About
Across the southern part of Mumbai, which is the downtown area, there are a lot of British-era cannons peppered across the streets and alleys. These cannons were once a part of the British artillery centuries ago. Eventually, with evolving technology, the old cannons became obsolete and were therefore used as bollards or for marking certain territories.
Some cannons were put into the ground in an inverted position. These inverted cannons were used as territorial markers, based on which the landscape, demography, and architecture of the areas changed.
Near Masjid Bunder Railway Station, there is a street called Bhandari Street. Near this place, there is a magnificent old inverted cannon. A small temple-like shrine has been built around it and the cannon has become a local deity of the neighbourhood. People from the local community worship the cannon shrine.
According to the locals, this cannon is more than a hundred years old and was once used to tie up ships. Eventually, it was given the status of a local deity and people come to worship the cannon during particular festivals or during weddings.
Know Before You Go
From Masjid Bunder Railway Station, take the exit stairs from the west onto Bhandari Street. At the exit, there is a building called Cement Chawl. The cannon shrine is located here, a short distance into the Chawl.
Note: At the railway station exit, I asked the locals for directions and they showed me the shrine and also told some stories associated with it. Also, please be respectful of their sentiments associated with the shrine.
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Published
June 19, 2026
