Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a bustling port city located on the west coast of India. The city is home to one of the largest natural harbors in the world and is a major hub for international trade and commerce. The port of Mumbai has a rich history dating back to the colonial era and continues to be a vital part of India′s economy. With a unique blend of ancient culture and modern technology, Mumbai is a must-visit destination for travelers from all around the world.
Mumbai is a strikingly variegated city
In this vast metropolis, contrary to Kipling's assertion, the West is intertwined with the East. Here luxury meets poverty, modernity is mixed with antiquity, Catholic churches with mosques and pagodas, huge supermarkets with colorful bazaars. On one side of the street are modern skyscrapers, on the other - colonial mansions. Some Mumbai residents develop software or monitor stock exchange rates, while others hand-wash other people's laundry, passing on their difficult profession by inheritance. "Mumbai is a city of contrasts," you couldn't have said it better.
In Hindu mythology, Mumbai was known as the city of seven islands, which were believed to be the creation of the goddess Parvati. According to the legend, Parvati was the consort of Lord Shiva and longed to have a home on earth. She created the seven islands that now make up Mumbai by throwing her jeweled necklace into the sea and allowing the islands to emerge.
Another legend associated with Mumbai is that of the goddess Mumbadevi, from which the city gets its name. According to the legend, Mumbadevi was a powerful goddess who protected the seven islands and their inhabitants. It is said that the original temple of Mumbadevi was built by King Bhimdev of the Yadava dynasty in the 13th century.
In another myth, it is believed that Mumbai was the home of the great monkey-god Hanuman, a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Hanuman was on his way to Sri Lanka to rescue Lord Rama's wife, Sita, when he stopped in Mumbai to rest. He was so enchanted by the beauty of the city that he decided to stay there for a while. A temple dedicated to Hanuman still stands in Mumbai as a testament to this legend.
In more recent times, Mumbai has been associated with the legend of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was built in 1903. The hotel is said to have been inspired by a wealthy businessman who was denied entry to the nearby Watson's Hotel because he was not white. The businessman vowed to build a hotel that would be even grander and more luxurious than Watson's, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was born. The hotel has become an iconic symbol of Mumbai and a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.