Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha (Regd.), Geeta Bhavan, Hari Mandir, commonly known as Hari Mandir (हरि मंदिर), is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram and Krishna. Located at Plot #353, Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, Sion-Koliwada, Mumbai – 400037.
Established on 13 April 1950 and rebuilt in 1980, it is one of the oldest and most revered temples from Sion to Wadala–Matunga.
The three spires (Shikhar) of Hari Mandir, Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, Mumbai
History
In 1947, after the Partition of India — the worst massacre of the 20th century — millions of refugees came to India. Among them, around 1000 human beings moved to Mumbai (then Bombay), barefooted and starving. They found a camp in the military barracks of Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar.
Their first need, once settled, was a place of worship. In late 1947, people gathered, brought idols from their homes, and prayed under mats-for-walls and tin-for-roof. On 13 April 1950, a proper structural temple was created and named Hari Mandir. In 1953, land was received from the Government of India and the Trust was registered as Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha (Regd.) Mumbai.
In 1980, new moorti (idols) of Lord Shree Ram, Mata Sita, Laxmanji, Hanumanji, Shree Radhe-Krishna, Matarani, Mahadev Shivji, and Mata Parvati were installed — present to this day.
Temple Structure
The present structure was rebuilt in 2000. The temple has three spires (Shikhar) on three main shrines.
- Left Shrine: Shiva–Parvati
- Centre Shrine: Ram Darbar (Rama–Sita–Lakshmana–Hanuman) with Radhe–Krishna
- Right Shrine: Maa Durga and Santoshi Mata
Additional idols of Ganpati and Hanumanji stand on left and right respectively, surrounded by Mata Yamuna, Mata Ganga, Saraswati Mata, Bharat Mata, and Gayatri Mata. The three shrines are adorned by carved panels of the Ramayan story. There is a Shivling shrine for Jal-Abhishek, an AC hall on the first floor for discourses, and CCTV security installed in 2009.
Divya Jyoti from Mata Vaishnodevi
On 13 September 2006, the Trust brought a sacred Akhand (uninterrupted) Jyoti from the Divine Enclave of Mata Vaishnodevi (Jammu) and established it at Hari Mandir. It has been burning continuously ever since — the only such Jyoti in all of Mumbai.
Social Works
- Annual Mathura–Vrindavan Tour during Holi Festival
- Free pilgrimage to Mata Vaishnodevi (Jammu) for economically weaker sections
- Free health camps: eye, diabetes blood sugar, dental treatment, yoga training
- Food distribution to patients and needy families
- Specially equipped tricycles for disabled men and women
- Books, school bags, stationery for needy students
- Free ambulance service
Managing Committee
Previous committee (2011–2014): President: Shri Harbanslal Makad, Secretary: Shri Manmohan Lamba, Treasurer: Shri Hariom Sehgal.