Consecrated in 1968, Jagadeeshwara Mandir is a highly revered temple located in Powai,
Mumbai.
The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva. An idol of Lord Krishna and Mother Ganga are installed on either sides of the deity. A Shivling and a statue of Lord Ganesh are also positioned within the sanctum sanctorum. Nandi faces the deity and guards the ‘wish pond’ where devotees drop coins and makes a wish.
Located atop a hillock, the temple is noted for its architecture. The temple gate represents a combination of the Indian and Buddhist influences. The pillars of the ‘Temple Gate’ have carvings depicting the stories from the Shiva Purana. The carved beams are positioned on top of the pillars. One can see an inscription from the Quran on it.
The temple’s dome has 3 parts - a square, and octagon and circle. The circular part denotes the Shivaing and the octagon, an eight-hooded snake, represents the 'Pancha Mahabootas' - space, air, fire, water and earth and 3 sub elements, mind, intellect and ego.
The idols of Adi Shankara and Lord Dakshinamurthy are seen in the main hall. The metal lamp placed here on a tortoise represents the withdrawal of mind from the worldly pleasures.
Mahashivaratri is celebrated in February or March of every year with 'akkanda mahajapa', which draws thousands of devotees from far and near.
