10 Temples in Maharashtra You Must Visit Before You Die: Rich History, Mythology, and Spiritual Journey.
Prabhuling jiroli
Maharashtra is a land steeped in spirituality, history, and ancient traditions. The state is home to some of the most significant and revered temples in India, each with its own unique mythology and historical significance. These temples are not just places of worship but monuments of architectural brilliance and stories that span centuries. A pilgrimage to these temples is not only a journey of faith but also a walk through India’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
In this blog, we explore 10 temples in Maharashtra that every devotee and history lover must visit at least once in their lifetime. From the mystical shrines of Lord Shiva to the sacred abodes of Goddess Bhavani, these temples offer a profound spiritual experience along with fascinating stories rooted in mythology.
1. Trimbakeshwar Temple (Nashik)
Mythology & Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Trimbakeshwar is located at the source of the Godavari River. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is dedicated to the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). It is believed that taking a dip in the sacred water at Kushavarta, near the temple, cleanses one of all sins.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 30 km from Nashik and 180 km from Mumbai. Buses and taxis are easily available.
- By Train: Nashik Road is the nearest railway station, 28 km from the temple.
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Tip: Visit during Maha Shivratri for a spiritually uplifting experience.
2. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (Shirdi)
Mythology & Significance: Dedicated to Sai Baba, a revered saint who preached the unity of all religions, this temple in Shirdi is a major pilgrimage site. Sai Baba is known for his miracles, teachings of love, and compassion toward all beings.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 240 km from Mumbai and 90 km from Nashik. Buses and taxis are easily available.
- By Train: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Tip: Attend the Kakad Aarti in the morning for a peaceful experience.
3. Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai)
Mythology & Significance: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is one of the most visited temples in India. It is believed that praying to Lord Ganesha here brings success and prosperity.
How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Easily accessible by local transport.
- By Train: Dadar is the nearest railway station.
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Tip: Tuesdays are considered auspicious; arrive early to avoid crowds.
4. Bhimashankar Temple (Pune)
Mythology & Significance: Another Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Bhimashankar Temple is situated amidst the lush greenery of the Sahyadri hills. According to legend, Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima to defeat the demon Tripurasura, and the temple marks the spot where this occurred.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 110 km from Pune. Private vehicles and buses are available.
- By Train: Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Tip: Monsoon season (June to September) adds to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
5. Tulja Bhavani Temple (Tuljapur)
Mythology & Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, this temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds a special place in the Maratha Empire, as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a devotee of Bhavani. It is believed that the goddess gave Shivaji Maharaj a sword to fight his battles.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 45 km from Solapur and 290 km from Pune. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Solapur Railway Station is the nearest station.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Tip: Navratri festival brings grand celebrations and a spiritual ambiance.
6. Mahalakshmi Temple (Kolhapur)
Mythology & Significance: Mahalakshmi, also known as Ambabai, is one of the Shakti Peethas, where the goddess's energy is believed to be especially powerful. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Hemadpanti and Dravidian styles, and it holds deep spiritual significance.
How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in Kolhapur, easily accessible from major cities in Maharashtra.
- By Train: Kolhapur Railway Station is the nearest station.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Tip: Visit during the Kirnotsav Festival when the rays of the sun directly fall on the deity.
7. Grishneshwar Temple (Aurangabad)
Mythology & Significance: This is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located near the famous Ellora Caves, it holds great significance in Hindu mythology. The temple is said to have been built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 30 km from Aurangabad. Taxis and buses are available.
- By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest station.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the Ellora Caves for a historical and spiritual journey.
8. Ganesha Temple (Ashtavinayak – Lenyadri)
Mythology & Significance: Lenyadri is one of the Ashtavinayak temples, a group of eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. According to mythology, it is the site where Goddess Parvati performed penance to have Lord Ganesha as her son.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 95 km from Pune. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Pune Junction is the nearest railway station.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Tip: Be prepared for a climb, as the temple is located on a hill.
9. Jejuri Khandoba Temple (Pune)
Mythology & Significance: Dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a folk deity worshipped mainly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Jejuri is a popular pilgrimage spot. The temple is perched on a hill, and the deity is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 50 km from Pune. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Pune Junction is the nearest railway station.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Tip: Visit during the Champashashti Festival for a vibrant and cultural experience.
10. Vitthal-Rukmini Temple (Pandharpur)
Mythology & Significance: The Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. Vitthal is a form of Lord Krishna, and Pandharpur is known as the spiritual capital of Maharashtra. The temple attracts millions of devotees, especially during Ashadhi Ekadashi.
How to Reach:
- By Road: 72 km from Solapur. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Solapur Railway Station is the nearest station.
Best Time to Visit: June to February
Tip: Visit during Ashadhi Ekadashi for a spiritual experience like no other.
