The Banganga Revival Project

THE HISTORY OF BANGANGA

The Banganga Precinct is the oldest continuously inhabited site in Mumbai, dating back to the 9^th Century.

At the heart of the precinct lies a natural fresh water stepped tank, called Banganga. The Tank is surrounded by Religious Shrines, Samadhis (Memorials), Dharmashalas (Pilgrim rest-houses), Deepsthambhs (Pillars of lamps), and other heritage structures.

The Banganga Tank is mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts of Ramayana and Skanda Purana and has a rich cultural significance. According to a legend Lord Ram and his brother Laxman, visited the area on their way to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana, the king of Lanka. Lord Ram shot an arrow (Baan) into the ground when he felt thirsty. At the site where the arrow hit the ground, a natural spring burst out. The spring is said to be a tributary of the holy river Ganga. Hence, the name “Baan – Ganga”.

It is a State Protected Monument under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2010.