Difference between revisions of "Banganga Tank" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Banganga-Tank.jpg|300px|thumb|The Banganga Tank during the 'Banganga Festival'.]]
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'''Banganga''' or '''Banganga Tank''', refers to an ancient water tank that forms part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex in [[Malabar Hill]] area of [[Mumbai]] in [[India]] revered by [[Hinduism]]. The origin of the tank lay shrouded in [[Hindu mythology|Hindu myth]], related to the Hindu god [[Rama]]. The site has a reputation for medicinal abilities and purification. Hindus on pilgrimage to the [[Walkeshwar Temple|Walkeshwar Temple Complex]] ritually wash in the Banganga Tank before entering the temple compound. The site has become a cultural center as well as a spiritual pilgrimage site. The Tank, one of the oldest surviving structures of antiquity in Mambai, enjoys protection by the Indian government as a national heritage site.
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Ritual [[water purification]] has played a vital role in [[Hindu]] worship in India. The rites of spiritual cleansing and burial in the [[Ganges river]] extends to Water Tanks as well. Banganga Tank, one of only two tanks still in existence in [[Mumbai]], has a special role to play in the life Indians. The tank has been reputed to have sanctifying, healing, and medicinal qualities. Tradition requires pilgrims to wash in the Banganga Tank before entering the Walkeshwar Temple Complex. Ten major tanks had been built by the government of Bombay to serve as water sources for the population. As is the case with other sacred waters in India, like the [[Ganges River]], [[cremation]] and burial takes place on the sacred site of the temple and tank grounds. Famous Hindu holy men, including [[Sri Ranjit Maharaj]] (1913-2000) and his guru [[Sri Siddarameshwar Maharaj]] (1888-1936), have samadhi shrines.
  
[[Image:Banganga-Tank.jpg|200px|thumb|The Banganga Tank during the 'Banganga Festival'.]]
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===Legend===
'''Banganga''' or '''Banganga Tank''' is an ancient <ref>[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=2&contentid=2008010220080102050212875b34b07 Repairs at Banganga, January 02, 2008]</ref> water tank which is part of the [[Walkeshwar Temple|Walkeshwar Temple Complex]] in [[Malabar Hill]] area of [[Mumbai]] in [[India]].
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Legend states that [[Hindu]] god, [[Rama|Ram]] paused at that spot on his way from [[Ayodhya]] to [[Lanka]] in pursuit of the demon king, [[Ravana]], who had kidnapped his wife, [[Sita]]. When advised to worship [[Lingam|Shiv lingham]], the legend continues that [[Lord Rama]] constructed the original lingam of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, [[Lakshman]], to bring an idol. The name etymologically derives from the [[Sanskrit]] word for an idol made of sand, ''[[Valuka Iswar]]'', an [[Avatar|avatar]] of [[Shiva]]. As the story progresses, later when Ram thirsted with no fresh water readily available (except sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence ''Bana'' (arrow in Sanskrit) ''Ganga''. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.<ref>[http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mumbai/A21959.html Destinations in Mumbai] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref>
  
== Walkeshwar Temple ==
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===Goud Saraswat Brahmin===
[[Image:Ancient Statues Walkeshwar.JPG|175px|thumb|right|''Ancient statues around BaanGanga, Walkeshwar''.]]
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[[Image:Bangangatank.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Banganga Tank]]
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The Banganga also houses the 'Shri Kashi Math' of the [[Goud Saraswat Brahmin]]s at its banks and samadhis of their various past heads of the [[Matha|Math]].<ref>[http://www.gsbkonkani.net/TEMPLES/BANGANGA%20SHRI%20WALKESHWAR.htm Gowd Saraswat Brahmin Math at Banganga] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> Saraswats, people of [[Aryan]] descent, settled on the banks of the [[Saraswati River]]. The river eventually dried up leading to the migration of the Saraswats from the plains of northern India. Though the exact dates of that migration remain unknown, the [[Rig Veda]] eulogizes the river [[Saraswati]] as huge.
  
