Saturday, February 24, 2024

Cruising the Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Embarking on an evening drive towards Bandra Beach through Mumbai's iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a captivating journey through engineering marvels. This 5.6 km-long cable-stayed bridge, officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, elegantly links the bustling suburb of Bandra with vibrant Worli in South Mumbai.

Commissioned by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and meticulously constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link opened its first four lanes to the public on June 30, 2009. Achieving full operational status on March 24, 2010, it has since become a symbol of connectivity and efficiency.

The impact of the sea-link on Mumbai's traffic landscape is substantial. During peak hours, the travel time between Bandra and Worli is reduced from 20-30 minutes to a mere 10, offering commuters a swift and scenic passage.

A Drive Along the Worli Sea Link

Side View of Worli Sea Link

Night View of Worli Sea Link

Whether you're a local commuter or a visitor exploring the city, a drive across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link promises a panoramic view of Mumbai's skyline, creating memories etched against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. It's a symphony of architecture and nature, a testament to Mumbai's spirit of progress and connectivity.

That's it from Worli Sea Link at Mumbai. We head towards Bandra Beach.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Journey through Nehru Science Center, Mumbai

The Nehru Science Center, named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, serves as a beacon of educational excellence and scientific exploration. As you step through its doors, you're greeted by a world of interactive exhibits, mind-boggling experiments, and a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be unraveled.

One of the highlights of the center is its commitment to hands-on learning. Visitors are encouraged to touch, experiment, and explore, turning what could be mundane subjects into thrilling discoveries. Whether it's understanding the principles of gravity through interactive displays or witnessing the magic of science unfold in live demonstrations, the Nehru Science Center transforms education into an exhilarating adventure.

For those with a penchant for history and technology, the center also boasts an impressive collection of vintage industrial machinery and artifacts, offering a unique blend of the old and the new. It's a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of technology and its impact on society.

Science for Children Gallery - Nervous System

Science for Children Gallery - Imitating Skeleton

Hall Of Evolution

Hall of Aviation and Space - Airlplane Miniature

Hall of Aviation and Space - Chandrayaan 3 Miniature Model

Infinity Mirror – The Reflecting Surface Gallery

The Nehru Science Center isn't just a museum; it's a living testament to the power of curiosity and the boundless wonders of the world around us. It serves as a hub for science enthusiasts, students, and families alike, fostering a spirit of inquiry and a love for learning.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

Nestled in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple stands as a revered sanctuary, offering solace to devotees worldwide. With roots dating back to the Shalivahan Samvatsar 1723 (A.D. 1801), this ancient shrine has witnessed renovations, evolving into a spiritual haven for over two centuries.

The black stone idol of Lord Ganesh, seated in Padmaasan and adorned with saffron enamels, captivates devotees with its divine presence. Believed to be more than 500 years old, the shrine exudes an air of sanctity and sacred history.

In 1936, Pooja Archa practices commenced under the guidance of Shree Govindrao Phatak, laying the foundation for today's temple management. However, controversies emerged, prompting the formation of the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (Prabhadevi) Act, 1980. This independent act aimed to streamline operations, ensuring the temple's sanctity remained intact.

The temple's journey took a monumental turn on June 13, 1994, marked by the Kalas Pratishthapana ceremony. With Chief Minister Shri Sharad Pawar inaugurating the event, the temple's magnificence reached new heights. The structure, expanding to accommodate a growing number of devotees, now stands as a five-story edifice, a testament to unwavering faith.

Entrance of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

Inside View of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

As Tuesdays, Sankasht Chaturthi, and Aangarak Chaturthi draw crowds seeking Darshan, the temple continues to be a beacon of devotion. From its humble beginnings to the grandeur of today, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple stands as a symbol of divine grace, fulfilling the wishes of countless devotees who find solace and fulfillment within its sacred walls.

That's it from Shree Siddhivinayak Temple at Mumbai. We head towards Nehru Science Center.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Exploring Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Mumbai

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai, part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, stands as a testament to timeless devotion. Nestled in the Bhuleshwar area, this temple boasts a century-old legacy, featuring a stunning tri-spired structure. The Murtis within depict Laxminarayan Dev with Ghanshyam Maharaj and Radha Krishna Dev with Hari Krishna Maharaj.

Constructed by Ranchhoddas Pranjeevandas in 1868, this Swaminarayan temple showcases intricately carved frontage, a visual delight in its surroundings. The twenty-five steps lead to an audience hall adorned with shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman. Three main shrines house the divine deities, and a dome above the Sabhamandap depicts scenes from Krishnalila. The temple's white marble structure, adorned with beautiful paintings, creates a blissful ambiance. Accommodating stay facilities and a vegetarian kitchen offering unlimited thali further enrich the spiritual experience. Our visit to this holy abode left us in awe of its architectural grandeur and serene surroundings.

Front View of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Entrance of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami and Shri Gopalanand Swami

While waiting for our cab to visit Shree Siddhivinayak temple after visiting Mahalaxmi Temple, we stumbled upon this intriguing temple on Bhulabhai Desai Road. Delighted by the unexpected discovery, we found this place to be a serene stop, conveniently located on the main road. The entrance, adorned with a series of stairs, leads to the main shrine, offering a peaceful respite for quiet reflection and blessings.