Although the Mumbadevi Temple is not as striking as others are in
the city, its resident deity, Mumbadevi, is the city's patron
Goddess. The structure is about six centuries old, believed to be
the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently
plundered the city at the time. Terrorized by these unwelcome
visits, the locals pleaded with Lord Brahma, Creator of all things
to protect them. Brahma then "pulled out of his own body",
an eight armed goddess who vanquished the brute. Predictably brought
to his knees, Mumbaraka implored Her Holiness to take his name and
built a temple in her honour. She still stands there, an orange
faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds: devotees believe
that those who seek her divine favour are never disappointed.
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