Walkeshwar Temple, also known as the ''Baan Ganga Temple'', is a [[temple]] dedicated to the [[Hindu]] god, [[Shiva]] located on [[Malabar Hill]] neighborhood, in [[South Mumbai]] precinct of the city of [[Mumbai]], [[India]].
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===Cremation Ground and Cemetery===
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The area has a Hindu cremation ground<ref>[http://www.lifepositive.com/Spirit/Nisargadatta_Maharaj/Of_Death_and_the_Deathless102006.asp Banganga cremation grounds] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> which after 2003 received a makeover to house a Gas crematorium.<ref>[http://www.taph.com/restoration/banganga-to-undergo-makeover.html Banganga Crematorium Makeover] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> The area still has an old Hindu cemetery consisting of [[samadhi]] shrines of various [[Advaita]] gurus, such as Sri Ranjit Maharaj (1913 &ndash; 2000) and his guru [[Siddharameshwar Maharaj|Sri Siddarameshwar Maharaj]] (1888-1936).<ref>[http://www.nisargadatta.in/WebCMS/CMSPage.aspx?PageID=2 Meet the Sage] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.straight.com/article/gurtu-takes-a-musical-trip?# Journey to Banganga, Trilok Gurtu] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref>
  
=== Legend ===
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===Reconstruction===
Legend has it that [[Hindu]] god, [[Rama|Ram]] paused at that spot on his way from [[Ayodhya]] to [[Lanka]] in pursuit of the demon king, [[Ravana]] who had kidnapped his wife, [[Sita]]. Then [[Lord Rama]] was advised to worship [[Lingam|Shiv lingham]] and he is said to have constructed the original lingam of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, [[Lakshman]] to bring an idol. The name is etymologically derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word for an idol made of sand - ''[[Valuka Iswar]]'', an [[Avatar|avatar]] of [[Shiva]].
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Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of [[Silhara dynasty]] kings in [[Thane]], built the Tank in the 1127 C.E.<ref>[http://www.gsbkonkani.net/TEMPLES/BANGANGA%20SHRI%20WALKESHWAR.htm Banganga, Walkeshwar history] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> [[Rama Kamath]] donated money to the Walkeshwar temple to rebuild the tank in 1715 C.E.<ref>[http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/architecture/building/walkeshwar.html Walkeshwar Temple History] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> The main [[temple]], has been reconstructed since then, upgrading the structure with reinforced concrete during recent construction.<ref>[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=2&contentid=2008010220080102050212875b34b07 Repairs at Banganga] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref>
  
As the story progresses, later when Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available (except sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) [[Ganga]]. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.
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===The Tank Today===
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[[Image:Ancient Statues Walkeshwar.JPG|175px|thumb|right|''Ancient statues around BaanGanga, Walkeshwar'']]
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The tank, a rectangular pool structure surrounded by steps on all four sides, has at the entrance two pillars in which oil lamps called ''diyas'' had been lit in ancient times. Springs feed the tank so its water remains sweet, despite its location only a few dozen meters away from the sea. Crews clean and spruce up the tank each year for the annual 'Banganga Festival' of Music organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The Banganga Festival takes place in January,<ref>[http://www.mumbai.org.uk/banganga-festival.html Banganga Festival] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> becoming an important event in the cultural calendar of the city.<ref>[http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/india/mumbai/attraction-detail.html?vid=1154654624795 Banganga at NY Times] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref>
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In addition to serving as a spiritual pilgrimage center, the Banganga Tank has become a cultural hub, providing over the years inspiration to many artists, film and canvas.<ref>[http://www.rayhassard.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=5609&subkeyvalue=116504&page=WorksDetail Banganga in Pastel] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref> The site had been used for many film shoots before the government banned those activities in November 2007 to protect the heritage site. The Tank survives as one of Mumbai's oldest surviving structures.<ref>[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=2&contentid=200711072007110702340696826c94cdb Shooting banned at Banganga] Retrieved June 23, 2008.</ref>
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==Walkeshwar Temple==
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[[Image:Temple of shree Walkeshwar.JPG|thumb|200px|right|''Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar'']]
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Walkeshwar Temple (also known as the ''Baan Ganga Temple''), a [[temple]] dedicated to the [[Hindu]] god [[Shiva]], sits in [[Malabar Hill]] neighborhood, in [[South Mumbai]] precinct of the city of [[Mumbai]], [[India]].
  
