Babulnath Temple Land Lease Renewed for ₹1: A Historical Milestone

The state government has renewed the lease for a portion of the Babulnath Temple complex, one of Mumbai’s most revered temples, for a period of 30 years, for a nominal ₹1. The decision was taken at the state’s cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The temple complex is located on 5,677 sq m of land, of which 718 sq m has been leased to the Babulnath Temple Charity Trust since 1901. The renewal of the lease has been pending since 2012.

While approving the lease renewal, the state government also waived ₹34.57 lakh sought from the trust as lease rent between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2021. The Mumbai city collector had sent a letter to the state government in February 2022 regarding the rent collection.

Nitin Thakkar, a temple trustee, wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in May 2025, requesting a waiver of the rent. “The said land is used only as a path for devotees to reach the temple. The collector’s attempt is to seek the amount based on commercial use, which is not appropriate,” the letter read.

Thakkar has also requested the government to allow the land to be converted into freehold property, which would bestow ownership of the land on the trust. However, the collector, in his letter, had mentioned that the status of the said land could not be changed to ‘freehold’ as the freehold policy allows for conversion of plots reserved only for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

The Babulnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant religious site in Mumbai, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during the festival of Mahashivratri. The temple's history dates back to the 12th century, and it has been a symbol of faith and cultural heritage for generations.

The decision to renew the lease at a nominal cost is seen as a positive step by the state government, acknowledging the temple's importance to the city’s religious and cultural fabric. The move is expected to provide financial relief to the trust and ensure the continued maintenance and preservation of the temple complex.

However, the request to convert the land into freehold property remains a contentious issue. The trust argues that the land is primarily used for religious purposes and should not be subject to commercial valuation. The government, on the other hand, is bound by existing policies that restrict such conversions to specific land use categories.

The Babulnath Temple Charity Trust, which manages the temple, plays a crucial role in maintaining the temple and its surroundings. The trust organizes various religious and social events, including charity programs, educational initiatives, and community services, which benefit a wide range of people in the city.

The renewal of the lease is a significant milestone for the temple and its devotees, ensuring that the sacred site remains accessible and well-maintained for future generations. The trust and the government are likely to continue discussions on the conversion of the land to freehold status, balancing the religious significance of the site with the legal and regulatory framework.

In conclusion, the renewal of the Babulnath Temple land lease for a nominal ₹1 is a testament to the government's commitment to preserving the city's cultural and religious heritage. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to support religious institutions and the communities they serve.