Versova's colloquial name is Vesave, which derives from the Marathi-Konkani word for rest (as in, a resting place for ships and seafarers), likely connected to its importance as a harbor.
The Kolis are one of the early inhabitants of Mumbai, and their Koliwadas are among the oldest continuous settlements in the city, having existed for centuries.
A banner bearing the name of the temple in the Devanagari script obscures the view of an elevated platform with the goddess Durga as Mahishasurmardini (slayer of Mahishashura).
Many shops in the vicinity of Mumba Devi Temple have been in business for generations. For example, Ram Jagannath Jaipurwale has been selling sweets and puja ingredients to pilgrims for three generations.
The store sells conches, cowries, rudraksha beads, and metal rings. In the past, people used cowries as a form of currency and associated them with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity.