The Asthika Samaj was established as a place of public worship in Matunga, Mumbai, India, in the year 1923, by adorning the sacred hall with a portrait of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Later, in 1953, with the blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, the temple attained full-fledged status with the installation of idols of Lord Sri Ramachandra, Sita Devi, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in a specially created Garbhagriha.
The historical significance of the place can be traced to the belief that the area, now known as Matunga, was once the abode of Mathanga Rishi, who, after performing Mahayagnas on the banks of the Pampa River, attained the revered status of Maharishi. As a vestige of this ancient past, a banyan tree continues to exist even today, fulfilling the wishes of thousands of devotees.
The spiritual growth of the Samaj over the years, along with the wholehearted support of devotees, enabled the installation of other deities: Lord Karthikeyan (1965), Navagraha idols (1967), Lord Kochu Guruvayurappan (1974), and Swamy Ayyappan (1978). Religious festivals are celebrated throughout the year, and daily poojas are conducted strictly in accordance with Vedic, Tantric, and Agama scriptures.
The Samaj also has a Kalyana Mandapam within its premises, known as the Sri Sita Rama Kalyana Mandapam, equipped with modern facilities. It is one of the finest venues available to devotees and the general public for conducting marriages, Upanayanam, and other religious or social functions.
Today, The Asthika Samaj, Matunga, stands as an established center of religious and cultural life in Mumbai. The Samaj owes its present status to the loyal support of its members, devotees, and the public at large.
