Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated with deep devotion and quiet joy across the city. This year, falling between March 19 and March 27, 2026, the festival carries a calmer, more spiritual tone compared to the louder Sharadiya celebrations. Devotees observe strict fasts, perform daily pujas, and visit shrines to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and peace. If you are planning your spiritual itinerary, here is a guide to the Chaitra Navratri 2026 must-visit temples in Mumbai. This list blends ancient city shrines with local suburban traditions to help you experience the purest form of devotion.
One of the most important temples to visit during Chaitra Navratri is the Mahalakshmi Temple in South Mumbai. This historic temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, who represents wealth, strength, and abundance. Located near the sea, the temple has a calm yet powerful presence. During Navratri, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and special prayers are held throughout the day. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered here during Navratri bring stability and prosperity in life. Despite the large crowds, there is a deep sense of peace once you stand before the goddess.
Another deeply significant shrine is the Mumbadevi Temple, located in the busy Bhuleshwar area. Goddess Mumbadevi is considered the protector of the city, and Mumbai itself gets its name from her. Visiting this temple during Chaitra Navratri feels like connecting with the spiritual roots of the city. The narrow lanes around the temple are filled with devotion, the scent of incense, and the sound of bells. Many locals make it a point to visit Mumbadevi at the start of Navratri to seek blessings for the year ahead.
For those who don’t mind a bit of physical effort, the Jivdani Devi Temple in Virar is a powerful place to visit. Situated on a hilltop, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Jivdani, a fierce and protective form of Durga. Devotees often climb hundreds of steps as a mark of faith and gratitude. During Chaitra Navratri, the entire path to the temple is filled with devotees chanting prayers. Reaching the top brings not only a beautiful view but also a strong feeling of spiritual fulfilment.
The Kalbadevi Temple, located in one of Mumbai’s oldest neighbourhoods, is another important Navratri destination. The area around the temple remains busy throughout the year, but during Navratri, it takes on a special energy. Devotees come here to pray for strength and protection. The temple has a strong traditional atmosphere, and the daily rituals during Navratri draw people from different parts of the city. Visiting Kalbadevi during these nine days feels deeply rooted in Mumbai’s cultural life.
In the Mahim area, the Shitladevi Temple holds special importance, especially for devotees praying for good health and protection from illness. Goddess Shitala is believed to safeguard families from disease and hardship. During Chaitra Navratri, the temple sees steady footfall, with people offering simple prayers and flowers. The atmosphere here is quieter and more intimate, making it a comforting place for those seeking inner peace during the festival.
For residents of the western suburbs, Vishwamohini Devi Temple in Vile Parle West is a popular Navratri destination. The temple is known for its welcoming environment and community-driven celebrations. During Chaitra Navratri, special bhajans, aartis, and spiritual talks are organised. Families often visit together, making it a warm and inclusive place to experience the festival.
Slightly away from the main city but still closely connected to Mumbai’s spiritual circuit is the Mauli Devi Temple near Kalwa. This temple offers a more traditional and local experience of Navratri. The celebrations here are simple, heartfelt, and community-oriented. Devotees gather for morning and evening prayers, share prasad, and celebrate the goddess with deep devotion rather than grandeur.
Another important temple worth visiting is the Mumbra Devi Temple, located on Parsik Hill. This temple is unique because it houses nine goddesses, representing the nine forms of Durga worshipped during Navratri. Many devotees choose to walk up the hill during Chaitra Navratri as a form of penance and prayer. The journey itself becomes part of the spiritual experience, and the peaceful surroundings add to the feeling of devotion.
Chaitra Navratri in Mumbai is not just about visiting temples; it is about slowing down, reconnecting with faith, and starting the new year with positivity. Each of these temples offers a different experience, but all share the same spirit of devotion and hope. Visiting them during Navratri 2026 can be a meaningful way to seek blessings and inner strength for the year ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does Chaitra Navratri 2026 start and end?
In 2026, Chaitra Navratri begins on Thursday, March 19, and concludes on Friday, March 27, which is also celebrated as Ram Navami.
2. Which is the most famous Devi temple in Mumbai for Navratri?
The Mahalakshmi Temple in Breach Candy and the Mumbadevi Temple in Zaveri Bazaar are the most iconic and highly visited Devi temples during Navratri in Mumbai.
3. How many steps does the Jivdani Temple have?
The Jivdani Mata Temple in Virar has approximately 1,400 steps. However, a ropeway facility is available for those who cannot climb the stairs.
4. Are Mumbai temples crowded during Chaitra Navratri?
Yes, while Chaitra Navratri is generally quieter than the October Sharadiya Navratri, major temples like Mahalakshmi and Kalbadevi still see heavy crowds, especially during the morning and evening Aarti timings. It is advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid long queues.