 
=== History ===
 
=== History ===
[[Image:Interiors of Shree Kashi Math Walkeshwar.JPG|200px|thumb|Left|''Kashi Math, Walkeshwar''.]]
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[[Image:Interiors of Shree Kashi Math Walkeshwar.JPG|200px|thumb|Left|''Kashi Math, Walkeshwar'']]
The temple and the attached fresh water [[Banganga Tank]] were built in 1127 C.E. by ''[[Lakshman Prabhu]]'', a [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmin]] minister in the court of [[Silhara dynasty]] Kings who ruled [[Thane]], and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 C.E. The temple was destroyed by the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] during their reign over Mumbai (Portuguese ''Bom Bahia'') in the 16th century. It was rebuilt due to the generosity of Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, [[Rama Kamath]], another Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The main temple has been substantially reconstructed and many smaller temples have come up around the Banganga tank.
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''[[Lakshman Prabhu]]'', a [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmin]] minister in the court of [[Silhara dynasty]] Kings who ruled [[Thane]], and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 C.E. built the temple and the attached fresh water Banganga Tank in 1127 C.E. The [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] destroyed the temple during their reign over Mumbai (Portuguese ''Bom Bahia'') in the sixteenth century. Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, [[Rama Kamath]], another Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati'), generously rebuilt the temple in 1715. The main temple has been substantially reconstructed and many smaller temples have been built around the temple compound.
  
 
=== Worship ===
 
=== Worship ===
The temple is generally busy every month only during the full moon, and at ''[[Amavasya]]'' ([[new moon]]). In the past it was a favorite of the [[Malabar]] pirates who used to frequent the islands during the 16th and 17th centuries.
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The temple generally has crowds the month during the full moon, and at ''[[Amavasya]]'' ([[new moon]]). In the past, the [[Malabar]] pirates who used to frequent the islands during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries visited the temple as one of their favorite places. Currently the temple site hosts an annual [[Hindustani classical music]] festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers [[Rajan and Sajan Mishra]], and [[Santoor]] maestro [[Shivkumar Sharma]]. A branch of the Shri [[Kashi Math]], a famous religious seat of [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmins]], situates on the western bank of the Banganga Tank.
[[Image:Temple of shree Walkeshwar.JPG|thumb|200px|right|''Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar'']]
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<!--{{credits|Walkeshwar_Temple|218061270}}—>
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<!--<gallery>
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Image:Bangangatank.jpg|Banganga Tank
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Image:Temple of shree Walkeshwar.JPG|Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar
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Image:Interiors of Shree Kashi Math Walkeshwar.JPG|Kashi Math, Walkeshwar.
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</gallery>—>
  
It is currently the site of an annual [[Hindustani classical music]] festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers [[Rajan and Sajan Mishra]], and [[Santoor]] maestro [[Shivkumar Sharma]].
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==Tanks of Bombay==
  
A branch of the Shri [[Kashi Math]], a famous religious seat of [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmins]], is located on the western bank of the tank.
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Although long vanished, the city of [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai) once had many [[water]] [[tanks]] within its city limits. The tanks once served as the only source of water to the city. The names of the roads in the vicinity serves as the only testimony to their existence, which befuddles many citizens as to the original location to those mystifying relics of the past.
{{commonscat|Mumbai}}
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[[Image:Cowasjee-Framjee-Hall.jpg|thumb|250px|The Framjee Cowasjee hall is built over the Framjee Cowasjee tank]]
<!{{credits|Walkeshwar_Temple|218061270}}—>
 
  
== Banganga Tank ==
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The Cowasjee Patel Tank built in 1775 stands as the oldest tank. A total of ten tanks had been constructed between the [[18th century| eighteenth]] and [[19th century| nineteenth]] century. The tanks, named after philanthropic citizens who donated money to fund the building of these tanks, enabled the citizens of the city would get a fresh source of drinking water. The tanks follow:
=== Mythology ===
 
[[Image:Bangangatank.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Banganga Tank]]
 
According to local legend, it sprang forth when the [[Hindu]] god [[Rama|Ram]], the exiled hero of the epic [[Ramayana]], stopped at the spot five thousand years ago in search of his kidnapped wife [[Sita]].  
 
