Situated in Malabar Hills, amongst the hustle and bustle of Mumbai is the serene ancient source of freshwater, the Banganga. Although surrounded by skyscrapers on all sides, the tank ecosystem transports one back in time.
The history of Banganga dates back to the Ramayana. While travelling to Lanka to vanquish Ravan and rescue Sita, Shri Ram and Lakshman stopped in the rich forests of the Deccan. Shri Ram created a Shiva Ling out of sand known as Valuka Ishwara (presently known as the Walkeshwar temple) in Sanskrit and prayed. Since Shri Ram was famished and was in search for fresh water to quench his thirst, his brother Lakshman shot an arrow on the ground and pulled a stream of water from the River Ganga. Therefore, the name Banganga which literally means a stream drawn out of arrows came into existence. The mark of the arrow is still present in the tank bed.
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Parashurama drew this stream of water from his arrow. It is also believed that the Parashurama Kshetra (land reacquired by Lord Parashurama with an axe) starts from this region.
This rectangular tank is 135 metres long and 10 metres deep. The present structure of the tank and the Walkeshwar temple was built by the Silhara dynasty in 1127 AD. In the 16th century, the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese when they got possession of the seven islands of Bombay. The Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community later rebuilt the temple. Even today the GSB trust looks after the temple and the tank.
Vehicles stop at the main road and one has to walk for 5 to 10 min through narrow alleys to reach this oasis of tranquility. Once you view Banganga, a sense of peace envelops you, instantly transporting you towards solitude.
It is a site for spiritual rejuvenation. One can spot Sadhus (saints) meditating, families praying for their departed ones and individuals conducting ceremonial rites. I sat by the banks of Banganga, absorbing the stillness and marvelling at the dichotomy of Mumbai.
Below is my poetic rendition of Banganga.
Right in the middle of the buzzing town
Is a serene little pond
With swans and sparrows,
An ecosystem especially for a river drawn out of arrows!
A small stream from the mother river
Finds visitors from far and near.
Devotees pray to their heart’s content.
Until the day is spent.
Don’t let the green pond deceive you,
For it looks shallow but can drown you in the blue hue.
They say the water never dries
A freshwater source, surrounded by the ocean, makes you wise.
Prayers for the dead,
Ashes brought in a vessel of lead,
Floats in the water
Until it is a speck and cant be viewed later.
What a dichotomy of this city,
Among the skyscrapers and people busy,
Lies a serene abode of hope,
Through which the people heal and cope.
– Akshaya Vijay
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