History Behind Mumbai Station Names
In Mumbai there are many things that generate a particular interest in us and leave us curious each and every time. One such interesting noteworthy stuff is about unique names of stations that we observe on our day-to-day basis.
Once we get in Mumbai trains, we are more eager to hear the name of our station i.e. our destination. And, it’s funnier to hear them in almost three different languages. (Next station Bandra, Agla station Bandra, Pudhil station Vandre). Isn’t it?
Well, it’s nothing wrong to say that the names of train stations are a brand in itself. Like every other brand story, here are list of stations and their story that tells how they got their exact name:-
here is the list of factoids that reveal interesting history behind Mumbai station names :
- Bandra
Bandra is called as a “Queen of the suburbs”. In general it’s quite popular in terms of famous celebrities living there e.g. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and the list goes on. Basically, Bandra was originally derived from the word “Bandar” which means port.
Bandra was a tiny fishing village in the past and later bought by the East India Company. The charm of this station is highly seen in its rich adapted beauty from during its Portuguese time who also built the Catholic chapel of Mount Mary.
- Churchgate
It’s often been said why this station is called “Churchgate” when it neither has a church nor gate. Right? Well, this busiest station got its name from Church gate street which is now known as Veer Nariman point. It was named after St. Thomas Cathedral which was among the three gates.
- Dadar
Dadar is known as a ladder in Marathi. So as per our research, this is how it got its unique name.
- Sion
This station was initially called as “shiv” in Marathi. But, the Britishers had a difficulty in pronouncing the name so they named it as “Sion” in English. The meaning of the name is boundary or limit and due to this in 17th century the village formed a large boundary between Mumbai and Salsette Island.
- Kurla
The name Kurla was originated from the word “Kurli” that comes from the local names from crabs which was found a lot in the vicinity of the village.
- Nalasopara
Nalasopara or sopara came from the name SHURPARAKA which means “Brave-City”. Shurparaka was actually an oldest port town in India. And, it’s also known as a place where most of the pandavas rested during Mahabharata.
It is now been governed by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation.
- Matunga
Matunga station which is highly recalled because of 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings is known as the heart of the Mumbai City. Therefore, Matunga was derived from the Marathi word Matang or Elephant (It is a Sanskrit translation of Matunga). It’s been said that King Bhimdev’s army was stationed at this particular area around 12th century which later led in keeping this name.
- Virar
The name Virar comes from the God Ekavira. There was a holy temple of Eka-vira Devi which is now said to be broken down by the Portuguese in the last 400 years. There exist a huge tank dedicated to Eka-vira Devi called as “Viraar Tirtha” or “Eka- Viraa Tirtha”.
Do you too know any such history behind Mumbai Station names then do let us know in comments below.
