Mumbai has always stood as a beautiful mosaic of varied cultures, people and traditions. And did you know that our Mumbai is also home to this century-old Chinese Kwan Kung Temple! From gleaming red stones flecked with a tint of gold, to intricate murals in sky blue complementing the red walls, this temple also houses the shrines of Guan Yin on the ground floor and Kwan Kung’s on the 2nd floor.
Interestingly, this is the only Chinese temple in the whole of Mumbai and a nostalgic reminder of the thriving community that once lived here!
A symbol of ever growing Indian-Chinese community
Only a few people from Mumbai frequently visit the temple, with most only congregating here during the Chinese New Year in Feb! Captivatingly, the temple is a blend of Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu religious elements. With a marigold garland on Guan Yin’s statue, Buddhist chants painted on the walls and presence of Hindu goddess ‘laxmi charan paduka’ and a vessel to burn fake currency to appease the Taoist gods, this temple has everything.
The fading facade was revamped last year to a royal red, green and gold. The building now has a grand face with gold lattices, distinctive Chinese eaves that are curved at the edges, and the temple’s name carved in large, gold Chinese letters. Besides, the first floor of the temples continues to house a family who still looks after the temple.
Visitors allowed only on Sunday!
This little Chinese temple, Kwan Kung is definitely a hidden gem of Mumbai. With swirls of aromatic joss rising from incense sticks, meditative chants playing in the background, warm red colours imparting a comfortable glow and orange candy given out as prasad, this old-world shrine is like none other in the city. An absolute must visit for history aficionados!
Timings: 12:30 pm to 03:00 (only Sunday)
Address: Dockyard in Mazgaon, near the eastern coast of Mumbai.
