The only surviving Chinese temple in Mumbai’s lost Chinatown

The city of Mumbai holds a few charming secrets that you may overlook. After all, the glitz and glamour has such a resounding impact that the little things might get lost in between. But here is a little secret for you. The city is home to a Chinese temple called the Kwan Kung Temple, which is the only one that you will find here. Built in 1919, it is the only relic of the city’s Chinatown that once existed in the 1950s and 60s.
Located within a two-story house, the temple can be found in Mazagaon Dockyard area, and it is the only Chinese temple in the city. The main temple is mainly situated in a large room.
The temple is dedicated to Kwan Kung, who is the Chinese God of justice, protection, and courage. The altar is red in colour, and has gold carvings. Authentic Chinese prayer items such as fortune sticks that are called Kau cim, something that dates back to the third century. Chinese paper lanterns are also prominently seen here in the temple.
The steps leading up to the shrine will reveal walls that are adorned with murals of Chinese gods of blessings, longevity, and prosperity.
It is said that the Chinatown in Mumbai got deserted after the Sino-Indian war. The Chinese residents saw it fit to leave the country and return to China, while some went further west. A few families did stay back here, who call Mumbai their home. Fluent in Hindi and Marathi, these residents are keeping this relic of Mumbai’s lost Chinatown alive.