Built On : 1742-01-01 | Built By : Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha Swamiji

Walkeshwar Sri Kashi Math, located in Mumbai, is a branch of the Shree Kashi Math Samsthan headquartered in Varanasi. It is one of the important centers for followers of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin tradition, associated with a spiritual lineage said to trace its roots back over 5,000 years to the time of Veda Vyasa.

This site holds particular historical relevance as the place where Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha Swamiji, the 7th pontiff of the Shree Kashi Math Samsthan, entered Sajeeva Samadhi on August 1, 1775 (Shravan Shuddha Panchami, Manmatha Samvatsara). The term “Sajeeva Samadhi” refers to a yogic practice where a saint is believed to voluntarily end external physical activity, often through deep meditation and control of breath, with the aim of attaining union with the divine.

His resting place, known as a Vrindavan, remains a focal point for spiritual reflection. Devotees often visit to offer prayers and report experiencing a sense of peace or clarity. The site is regarded by many as spiritually potent, and stories of personal experiences and answered prayers have contributed to its reputation.

Over the years, several notable spiritual figures associated with the Kashi Math tradition have visited and contributed to Walkeshwar Math. Among them is Shrimad Sukratindra Tirtha Swamiji, who is said to have reported a visual experience of a saintly figure—believed to be Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha—during an early morning walk to Banganga. He later shared this experience with his disciple, Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji.

Another important figure commemorated at Walkeshwar Math is Shrimad Varadendra Tirtha Swamiji, the 18th pontiff of the samsthan, who passed away at this location on June 24, 1914 (Ashadh Shuddha Dwitiya, Ananda Samvatsara). His Vrindavan is also maintained within the premises.

Walkeshwar also carries mythological and cultural associations. Local tradition holds that Lord Rama is believed to have halted in this area during the Treta Yuga while searching for Sita. The nearby sites of Walu-ke-Ishwar and Baan-Gangaare often linked with this narrative, adding to the region’s religious landscape and appeal to pilgrims and tourists alike.

The Walkeshwar Math was formally founded in 1742 by Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha Swamiji. In subsequent years, the site has hosted several notable events in the tradition’s history:

• In 1926, the Bhagwan Naam Saptah was conducted under the guidance of H.H. Sukratindra Swamiji.
• In 1974, a five-day Laghu Vishnu Havan was performed in the presence of H.H. Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji.
• In 2017, H.H. Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji initiated a weekly Annadaan Seva, encouraging the practice of food donation every Saturday.

On February 29, 2024, Walkeshwar Math was rejuvenated and re-inaugurated under the leadership of H.H. Shrimad Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji, exactly 277 years after its original establishment. The occasion also marked the beginning of Swamiji’s Chaturmasa Vratha at the Math, allowing devotees in Mumbai to participate in traditional observances and spiritual practices under the guidance of the current pontiff.

Several anecdotal experiences have also been associated with this location. One such account involves a man named Narasimha from Mulki (South Kanara), who, skeptical of the spiritual claims, positioned himself in front of the Vrindavan one night. By morning, he was found unharmed at a different spot nearby, which led him to believe in the subtle presence of Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha Swamiji.

In another instance, during Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji’s stay at Walkeshwar, a group of unemployed youth approached him seeking guidance. He reportedly advised them to engage in daily devotional service in front of the Vrindavan. The group later claimed that they were able to find employment within a short period, an outcome they attributed to following the advice.

Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha Swamiji, the founder of Walkeshwar Math, was originally from Cochin and a disciple of Shrimad Devendra Tirtha Swamiji. Known for his yogic discipline and long tenure as pontiff, he is remembered as an influential figure in the Math’s development.

Today, Walkeshwar Sri Kashi Math continues to function as a place for cultural and religious engagement, drawing devotees, visitors, and spiritual practitioners alike. It is regarded as a part of Mumbai’s wider religious heritage, contributing to the city’s diverse spiritual landscape.

Spiritual Significance

The sanctity and divinity of walkeshwar math has increased many folds for the following reason
1) It was founded by HHS Madhavendra Tirtha swami in 1742, 277 years ago
2) Bhagwan naam saptah was blessed by HHS Sukratindra Swami in 1926, 94 years ago
3) 5 days laghu vishnu havan graced by HHS Sudhindra Tirtha swami in 1974, 46 years ago
4) Every saturday annadaan seva by devotees to devotees initiated by HHS Samyamindra Tirtha swami in 2017, 3 years ago and all these will continue to infinity

History

Walkeshwar Sri Kashi Math is Branch Math of  Shree Kashi Math Samsthan, Varanasi

Walkeshwar Sri Kashi Math is the most auspicious and serene precinct on the earth. For here H.H.Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha Swamiji, 7th pontiff of Shree Kashi Math Samstan belonging to 5000 years old lineage of Veda Vyas, took Jeevanth Samadhi on 1st August 1775 corresponding to Shravan Shuddha Panchami (manmatha sanvatsara) 

Sajeev samadhi is entering vrindavan (sacred tomb) by wilfully stopping to respond to external stimuli by control over the breath and not allowing the gross body to become lifeless or by wilfully dropping the gross body, thereby creating spiritual positive energy force around him by permanently dwelling the mind on parmatma (god), sitting in meditative posture.

Swamiji’s sajeeva vrindavan even to this day radiates enormous spiritual positive energy, creating countless miracles and is like a kalpa-vriksha (desire fulfilling tree for devotees) for his holiness always takes care of the devotees spiritual needs by helping them to overcome their troubles and miseries.

The serenity and divinity of HHs is always profoundly felt here by devotees (Jagruk Sthal)
On one specific occasion, when H H Shrimad Sukratindra Tirtha was camping in Walkeshwar, HHS was on the way to ban-ganga to take bath in the early hours of morning, when HHS saw some tapasvi (Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha) walking towards the lake with Padukas on. HH heard the receding sound of the padukas and the tapasvi disappear. This was reported by HH to shisha swami H H Srimad Sudhindra Tirtha.

How to Reach

By Air: You’d need to book your flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is around 23 km away. Outside the airport, you will find numerous transport options to take you to the temple. There are taxis and public buses available.

By Rail: One of the closest railway stations to the temple is the Charni Road Railway Station, located 5 km away. From the station, you can catch a bus, take an auto or hire a taxi to get to the temple.

By Road: Walkeshwar Temple is well connected by Mumbai’s extensive road network. If you’re travelling within the city, taxis, autos, and public buses are available. If you are driving from South Mumbai, it’s about 7 km from the Gateway of India, and from Western suburbs, it’s a 45-minute drive.

Recommendations

Weekdays are less busy compared to weekends. Plan your travel accordingly. There are no local guides available and there is no mandatory payments except when pay and park facility is utilized.

Nearby Places

Explore The Historical Banganga Tank

Dos and Don'ts

• Leave your footwear outside the premises
• Books kept near office area are paid

Dress Code

Although temple hasn't specified any specific dress code, an Indian attire or fully covering attire would be the most appropriate during the visit.

Mandir Contact Details

• Address:85, Banganga Road, , Walkeshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IN
• Phone:7977245168/9892182783
• Email:wkmath@rediffmail.com

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