Kolis venerate self-manifested (svayambhu) lingams in the form of naturally occurring rocks or geological features. They are anthropomorphized—that is, given eyes—to resemble the faces of gods and goddesses, each with a unique mythology.
Pictured here is the flagstaff (dhwajastambh) at the Vetal Dev Temple. The saffron flag, which is visible from a long distance, symbolizes the presence of the divine.
Stone images of Sakba Devi (left), Golfa Devi (centre), and Harba Devi (right) are embellished with necklaces, ear ornaments, nose rings (naths), and crowns made from gold and precious stones.
Papvimochneshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built around a self-manifested (syambhu) lingam in the inner sanctum (garbagriha). A marble Nandi sits in the mandapa facing the sanctuary.
Worli fishing village is squeezed on a narrow cape surrounded by sea on two sides. The fort is at its northern tip, now dominated by the iconic 5.6-kilometre-long Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The village is home to the Koli community, the original inhabitants of the island, who lived here for centuries, long before the rise of Mumbai as a megacity.
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link faced significant opposition during its planning and construction phases from the fishing community of Worli Koliwada. They expressed concern about the impact Sea Link would have on the marine ecosystem. Despite protests, the Sea Link was completed and has become a symbol of modern Mumbai.
For many Koli families, their kula devata is Ekvira Devi, regarded as a manifestation of the goddess Renuka. Kolis make a yearly pilgrimage to Ekvira Devi Temple at the Karla Caves, near Lonavala.
The Vetal Dev Temple is dedicated to Panyatla Vetal and Aagya Vetal. The temple also houses the mother goddesses Sakhba Devi, Golfa Devi, and Harba Devi. The stone images are coated in thick layers of vermillion.