Posted on May 11th, 2024
Given its status as the home of Bollywood, most people believe Maharashtra is brimming with entertainment opportunities. But there’s a lot more to the state. Travelers come from all over to visit major temples in Maharashtra to seek the blessings of the Hindu pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. The state represents a microcosm of Indians’ various beliefs and religious traditions. It is impossible to eliminate religion from the state. It would not be inaccurate to suggest that religion shapes Maharashtra’s identity. Did you know that Maharashtra has some of India’s holiest temples? It is critical to bring these hidden treasures to light so that more people might experience a nearly zen-like state. Spirituality is a personal idea that is visible in several ways. These famous temples in Maharashtra will undoubtedly expose you to new spiritual experiences.
Maharashtra, in addition to its sophisticated cities, boasts gorgeous beaches, stunning mountains, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, among other things. Aside from the intricate and gorgeous temples in Maharashtra, you should surely visit destinations like Ajanta Caves, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Shirdi, Ellora Caves, Panchgani, and Aurangabad during your Delhi to Maharashtra trip. With so many popular temples in Maharashtra, one can plan a pilgrimage tour to the state and visit the top ones. You should also consider going to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. Apart from the three Jyotirlinga temples, Maharashtra is famous for its prominent pilgrimage locations. Here are some of the most notable temples to explore in Maharashtra.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Maharashtra, located around 258 kilometres from Mumbai, is one of the most prominent temples in the state. This city, known as the Land of Sai, attracts thousands of pilgrims each year thanks to the Shirdi Temple. This shrine is for Sai Baba, one of the country’s most revered saints. After reaching Shirdi at the age of 16, Sai Baba lived in the village and attained Samadhi as well. The temple complex now spans 200 square meters and includes Chavadi, Samadhi Mandir, Gurusthan, Lendi Baug, and other structures.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Mauli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra | 5 am – 11 pm | Rs 200 per person |
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, located in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district, is one of the most prominent temples in Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple houses one of the jyotirlingas mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Shiva, the 12th Jyotirlinga, is popular by various names at this temple, including Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, Ghrushmeswara, and Grishneswara. The temple was rebuilt multiple times under the reigns of Maloji Raje Bhosale and Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar. This temple, built of red volcanic rock, is well-known for its superb medieval architecture and 5-tier Shikara. Today, the temple includes a garbhagriha, an antarala, and a sabha mandapa. Many devotees attend this temple during the Maha Shivaratri, a prominent religious celebration at this jyotirling.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Verul, Maharashtra | 5.30 am – 9 pm | Free |
Yamai Devi Temple at Aundh is one of the most popular temples in Maharashtra, dedicated to Yamai Devi. Many people in Maharashtra regard the black stone statue of Devi Mahishasur Mardini at this temple to be their family deity. The idol here has an arrow, Trishul, paan Patra, and gada. This temple, which is associated with the Pant family, also provides you with the opportunity to view Aundh’s price collections at the Sri Bhavani Museum. The majority of devotees gather here for the yearly Yatra, which takes place during Paush Purnima.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Aundh, Maharashtra | 8 am – 9.30 pm | – |
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, in Nashik, Maharashtra, worships Lord Shiva. Built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, this temple houses the Kushavarta, which is known as the source of the Godavari River. This temple, surrounded by the lush vegetation of Anjaneri Mountain, houses three Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma lingams. There are three water bodies here: Bilva Theertha, Viswananthirtha, and Mukundathirtha. As one of the greatest temples in Maharashtra, the Jyotirlinga here shows three faces: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra. The jewelled crown that covers the lingas is presented every Monday between 4 and 5 p.m. This crown is thought to have existed since the age of the Pandavas.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Shrimant Peshwa Path, Trimbak, Maharashtra | 6 am – 9 pm | Rs 200 per person |
Chintamani Temple, located in Theur, is one of Maharashtra’s most visited Ganesh temples. Shri Dharanidhar Dev built it, and certain changes were made throughout time. This temple, which boasts a 100-year-old Ganesha image, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples. There are also a number of temples dedicated to deities, including Vishnu-Lakshmi, Mahadeva, and Hanuman. As one of the best Ganesha temples in Maharashtra, this temple draws thousands of tourists during events such as the Mahotsav Festival, Rama-Madhav Punyostav, and Ganesh Prakatostav.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Theur, Pune, Maharashtra | 6 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 10 pm | Free |
The Ekvira Aai Mandir is a Hindu temple located near the Karla Caves in Lonavala, Maharashtra, India. This ancient centre of devotion, thought to be over 2,000 years old, is especially treasured by the Aagri and Koli populations. The temple complex, which offers breathtaking vistas as well as spiritual importance, may be reached by climbing around 500 steps. The construction blends South Indian and Dravidian elements, with the main sanctuary housing Ekvira Devi and Jogaśvarī Devi. Though previously larger, the centre and southern shrines are the best preserved now. Notably, the temple coexists with the adjacent Karla Caves, which honour Buddhist heritage.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Ekvira Devi Rd, Karla, Maharashtra | 6 am – 9 pm | Free |
The Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most promising places to visit in Mumbai. This temple attracts a large crowd every day and is one of Mumbai’s most popular tourist attractions. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, who is considered the deity of intellect and wisdom. Lord Ganesha is adored across India, as well as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bali. The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is the most prominent temple dedicated to this deity, attracting worshippers from all over the world. Its prominent values attract both the common man and celebrities.
| LOCATION | TIMINGS | ENTRY FEES |
| Mumbai, Maharashtra | 7 am – 7 pm | Free |
The ideal months to explore temples in Maharashtra are October through February. In most regions of Maharashtra, the weather is normally hot and dry during these months. However, showers may occur in the eastern region of the state. Temperatures throughout the winter season range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. The warm weather makes it ideal for visiting all of Maharashtra’s major sites. This is also an excellent time to snorkel in Tarkarli. Temperatures climb dramatically between March and May, making sightseeing difficult. The rainy season in Maharashtra begins in June and lasts until September. July has the most rainfall. It is not a good time to explore Maharashtra’s temples because most hotels are closed during this period.
Visit these breathtaking temples in Maharashtra for a spiritual awakening and a healthy getaway with your friends and family. Seek your blessings and enjoy quiet and tranquillity on your next trip to Maharashtra.
Some of the prominent temples in Maharashtra are Walkeshwar Temple, Goddess Mahalaxmi Temple, Amruteshwar Temple, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Khandoba Temple, etc.
Maharashtra is one of India’s main commercial and industrial centres, earning it the nickname “India’s Gateway.” Maharashtra is also known for its culture and beauty. The ancient cave paintings at Ajanta and Ellora are UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous tourist attractions.
Pawna Lake, Lonavala, Kamshet, Igatpuri, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Ratnagiri, Karnala, Lohagad, Matheran, Alibaug, Kashid, Dahanu, etc., are some of the places you can explore on a two-day trip in Maharashtra.
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