  
As the legend goes, overcome with fatigue and thirst, Rama asked his brother [[Laxman]] to bring him some water. Laxman instantly shot an arrow into the ground, and water gushed forth from the ground, creating a tributary of the [[Ganges]], which flows over a thousand miles away, hence its name, Banganga, the 'Ganga' created out on a 'Baan' (Arrow)<ref>[http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mumbai/A21959.html Destinations in Mumbai]</ref>.
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# Cowasji Rustamji Patel Tank (CP Tank)
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# [[Gowalia Tank]]
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# Khara Tank
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# Two Tanks
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# Babula Tank
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# Nawab Tank
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# Framjee Cowasji Tank
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# Mumbadevi Tank
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# Banganga Tank
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# Bandra Tank
  
The Banganga also houses the 'Shri Kashi Math' of the [[Goud Saraswat Brahmin]]s at its banks and samadhis of their various past heads of the [[Matha|Math]] <ref>[http://www.gsbkonkani.net/TEMPLES/BANGANGA%20SHRI%20WALKESHWAR.htm Gowd Saraswat Brahmin Math at Banganga]</ref>.  
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Out of the list only the Banganga Tank and the Bandra Tank still exist today.
  
The area also has a Hindu cremation ground <ref>[http://www.lifepositive.com/Spirit/Nisargadatta_Maharaj/Of_Death_and_the_Deathless102006.asp Banganga cremation grounds]</ref> which after 2003, received a makeover to house a Gas crematorium <ref>[http://www.taph.com/restoration/banganga-to-undergo-makeover.html Banganga Crematorium Makeover]</ref>.  
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===Locations===
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Cowasji Rustamjee Patel built Cowasji Rustamji Patel Tank in the [[Girgaon]] vicinity in 1775. Framji Cowasji built the Framji Cowasji Tank bordering Esplanade in 1831. A plaque on a wall opposite [[Metro Cinema]] in [[South Mumbai]] constitutes all that remains of the tank.
  
The area still has an old Hindu cemetery consisting of [[samadhi]] shrines of various [[Advaita]] gurus, such as Sri Ranjit Maharaj  (1913-2000) and his guru [[Siddharameshwar Maharaj|Sri Siddarameshwar Maharaj]] (1888-1936) <ref>[http://www.nisargadatta.in/WebCMS/CMSPage.aspx?PageID=2 Meet the Sage]</ref> <ref>[http://www.straight.com/article/gurtu-takes-a-musical-trip?# Journey to Banganga, Trilok Gurtu]</ref>.
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The Babula Tank sat near [[Grant Medical College]] and a pious woman named [[Putlibai]] constructed the Mumbadevi Tank. The Banganga Tank, present from the time of [[Rama]], receives [[water]] from a natural spring despite being a few [[decametre]]s from the sea shore. A rich Kokni Muslim of Village Navpada built the Bandra Tank, used for watering cattles and washing cloths.
  
=== History ===
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===History===
The Tank was built in the 1127 C.E., by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of [[Silhara dynasty]] kings in [[Thane]] <ref>[http://www.gsbkonkani.net/TEMPLES/BANGANGA%20SHRI%20WALKESHWAR.htm Banganga, Walkeshwar history]</ref>. The tank was rebuilt in 1715 C.E., out of a donation for the Walkeshwar temple by [[Rama Kamath]] <ref>[http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/architecture/building/walkeshwar.html Walkeshwar Temple History]</ref>. The main [[temple]], has been reconstructed since then and is at present a reinforced concrete structure of recent construction.
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The tanks, mostly constructed in the crowded areas, had been prone to pollution. The scarcity of water, acute at that time, left the tanks to the mercy of the [[monsoon]] rains. According to the ''Bombay City Gazetteer'' published in 1909, those tanks often had very low water reservesand had to be replenished by sinking new wells.  
  
