Difference between revisions of "Banganga Tank" - New World Encyclopedia
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== Walkeshwar Temple == | == Walkeshwar Temple == | ||
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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]]. | 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]]. | ||
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=== Legend === | === Legend === | ||
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. | 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. | ||
| + | [[Image:Ancient Statues Walkeshwar.JPG|175px|thumb|right|''Ancient statues around BaanGanga, Walkeshwar''.]] | ||
=== History === | === History === | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
=== 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. | 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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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]]. | 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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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 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. | ||
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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>. | 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>. | ||
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§id=2&contentid=200711072007110702340696826c94cdb Shooting banned at Banganga, November 2007]</ref>. | 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§id=2&contentid=200711072007110702340696826c94cdb Shooting banned at Banganga, November 2007]</ref>. | ||
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| + | <gallery> | ||
| + | Image:Bangangatank.jpg|Banganga Tank <!--[[Image:Bangangatank.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Banganga Tank]]—> | ||
| + | Image:Temple of shree Walkeshwar.JPG|Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar]]<!--[[Image:Temple of shree Walkeshwar.JPG|thumb|200px|right|''Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar'']]—> | ||
| + | Image:Interiors of Shree Kashi Math Walkeshwar.JPG|Kashi Math, Walkeshwar.]]<!--[[Image:Interiors of Shree Kashi Math Walkeshwar.JPG|200px|thumb|Left|''Kashi Math, Walkeshwar''.]]—> | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 23:22, 13 June 2008
Banganga or Banganga Tank, an ancient [1] water tank that forms part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex in Malabar Hill area of Mumbai in India.
Walkeshwar Temple
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.
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.
History
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 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.
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.
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.
A branch of the Shri Kashi Math, a famous religious seat of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, is located on the western bank of the tank.
Banganga Tank
Mythology
According to local legend, it sprang forth when the Hindu god 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)[2].
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 [3].
The area also has a Hindu cremation ground [4] which after 2003, received a makeover to house a Gas crematorium [5].
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) [6] [7].
History
The Tank was built in the 1127 C.E., by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings in Thane [8]. The tank was rebuilt in 1715 C.E., out of a donation for the Walkeshwar temple by Rama Kamath [9]. The main temple, has been reconstructed since then and is at present a reinforced concrete structure of recent construction.
Contemporary
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 [10], and now has become an important event in the cultural calendar of the city [11].
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 [12]. 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 [13].
Banganga Tank
Gowd saraswat Brahmin Jatiche Devalaya Shree valukeshwar]]
Kashi Math, Walkeshwar.]]
Notes
- ↑ Repairs at Banganga, January 02, 2008
- ↑ Destinations in Mumbai
- ↑ Gowd Saraswat Brahmin Math at Banganga
- ↑ Banganga cremation grounds
- ↑ Banganga Crematorium Makeover
- ↑ Meet the Sage
- ↑ Journey to Banganga, Trilok Gurtu
- ↑ Banganga, Walkeshwar history
- ↑ Walkeshwar Temple History
- ↑ Banganga Festival
- ↑ Banganga at NY Times
- ↑ Banganga in Pastel
- ↑ Shooting banned at Banganga, November 2007
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Baartmans, Frans, and Frans Baartmans. 2000. The holy waters: a primordial symbol in Hindu myths. Delhi: B.R. Pub. Corp. ISBN 9788176461511.
- C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation. 2002. Sacred tanks of South India. Chennai: C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre. OCLC 56597817.
- Mallya, K. G. 1997. Merchant of Bombay: novel. Mumbai [India]: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. OCLC 63208265.
- Mehrotra, Rahul, and Sharada Dwivedi. 1996. Banganga: sacred tank. Bombay: Eminence. ISBN 9788190060202.
- Sharma, M. L. 1986. Geomorphology of semi-arid region: a case study of Gambhir River Basin, Rajasthan, India. Jodhpur: Scientific Publishers. ISBN 9788185046433.
External links
- Banganga Tank History. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
- Images of Banganga. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
- Temples Of Saraswat Brahmins. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
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