Three winged cherubs hold up a stump over the central pediment of the triple-arched gateway. The stump originally held a gas-powered lamp. Three gas lamps were placed on top of the triple-arched gateway, one over each arch, but were later removed.
The allegorical figure of - Charity at the Frere Temple shelters a young girl who seeks protection at her feet. The caring gesture made with her left hand is a symbol of motherly love and holding the sword with the right hand is a symbol of justice for the needy.
Seth Samaldas Narsidas pyaav has lion-faced faucets on four sides through which water emerges and flows into the stone trough at the bottom. The overspill is collected in the Koi Fish Pond and recycled through the fountain. The trough was added during restoration to suit the purpose of a fountain and a pyramidal capital was added at the top.
Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan commemorates Jijabai Bhonsle (1598–1674), mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–80) also variously known as Veermata, Rastramata, or Jijau. Jijabai taught young Shivaji about 'Swarajya' and raised him to be a great warrior and just ruler who challenged the mighty Mughal Empire and laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire.
Completed in 1868, the triple-arched gateway is the main entrance to Jijamata Udyan. William Tracey designed it in the Neo-Palladian style to resemble a Roman triumphal arch. The narrow width between the arches prevented horse-driven carriages from entering. The pediment over the central arch depicts profile portraits of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Victoria Gardens was inaugurated by Lady Catherine Frere, wife of Sir Bartle Frere, the then governor of Bombay (1862–67). Catherine was daughter of Sir George Arthur, who was former governor of Bombay (1842-46), who Bartle Frere had served as private secretary. The Frere Temple was built in her honour and installed at a roundabout inside the gardens.
Victoria Garden was established as a botanical garden by the Agri Horticultural Society of Western India on Mount Estate, Byculla, on land donated by David Sassoon (1792-1864). In 1890, a zoo was added to the garden. In 1969, Victoria Garden was renamed Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, though it is popularly known as Byculla Zoo or Mumbai Zoo.
Double portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales. In the foreground is Alexandra of Denmark (1844–1925) and in the background is Albert Edward (1841–1910), who became Prince of Wales in 1841 and held the title till 1901. The French motto on top, Dieu et mon droit means God and my right, implying the (English) monarch has a God-given (divine) right to rule.
Corinthian order pillars with elaborate floral capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls, stand at the corners of the triple-arched gateway. The gateway was sponsored by Rustomjee Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy (1824-72) and designed by William Tracey, though the building was completed by Messrs. Scott, McClelland and Co. after Tracey's untimely death.