=== Contemporary ===
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In 1846, the city faced an acute water shortage following which Framji Cowasji sank three wells in its gardens to provide water by steam machinery. Later in 1856, the city faced a severe [[drought]], the government issuing an edict to relocate all [[cattle]] to [[Mahim]], the periphery of the city at that time. Thousands would gather daily around the tank at Esplanade to collect water, while the government brought thousands of water drums from far off distances to empty into wells at [[Bori Bunder]], [[Chinch Bunder]], and [[Dongri]].
The tank today is a rectangular pool structure surrounded by steps on all four sides. At the entrance are two pillars in which oil lamps called ''diyas'' were lit in ancient times.  
 
  
The tank is spring fed and so its water remains sweet, despite being located only a few dozen meters away from the sea. It is cleaned and spruced up each year, for the annual 'Banganga Festival', of Music organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), which takes place here in every January <ref>[http://www.mumbai.org.uk/banganga-festival.html Banganga Festival]</ref>, and now has become an important event in the cultural calendar of the city <ref>[http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/india/mumbai/attraction-detail.html?vid=1154654624795 Banganga at NY Times]</ref>.
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After the [[Vihar Lake| Vihar]] and [[Tulsi Lake| Tulsi]] lakes provided regular water supply to the city thanks, the government declared the tanks redundant as well as breeding grounds for [[mosquito]]es, consequently filling them in. The famous Gowalia Tank Maidan sits on top of the original tank.
Apart from being a cultural hub, the place over the years has provided inspiration to many a artists, be it on film or on canvas <ref>[http://www.rayhassard.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=5609&subkeyvalue=116504&page=WorksDetail Banganga in Pastel]</ref>. Earlier the site was used for many film shoots, which was banned in November 2007, to protect this heritage site, which is also one of Mumbai's oldest surviving structures <ref>[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=2&contentid=200711072007110702340696826c94cdb Shooting banned at Banganga, November 2007]</ref>.
 
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 54: Line 78:
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
* Mallya, K.G. ''The Merchant Of Bombay''. Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
+
* Baartmans, Frans. ''The holy waters: a primordial symbol in Hindu myths''. Delhi: B.R. Pub. Corp, 2000. ISBN 978-8176461511
 
+
* C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation. ''Sacred tanks of South India''. Chennai: C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, 2002. {{OCLC|56597817}}
==External links==
+
* Mallya, K. G. ''Merchant of Bombay: novel''. Mumbai, India: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1997. {{OCLC|63208265}}
* [http://www.sacred-destinations.com/india/mumbai-banganga-tank.htm Banganga Tank History]. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
+
* Mehrotra, Rahul, and Sharada Dwivedi. 1996. ''Banganga: sacred tank''. Bombay: Eminence.  
* [http://worldofstock.com/search_pages/banganga.php Images of Banganga]. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
+
* Sharma, M. L. ''Geomorphology of semi-arid region: a case study of Gambhir River Basin, Rajasthan, India''. Jodhpur: Scientific Publishers, 1986. ISBN 9788185046433
* [http://www.gsbkerala.com/gsbmutt.htm Temples Of Saraswat Brahmins]. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
 
 
 
{{Tourist attractions in Mumbai}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]
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[[Category:Religion]]
 
[[Category:Religion]]
  
 
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{{credits|Banganga_Tank|181598706|Walkeshwar_Temple|218061270|}}
 

Latest revision as of 23:29, 12 July 2019

The Banganga Tank during the 'Banganga Festival'.

Banganga or Banganga Tank, refers to an ancient water tank that forms part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex in Malabar Hill area of Mumbai in India revered by Hinduism. The origin of the tank lay shrouded in Hindu myth, related to the Hindu god Rama. The site has a reputation for medicinal abilities and purification. Hindus on pilgrimage to the Walkeshwar Temple Complex ritually wash in the Banganga Tank before entering the temple compound. The site has become a cultural center as well as a spiritual pilgrimage site. The Tank, one of the oldest surviving structures of antiquity in Mambai, enjoys protection by the Indian government as a national heritage site.

