The popular myth regarding how Walkeshwar got its name originate from the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Ram and Lakshman had visited the site of Banganga during their search for Sita. They were met by rishis who suggested Rama to install a potent lingam brought from Varanasi. However, given the time it would take Lakshman to make the return journey, a shivling was made out of sand. This lingam (and the temple that later housed it) was called Walkeshwar (Walu = sand, Ishwar = God), giving the place its current name.
The Heritage Project draws attention to how women are integral to the growth and development of the Banganga neighborhood, and their role in sustaining ecology. Shilo Shiv Suleman depicts this interdependence with the use of a mix of text, portraits, and elements of Hindu mythology to create awareness and promote dialogue for social change.
Diverse architectural elements are incorporated within a compact forecourt at the Vyankatesh Balaji Temple. The entrance gate doubles as a naubatkhana (drum house); a flight of steps leads to a platform where musicians played the nagara and shehnai. Next to the gateway are shrines dedicated to Garuda and Ganesha, separated by a deepastambha.
Early European visitors to Walkeshwar mention the site as a 'Brahmin village'. The ghats surrounding Banganga Tank are maintained by the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust. The materials required for performing ceremonies, like flowers, incense, and coconut, are arranged by hereditary Brahmin priests from diverse communities living at Walkeshwar for many centuries. They conduct a variety of Hindu rituals like thread ceremonies, childbirth, marriages, cremation rites, morning and evening libations, and offerings of pitripujas and shraddh.