Zarimari Mata temple on Worli hill draws thousands of devotees on Navratri Ashtami

The Shri Zarimari Mata temple stands on top of a hill in Mumbai's crowded Worli area. It is a place of devotion for many. Zarimari Mata is known as a goddess who fulfils vows and removes the difficulties of her devotees. People come to the temple for darshan from Worli as well as from different parts of Mumbai.

The temple is said to have come up after an ancient, self-manifested idol of the goddess was found on the hill in Worli on October 7, 1993. According to some historical references, the area has been known for decades as the abode of the goddess. Over time, local residents and mandals together restored the temple.

The temple is nestled between two buildings, or in the lap of the hill (tekdi). Inside is a beautiful idol of the goddess, carved from a single monolithic rock. She is renowned as a goddess who fulfils vows and the wishes of devotees.

Devotees in Worli and nearby areas believe that Zarimari Mata is a goddess who relents to vows. She is worshipped as a village deity who hears the calls of her devotees and protects them from calamities. Her tradition is ancient. The "zari" in the name is said to refer to fever or epidemic diseases, and "mari" to illness and disease. She is regarded as the goddess who keeps these in check.

The temple has a special festive atmosphere during Shardiya Navratri. For nine days the goddess is specially adorned, the temple is lit up, aarti is performed and religious rites are held. On Ashtami of Navratri, a special bhandara, or mahaprasad, is held here. Thousands of devotees from Worli and across Mumbai gather to partake of it.

Aarti is held at the temple every morning and evening.

The temple is easy to reach. One can come by taxi or local bus from Prabhadevi, Lower Parel or Dadar railway stations. A large seafront lies behind the temple. The Mahalaxmi temple is nearby, and the Siddhivinayak temple and the Prabhadevi Mata temple in Prabhadevi are also within easy reach.