The temple was originally built on November 19, 1801 by Laxman Vithu Patil, a wealthy contractor. The idol was discovered buried in the ground near what is now the temple site. The temple was a small structure for most of its history but underwent massive redevelopment starting in the 1990s. A major renovation in 1996 added the current 85-foot gold-plated shikhar (spire) and expanded the temple complex.
The temple's popularity exploded after Bollywood celebrities began visiting regularly, and it became a symbol of Mumbai's unique blend of spirituality and show business.