Ritual water purification has played a vital role in Hindu worship in India. The rites of spiritual cleansing and burial in the Ganges river extends to Water Tanks as well. Banganga Tank, one of only two tanks still in existence in Mumbai, has a special role to play in the life Indians. The tank has been reputed to have sanctifying, healing, and medicinal qualities. Tradition requires pilgrims to wash in the Banganga Tank before entering the Walkeshwar Temple Complex. Ten major tanks had been built by the government of Bombay to serve as water sources for the population. As is the case with other sacred waters in India, like the Ganges River, cremation and burial takes place on the sacred site of the temple and tank grounds. Famous Hindu holy men, including Sri Ranjit Maharaj (1913-2000) and his guru Sri Siddarameshwar Maharaj (1888-1936), have samadhi shrines.

Legend

Legend states that Hindu god, Ram paused at that spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon king, Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. When advised to worship Shiv lingham, the legend continues that Lord Rama constructed the original lingam of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman, to bring an idol. The name etymologically derives from the Sanskrit word for an idol made of sand, Valuka Iswar, an avatar of Shiva. As the story progresses, later when Ram thirsted with no fresh water readily available (except sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganga. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.[1]

Goud Saraswat Brahmin

Banganga Tank

The Banganga also houses the 'Shri Kashi Math' of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins at its banks and samadhis of their various past heads of the Math.[2] Saraswats, people of Aryan descent, settled on the banks of the Saraswati River. The river eventually dried up leading to the migration of the Saraswats from the plains of northern India. Though the exact dates of that migration remain unknown, the Rig Veda eulogizes the river Saraswati as huge.

Cremation Ground and Cemetery

The area has a Hindu cremation ground[3] which after 2003 received a makeover to house a Gas crematorium.[4] The area still has an old Hindu cemetery consisting of samadhi shrines of various Advaita gurus, such as Sri Ranjit Maharaj (1913 – 2000) and his guru Sri Siddarameshwar Maharaj (1888-1936).[5][6]

Reconstruction

Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings in Thane, built the Tank in the 1127 C.E.[7] Rama Kamath donated money to the Walkeshwar temple to rebuild the tank in 1715 C.E.[8] The main temple, has been reconstructed since then, upgrading the structure with reinforced concrete during recent construction.[9]

The Tank Today

Ancient statues around BaanGanga, Walkeshwar

The tank, a rectangular pool structure surrounded by steps on all four sides, has at the entrance two pillars in which oil lamps called diyas had been lit in ancient times. Springs feed the tank so its water remains sweet, despite its location only a few dozen meters away from the sea. Crews clean and spruce up the tank each year for the annual 'Banganga Festival' of Music organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The Banganga Festival takes place in January,[10] becoming an important event in the cultural calendar of the city.[11]

In addition to serving as a spiritual pilgrimage center, the Banganga Tank has become a cultural hub, providing over the years inspiration to many artists, film and canvas.[12] The site had been used for many film shoots before the government banned those activities in November 2007 to protect the heritage site. The Tank survives as one of Mumbai's oldest surviving structures.[13]

Walkeshwar Temple

Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar

Walkeshwar Temple (also known as the Baan Ganga Temple), a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, sits in Malabar Hill neighborhood, in South Mumbai precinct of the city of Mumbai, India.

History

Kashi Math, Walkeshwar

Lakshman Prabhu, a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 C.E. built the temple and the attached fresh water Banganga Tank in 1127 C.E. The Portuguese destroyed the temple during their reign over Mumbai (Portuguese Bom Bahia) in the sixteenth century. Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, another Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati'), generously rebuilt the temple in 1715. The main temple has been substantially reconstructed and many smaller temples have been built around the temple compound.

Worship

The temple generally has crowds the month during the full moon, and at Amavasya (new moon). In the past, the Malabar pirates who used to frequent the islands during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries visited the temple as one of their favorite places. Currently the temple site hosts an annual Hindustani classical music festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. A branch of the Shri Kashi Math, a famous religious seat of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, situates on the western bank of the Banganga Tank.

Tanks of Bombay

Although long vanished, the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) once had many water tanks within its city limits. The tanks once served as the only source of water to the city. The names of the roads in the vicinity serves as the only testimony to their existence, which befuddles many citizens as to the original location to those mystifying relics of the past.

The Framjee Cowasjee hall is built over the Framjee Cowasjee tank

The Cowasjee Patel Tank built in 1775 stands as the oldest tank. A total of ten tanks had been constructed between the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The tanks, named after philanthropic citizens who donated money to fund the building of these tanks, enabled the citizens of the city would get a fresh source of drinking water. The tanks follow:

  1. Cowasji Rustamji Patel Tank (CP Tank)
  2. Gowalia Tank
  3. Khara Tank
  4. Two Tanks
  5. Babula Tank
  6. Nawab Tank
  7. Framjee Cowasji Tank
  8. Mumbadevi Tank
  9. Banganga Tank
  10. Bandra Tank

Out of the list only the Banganga Tank and the Bandra Tank still exist today.

Locations

Cowasji Rustamjee Patel built Cowasji Rustamji Patel Tank in the Girgaon vicinity in 1775. Framji Cowasji built the Framji Cowasji Tank bordering Esplanade in 1831. A plaque on a wall opposite Metro Cinema in South Mumbai constitutes all that remains of the tank.

The Babula Tank sat near Grant Medical College and a pious woman named Putlibai constructed the Mumbadevi Tank. The Banganga Tank, present from the time of Rama, receives water from a natural spring despite being a few decametres from the sea shore. A rich Kokni Muslim of Village Navpada built the Bandra Tank, used for watering cattles and washing cloths.

History

The tanks, mostly constructed in the crowded areas, had been prone to pollution. The scarcity of water, acute at that time, left the tanks to the mercy of the monsoon rains. According to the Bombay City Gazetteer published in 1909, those tanks often had very low water reservesand had to be replenished by sinking new wells.

In 1846, the city faced an acute water shortage following which Framji Cowasji sank three wells in its gardens to provide water by steam machinery. Later in 1856, the city faced a severe drought, the government issuing an edict to relocate all cattle to Mahim, the periphery of the city at that time. Thousands would gather daily around the tank at Esplanade to collect water, while the government brought thousands of water drums from far off distances to empty into wells at Bori Bunder, Chinch Bunder, and Dongri.

After the Vihar and Tulsi lakes provided regular water supply to the city thanks, the government declared the tanks redundant as well as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, consequently filling them in. The famous Gowalia Tank Maidan sits on top of the original tank.

Notes

  1. Destinations in Mumbai Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  2. Gowd Saraswat Brahmin Math at Banganga Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  3. Banganga cremation grounds Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  4. Banganga Crematorium Makeover Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  5. Meet the Sage Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  6. Journey to Banganga, Trilok Gurtu Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  7. Banganga, Walkeshwar history Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  8. Walkeshwar Temple History Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  9. Repairs at Banganga Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  10. Banganga Festival Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  11. Banganga at NY Times Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  12. Banganga in Pastel Retrieved June 23, 2008.
  13. Shooting banned at Banganga Retrieved June 23, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Baartmans, Frans. The holy waters: a primordial symbol in Hindu myths. Delhi: B.R. Pub. Corp, 2000. ISBN 978-8176461511
  • C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation. Sacred tanks of South India. Chennai: C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, 2002. OCLC 56597817
  • Mallya, K. G. Merchant of Bombay: novel. Mumbai, India: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1997. OCLC 63208265
  • Mehrotra, Rahul, and Sharada Dwivedi. 1996. Banganga: sacred tank. Bombay: Eminence.
  • Sharma, M. L. Geomorphology of semi-arid region: a case study of Gambhir River Basin, Rajasthan, India. Jodhpur: Scientific Publishers, 1986. ISBN 9788185046433

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