My Heritage Chronicles

Many Purana's and ancient text associate the region of Shurparaka with Parshurama - the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is said that it was Parshuram who commanded Lord Varuna to recede the sea which created the land of Kerala and Konkan. He gifted Konkan to the Brahmin's. North Konkan region was once called Shurparaka which included the present day Sopara Vasai Virar areas. The name Shurparaka evolve from Sanskrit word "Surpa" referring to the shape of the region which resembled a winnowing basket. Legend also has it that the region was ruled by two demons Narkasur and Vimlasur, Both were killed by Parshuram and the place where his arrows fell gave rise to twin lakes called Nirmal sarovar and Vimala sarovar. He also established Vimaleshwar Mahadev temple and 64 Yogini in and around Vasai region as well as 108 teertha kunds or pushkarnis. This is quoted in holy edits of Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. Depending upon ones view point the myths and legends can be e

Vasai - the faraway suburb of Mumbai is normally associated with it's Portuguese connection since they ruled this place, Portuguese remnants being the famous Vasai fort and the numerous churches built by them. But few know the fact the Nalasopara - Vasai - Virar belt is also considered to be a holy tirtha and finds mention in numerous ancient Hindu text and Purana's. Shurparakha is erstwhile name of present day Nalasopara which was an ancient port city as well as gets mention in Vana Prana text of Mahabharta. Tungareshwar forest of Vasai East has association with Lord Parshuram and Nirmal gaon is said to be created by Lord Parshuram. There is a samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya of Puri at Nirmal gaon in Vasai who is also said to have meditated in jungles of Tungareshwar in Vasai. Ancient vihir of Vasai:  Chulne gaon which is located at around 3 kms from Vasai station on the west is home to an ancient kund or vihir which is associated with Pandava's. It is said that on

It was around 15 years back that I first heard about the Buddhist site at Nalasopara and that it was once a major port town with major trade links with other ports around the world. Nalasopara has been known by different names like Shuraparaka, Sopara as well as on some accounts Sunaparanta . It was then my first visit exploring the Buddhist site and nearby Chakreshwar Mahadev Temple which is famous for its magnificent stone sculptures and ancient math which hold a samadhi of Swami Samath primary disciple. My passion for exploring heritage sites & places have taken me to many nooks and corner of Mumbai city and its faraway suburbs & areas over all these years. It was while reading about one ancient site near Vasai that I chanced upon another small ancient temple of Vishnu located close to the above already famous Nalasopara sites which looked interesting. Come Dusshera holiday, I was on my way to explore this heritage site with only help that I had was it was clearly mar

The idea of this blog was to highlight some unique & interesting heritage structures in & around our city where we may have knowledge of their presence but are not aware of their importance or unique facts or history behind them. By highlighting interesting facts & history story we could bring more pride & awareness towards preserving these unique jewels we have in our city of Mumbai. Ghodapdeo : A predominantly labour class neighbourhood nestled between Cotton green, Reay Road, Mustafa bazaar & Kalachowky areas. This area was known for its cloth mills but post 1990 after the era of liberalisation the mills were shut down and today the area slowly is giving away to redevelopment of chawl's and  making way for high rises. This area is located just behind the famous Victoria gardens or also known as Rani baug or Mumbai Zoo. Nestled in this neighbourhood is one unique temple of God Ghodapdeo . The area gets its name from this temple.The locals worship it

Mumbai the mega metropolitan city was once a group of seven islands is something that we all know about. The seven islands which constitute Mumbai were home to communities of fishing villages and little hamlets scattered all over. They are chapters of a glorious history that endowed us with such rich heritage and architecture. Mazgaon or Mazagon - part of South Mumbai is one of the oldest suburbs of Mumbai. The original inhabitants were Agari (salt workers) & Koli (fisherman) tribes. Mazgaon has a rich history. It influenced several communities which makes it even more interesting. In heart of this sprawling suburb of Mumbai lies this quaint village called Matharpacady or Mathar-Pakhadi which was originally a colony of East Indian Catholics but over a period of time came to include many Goan and other families. The village is self-contained with artistic wrought iron and wood bungalows, art decor, sprawling porches, verandas, and altars. It boasts some of the city's olde