ever increasing traffic near Worli Naka and right opposite Podar Hospital lies a secret. The monument which has its own connection with India's freedom struggle, A serene spot in a congested and busy main road, Hidden under a canopy of trees in a walled compound stands the tall stone haven of peace & tranquility, The temple of "Nipponzan Myohoji" - Japanese Buddhist temple.  Yes, This is a Buddhist temple which started as Japanese Buddhist monastery and it is one of only two remaining monuments in city of Mumbai which has Japanese connection. It was around 700 years ago, a monk in Japan called Maha Bodhisattva Nichiren prophesied that the salvation of Humans would lie in land from where Buddhism spread. So between 1931- 38 a Japanese monk "Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji" travelled to

Close to Worli village bus depot and next to Indian coast guard western region headquarters lies a small discreet lane going uphill which ultimately leads us to sea. The tiny lane has small colourful houses belonging to Koli fishermen community, the original inhabitants of Worli village. The lane is called Golfa devi Marg, And as one walks on the inclined road inwards, amidst the houses and shops lies a very simple temple with a large verandah in front of it. This is Worli Koliwada village's best kept secret. The temple of "GolfaDevi" The temple and the goddess is central to Koli fishing community, So much is the faith of these local folks in the Goddess that they do not start any task before seeking permission, be it venturing into the sea to catch fish or marriage or starting something new or even before travelling.  The temple priest Sadanand Worlikar whose family has been taking care of the temple for generations is ever happy to narrate the legends