Shree Balaji Mandir, Charkop

Shree Balaji Mandir stands at Charkop in Kandivali West, Mumbai, and is claimed to be the second home of Lord Venkateshwara after Tirupati. Each month, on Shravana Nakshatra, the idol receives an abhishekam: scented oil and turmeric paste are applied, it is bathed in perfumed water while priests sing hymns such as the Purusha Sukta and Sri Sukta, and it is then dressed and garlanded.

The year's great occasions include the Maha Abhishekam or Panchamrut Snan, when the idol is bathed in milk, curd, honey, fruit extracts and petals, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi, which brings thousands of devotees. Through the month of Margashirsha, Sri Andal and Balaji are honoured daily with a verse of the Tiruppavai and an offering of pongal, ending with a Maha Aarti at the full moon. Devotees can also offer archana, a tulsi garland or the Saturday unjal seva, when the festival deities are worshipped on a swing.