Babulnath Temple is a Shiva temple on a small hillock near Girgaon Chowpatty on the Malabar Hill side of south Mumbai. It is one of the older temples in the city, and the trust that runs it publishes its darshan and aarti timings on its official website. This guide gives those timings, explains the steps and the lift, and lays out how to plan the journey from Navi Mumbai.
Timings and arrangements are set by the temple trust and can change, especially on festival days. Check the temple website or call the office before you travel. This guide is independent and is not run by the trust.
Babulnath Temple at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is it? | Babulnath Road, near Girgaon Chowpatty, south Mumbai. |
| Run by | Shree Babulnath Mandir Charities, according to the temple website. |
| Deity | Shiva, worshipped here as the Lord of the Babul tree (Wikipedia). |
| Festivals | Mahashivratri and Diwali are named on Wikipedia as major occasions. |
| Contact | The temple website lists 022 23678367 and 022 23673602. |
Darshan and aarti timings
These are the timings on the temple website when checked on 23 October 2026.
| Day | Darshan |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 6:00 am to 9:00 pm |
The website lists four daily aarti windows: 5:30 to 6:30 am, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, 5:30 to 6:30 pm and 7:45 to 8:15 pm. Monday is the day of Shiva and is the busiest day, so darshan runs an hour longer. The website gives no separate schedule for Mahashivratri, so check with the temple office for festival arrangements. Other websites list different hours, and the temple’s own page is the one to follow.
Steps and the lift
- The temple stands on a hillock, and the website mentions 108 steps to the main complex.
- A lift is installed for those who cannot climb. A trade feature on the installation describes two lifts with room for eight people each.
- Lift operating hours are not published, so ask at the temple office, especially if you are visiting with an elderly relative.
Visitor etiquette
The temple does not publish a detailed rulebook on its website. As in any temple, remove your footwear before you enter and dress modestly. Ask at the entrance about rules for phones, cameras and bags, since these differ between temples and may change. Plastic bags were reported banned in the premises some years ago.
How to reach Babulnath from Navi Mumbai
Babulnath is in south Mumbai, so the journey from Navi Mumbai needs a change of line or a taxi for part of the way. The options below are general guidance. Check live timings before you leave, and see the Mumbai local train guide for the lines.
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Harbour line then Western line | Take the Harbour line towards CSMT, change to a Western line train via a connecting station, and get off at Grant Road or Charni Road. Travel reports describe Grant Road as a 10 to 15 minute walk and Charni Road as about a kilometre away. |
| Metro Line 3 | Girgaon is described as the nearest Metro Line 3 stop. Walk towards Chowpatty or take a BEST bus to Babulnath. See the Navi Mumbai metro route map for the Navi Mumbai side. |
| BEST bus | Travel guides list several routes that stop near Babulnath, but route numbers change. Confirm the route on the BEST app before you rely on one. |
| Taxi or cab | The simplest option for elders, especially with the lift. Allow for south Mumbai traffic. |
Free Press Journal published a Mahashivratri travel guide covering the train, Metro and bus options to the temple.
Planning your visit
- Choose a day other than Monday if you want a quieter darshan.
- Check whether your day is a festival, since queues grow on Mahashivratri.
- Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and avoid the aarti windows if you want a shorter queue.
- Combine the visit with a walk on Girgaon Chowpatty, or see the Siddhivinayak Temple guide and the Mumbai Darshan bus guide for other Mumbai temple visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Babulnath Temple timings?
The temple website lists darshan from 6 am to 10 pm on Mondays and 6 am to 9 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, with four aarti windows through the day.
Is there a lift at Babulnath Temple?
Yes. A lift is installed for those who cannot climb the steps. Ask at the temple office about its operating hours.
How many steps are there at Babulnath?
The temple website mentions 108 steps to the main complex.
Which station is nearest to Babulnath Temple?
Travel guides describe Grant Road and Charni Road on the Western line as the nearest stations, and Girgaon on Metro Line 3.
How do I reach Babulnath from Navi Mumbai?
Take the Harbour line, change to the Western line or use Metro Line 3, or take a taxi. Check live timings before you leave.
Which day is the busiest at Babulnath?
Monday, the day of Shiva, and Mahashivratri are busy. Choose another weekday for a quieter visit.
Sources and a note on accuracy
- Babulnath temple website, checked 23 October 2026, for the timings, the trust and the contact numbers.
- Wikipedia: Babulnath for the location, the deity and the festivals.
- Free Press Journal for the travel options.
Rules for phones, footwear, dress and bags, the lift hours and the Navi Mumbai route are general guidance and should be confirmed with the temple or the transport operator. Timings change on festival days.
Featured photo: Babulnath Entry Gate by Pradeep717, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons, cropped and resized.
NaviMumbai.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with Shree Babulnath Mandir Charities.
