Maharashtra, with its rich tapestry of culture and history, is home to some of the most revered and magnificent temples in India. The very fabric of this state is interwoven with spirituality and devotion, and visiting its temples is a journey into the heart of its cultural heritage. Much like the famous temples of Kerala, which draw pilgrims and tourists from across the globe, Maharashtra’s temples hold their unique allure, inviting devotees and travelers alike to bask in their divine serenity. Known as the land where saints and sages have walked, Maharashtra offers a spiritual expedition that is both enlightening and mesmerizing.
Whether your journey to Maharashtra is in search of spiritual solace or to explore its historical richness, missing out on its temples would mean missing out on the essence of this majestic state. These temples, some of which date back over a millennium, stand as a testament to the architectural grandeur and spiritual profundity of the eras gone by. They are not just places of worship but are the custodians of the legends, myths, and the very soul of Maharashtra.
As you plan your visit, let the stories of divinity and devotion unfold before you in these sacred spaces. Each temple narrates tales of miracles, of faith that moves mountains, and of the divine presence that pervades the air. So, whether you’re a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, a journey through Maharashtra’s temples might just transform you, imbuing your spirit with a sense of peace and reverence.
12 Famous Temples in Maharastra
Here are 12 famous temples in Maharashtra that stand as beacons of faith and marvels of ancient architecture. Dive into the history and discover the uniqueness of each temple. And remember, a visit to these holy sanctuaries promises an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned from your travels.
1. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Siddhivinayak Temple, situated in Mumbai, is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in India. The temple is especially known for its unique idol of Lord Ganesha with the trunk on the right side, which is considered highly auspicious. Every day, thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, making it a pivotal center of worship in Maharashtra.
Special Attraction: The ‘Aarti’ and ‘Prasad’ distribution are significant rituals here, with the Tuesday ‘Aarti’ being the most popular among devotees. The annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, attracting devotees from across the globe.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:50 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, but VIP access passes are available for a fee.
- How to Reach: The temple is easily accessible by Mumbai’s local trains, buses, or taxis. The nearest railway station is Dadar.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Marine Drive.
2. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Sai Baba, a saint known for his teachings of love, forgiveness, charity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to God and Guru. Millions of devotees of all religions visit the temple every year to pay homage to Sai Baba.
Special Attraction: The temple organizes four ‘Aartis’ daily, with the ‘Kakad Aarti’ at dawn and the ‘Shej Aarti’ at night being particularly noteworthy. The annual festivals of Ramnavami, Guru Purnima, and Vijayadashami are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 4:00 AM to 11:15 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, special passes available for quick darshan.
- How to Reach: Shirdi is well-connected by bus and train. The nearest airports are Aurangabad and Pune.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Wet N Joy Water Park, Sai Heritage Village, Shani Shingnapur.
Shirdi Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Shirdi With Shani Shingnapur Temple Tour Itinerary
3. Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur is one of the Shakti Peethas listed in various Puranas of Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is believed visiting this temple brings prosperity and peace to devotees.
Special Attraction: The ‘Navratra Mahotsav’ is the most celebrated festival here, with devotees thronging the temple to witness the grand decorations and participate in the rituals.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, special darshan tickets available.
- How to Reach: Kolhapur is accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport.
- Nearby Key Attractions: New Palace Museum, Rankala Lake, Jyotiba Temple.
4. Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
Located in the Sahyadri ranges, Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India. The temple, amidst lush greenery, offers a serene atmosphere and is a popular trekking destination.
Special Attraction: The ‘Mahashivratri’ festival is celebrated with great fervor, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple is also known for its wildlife sanctuary, home to the Indian Giant Squirrel.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, special darshan and puja options are available for a fee.
- How to Reach: The temple can be reached by road from Pune. The nearest railway station is Pune.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanuman Lake, Nagphani (Duke’s Nose).
5. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nashik
Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik, is another significant Jyotirlinga shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its unique linga that embodies Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
Special Attraction: The ‘Sinasthana’ ceremony and ‘Kumbh Mela‘, held every twelve years, are major events that draw devotees from all over the world.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, but special rituals have associated fees.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Nashik, which is well-connected by bus and train services.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Brahmagiri Hill, Anjaneri Mountain, Nashik city vineyards.
6. Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur
The Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. It is dedicated to Lord Vithoba, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The temple is the main center of worship for the “Varkari” sect of Hinduism.
Special Attraction: The ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi’ and ‘Kartiki Ekadashi’ pilgrimages attract millions of ‘Varkaris’ who undertake a journey on foot to reach the temple.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, VIP darshan passes available.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road and rail from major cities in Maharashtra. The nearest railway station is Pandharpur.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Chandrabhaga River, ISKCON Pandharpur, Pundalik Temple.
7. Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri
Ganpatipule is a small town along the Konkan Coast, famous for its 400-year-old Ganpati temple. The temple’s deity, Lord Ganesha, is believed to have self-originated from white sand.
Special Attraction: The temple is located on the beach, offering a unique blend of spiritual and scenic experiences. The ‘Magh Chaturthi’ festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Ratnagiri is the nearest city, accessible by bus, train, or car.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Ganpatipule Beach, Prachin Konkan Museum, Jaigad Fort.
8. Parli Vaijnath Temple, Parli
The Parli Vaijnath Temple, located in the Beed district of Maharashtra, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This temple stands on the Vaijnath mountain and offers a tranquil environment for worship.
Special Attraction: The temple is particularly famous for its celebration of ‘Maha Shivratri‘, where devotees from all over the country come to offer prayers. The architecture of the temple, which reflects the Hemadpanthi style, is also a significant draw for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, special pujas and darshan have a fee.
- How to Reach: Parli has its railway station, and the temple can also be reached by road from major cities in Maharashtra.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Ambajogai Temple, Aundha Nagnath Temple.
9. Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Nashik
Saptashrungi Devi Temple, situated in the Nashik district, is a site of Hindu pilgrimage and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi. It is located on a hilltop with 108 water reservoirs, known as Kundas, which are of historical significance.
Special Attraction: The ‘Navratri’ festival is celebrated with immense fervor here, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple’s location offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: The temple is accessible by road from Nashik. Buses and taxis are available.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Vani village, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa.
10. Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
Khandoba Temple, located in Jejuri, is dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a form of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important temples in Maharashtra and is known for its unique rituals and vibrant celebrations.
Special Attraction: The ‘Bhandara Festival’, where turmeric (bhandara) is thrown all over the temple premises, creating a yellow haze, is a sight to behold. This festival symbolizes prosperity and is a major attraction for tourists and devotees alike.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Jejuri is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest major city is Pune.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Jejuri Fort, Morgaon Mayureshwar Temple.
11. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Aurangabad
Grishneshwar Temple, located near the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and carvings.
Special Attraction: The temple is especially crowded during the ‘Shivratri’ and ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ festivals. Pilgrims often visit Grishneshwar Temple along with the nearby Ajanta and Ellora caves, making it a spiritual and historical journey.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Located near Ellora Caves, accessible by road from Aurangabad. Buses and taxis frequently ply to the temple.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Daulatabad Fort.
12. Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple, Pune
Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple is part of the Ashtavinayak, the eight revered temples of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra. The temple houses Mahaganapati, believed to be one of the most powerful representations of Lord Ganesha.
Special Attraction: The ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. Devotees believe that visiting this temple and the other seven in the Ashtavinayak circuit brings blessings and fulfills wishes.
- Temple Opening & Closing Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, special darshan and rituals are available for a fee.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Pune. Buses and taxis are readily available.
- Nearby Key Attractions: Ashtavinayak temples, Shivneri Fort, Narayangaon vineyards.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s temples are not just places of worship; they are the bearers of the rich history, culture, and traditions of the region. Each temple has its unique charm and story, offering a serene and divine experience to its visitors. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace or wish to explore the architectural marvels, these temples provide an insightful glimpse into the devout heart of Maharashtra.
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