The West-central state of Maharashtra is visited and explored by one and all, not only Indians but the state’s main centre Mumbai is so many’s dream city. With its fast paced life and some of the best options for shopping and entertainment, it continuously ranks amongst the top visited cities in India. What’s more? It’s Bollywood’s own land which makes it all more charming abroad and at home. However there’s yet more…what about the party capital and the abode of India’s hippie culture – Goa? Or what about the city that houses the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi himself – Pune? Maharashtra is a great combination of modernity and historically relevant monumental culture. However there’s more to this state than just letting out and having fun! Did you know that some of India’s most revered temples is actually based in this state? The Historical temples in Maharashtra are known for their unique stories and links to our past as a country and the Hindu religious scripts in general. These Maharashtra temples are the perfect start to go religious and start your journey towards getting close to the divine. Ready for your spiritual touring around this stunning state? Here we have brought you a list of famous temples in Maharashtra that shall have you sorted.
Maharashtra Temple list – 9 Most Popular Temples In Maharashtra:
1. Tryambakeshwar Shiva Temple in Nashik District:
Tryambakeshwar Shiva temple is an ancient temple located in the Triambakeshwar tehsil in the Nashik district. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It probably aces the maharashtra famous temples list. The temple has a sacred pond which is the source of the Godavari River. The major festival celebrated in the temple is Shiva Ratri. The temple is itself built in beautiful black stone and has intricate carvings worth spending time admiring. The nearby area is kept clean and there are food stalls around with vada paw and pakodas usually quite delicious. Aim to get a VIP pass for something around 200 INR for a special quicker darshan.
- Address: Shrimant Peshwe Path, Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra 422212
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Rudrabhishek 7:00 am to 8:30 am
- Dress Code: No dress code as such if not entering the inner sanctum and going for a general darshan. However, dress code varies with the pujas you’d like to perform. Men are mostly required to be dressed in dhoti and kanduwa at Abhishek time.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: the temple is 28 km from Nashik city. Direct buses and Autorickshaws are there between Nashik Road and Trimbakeshwar Bus Stand.
- Temple Website: http://www.trimbakeshwartrust.com/#3
- Best Time To Visit: Shivratri and Vasant Panchami
- Other Attractions: Bramhgiri Fort trek, The Kedareshwar Temple and Kushawarta Tirth is usually combined.
2. Lalbaugcha Raja Temple at Lalbaug:
Lalbaugcha Raja temple located at Lalbaug is the most famous Sarvajanik Ganapati temple in Mumbai during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Over 1.5 million people visit this Ganesh pandal daily during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi festival every year. This number is, in fact, increasing year on year. After the eleventh day, the idol is immersed on the auspicious occasion of Anant Chaturdashi. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol in the current year is 81 years old. The two types of darshan here include the Navsachi (for staunch devotees that want to indulge in Charan Sparsh) and the Mukha Darshan (for those who just want to see the idol from afar). It is one of the most revered hindu temple in maharashtra.
- Address: 1, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
- Timings: open 24 hrs during the festival
- Dress Code: Respectful and traditional attire would work best.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hour
- How To Reach: The temple is located centrally in the city so easily accessible by public transport. You can take the local train to Chinchpokali or Byculla Station also.
- Temple Website: http://www.lalbaugcharaja.com/
- Best Time To Visit: During their annual LALBAUGCHA RAJA GANESH UTSAV.
- Other Attractions: it is a world class festival and VIP entries can be tried to arrange in advance for hassle-free darshan.
3. Bhimashankar Temple in Khed:
A Jyotirlinga shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is known as Bhimashankar temple is located in Khed, near Pune. It is situated in the Sahyadri hills surrounded by dense forests. Bhimashankar is the starting point of the Bhima River. River Bhima which flows southeast originates from the temple and meets River Krishna in Raichur. One of the important 12 jyotirlingas, it enjoys a good number of devotees thronging the temple gates year on year. It is said that the temple was built in the 13th century and resembles the Nagara style architecture. It is said to educate the visitors how Tripurasur was defeated by the combined form of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. A shrine dedicated to Kamalaja, another form of Goddess Parvati is also housed within the temple complex. Maha Shiva Ratri is the most popular festival here.
- Address: Maharashtra State Highway 112, Bhimashankar, Maharashtra 410509
- Timings: Morning: 5 am – 3 PM, 4 Pm – 9:30 pm
- Dress Code: Traditional wear suggested
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: Nearest airport and railway station are at Pune, 125 Km away. Buses can be taken from Pune, Ghatkopar and Kalyan too.
- Temple Website: http://bhimashankar.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Mahashivratri. September to February. For the adventure junkies, the monsoon is a great time.
- Other Attractions: You can explore the Bhaja caves or the Imagica Theme Park in Khopali the next day.
4. Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai:
Mahalakshmi temple is situated on Bhulabai Desai road and is one of the most famous temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Mahalakshmi, the central deity of Devi Mahatyam. A Hindu merchant named Dhakji Dadaji constructed the temple in 1831. The temple has three images of the Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. Devotees from far off places visit the temple and offer flower garlands and paraphernalia to the deities on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri. It is truly a heritage site with its enchanting vernacular architecture
- Address: Mahalaxmi West, Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
- Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: nearest railway station is Mahalaxmi Station from which bus/taxis can be taken to the temple. Public transport is easily available all around Mumbai.
- Temple Website: http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Navaratra, Diwali and Margashirsha month
- Other Attractions: special havans can be organized in the name of the devotee at the rate of 2500 INR. Haji Ali Dargah and the Heera Panna Shopping Centre are nearby attractions.
See More: Famous Temples In Nagpur
5. Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur:
Tulja Bhavani temple located in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani and is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of goddess Durga. The goddess is also known as Amba. The main idol is 3 feet tall and made of granite. The temple was built in the 12th century. There is also a temple dedicated to Markandeya Rishi and a temple of Goddess Annapurna in the main complex. Every morning at 5, there’s a ritual of playing the drums in Nagarkhana very loudly which is a call for prayer to devotees. The temple celebrates Khandenavami and Dussehra. It is said that the royal families of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka are staunch devotees of Tulja Bhavani.
- Address: Mahadwar Rd, Jijamata Nagar, Tuljapur, Maharashtra 413601
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 900 p.m
- Dress Code: Respectful traditional suitable for a temple. Men usually expected to wear dhotis and women, sarees or suits.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hour
- How To Reach: Aurangabad is the nearest Aiport (288 km away). Osmanabad rail station is the nearest by train (30.7 Kms away). One can also easily reach by road from Mumbai as it is well connected to the city.
- Temple Website: https://www.tuljabhavani.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Navrati festival time. Khandenavami and Dussehra are most celebrated.
- Other Attractions: Nearby Chintamani and Vishnu tirth are usually coupled with this temple visit.
6. Durga Devi Temple in Guhagar:
Durga Devi temple is situated in Guhagar in Ratnagiri district is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered to be the Kuladevata or clan goddess. It’s a Panchayatan style temple since it has four temples for sub-ordinate shrines of other deities, namely, Surya or the sun god, Shri Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is visited by people all over the country during the festival of Navaratri. It is one of the ancient temples of India with a sea-side feel and greenery around. Some also believe it to be the oldest temple that has been more recently re-done.
- Address: MH SH4, Guhagar, Maharashtra 415724
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: It is 6-7 hours from Pune by road. Buses are available from all major Konkan cities. By rail, Chiplun is the nearest station which in turn is connected to Mumbai and Pune.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Navratra Utsav
- Other Attractions: the beach at Guhagar is said to be one of the best Konkan strips to enjoy at. Soak in the Konkan culture here. During monsoons, one can truly be charmed by the places beauty. The entire environment is made even more serene due to the appearance of lakes and waterfalls.
7. Babulnath Temple in Mumbai:
Babulnath temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on a small hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty. It is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. The main deity in the temple is a Babul tree which is considered a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is actually in quite a serene setting. It is 1000 feet above sea level and with the background of the nearby gushing Arabian Sea. So if you want to find a tranquil break in Mumbai, the Babulnath temple is quite apt. The temple has a flight of stairs to reach the Shivlinga and obtain blessings from the Lord. One can also use the elevator to reach the top. Maha Shivaratri is the most popular annual festival here when lakhs of devotees come to the temple to offer their prayers.
- Address: 16, Babulnath Road, Charni Road Near, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
- Timings: 5.00 AM – 10.00 PM.
- Dress Code: No dress code as such but decent, temple apt attire should do
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: The temple is close to the Charni Road Stations (20/30 minute walk) for those using the local train. You can also take an auto or a taxi from any part of the city to the temple.
- Temple Website: http://www.babulnath.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Shivaratri is a great time to visit this temple.
- Other Attractions: The pillars of the temple are adorned with stunning episodes from the Hindu Mythology giving us an insight into India’s rich culture and legacy. Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple is 0.1 km away and Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is 0.4 km away.
8. Ballaleshwar Pali Tempel in Raigad District:
Ballaleshwar Pali temple is one of the eight Astha vinayaka temples located in Maharashtra. It is situated 30 km away from Karjat in Raigad district and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Balleshwar is another form of Ganesha which is the only incarnation to be known by his devotee’s name. The idol of Ganesha sits on a stone facing east and its eyes and navels contain diamonds. The god here is known for swiftly responding to the wishes and prayers his devotee bring to him day on day, thronging the gates with hope and gratitude.
- Address: Tal. Sudhagad, Dist. Raigad, Pali, Maharashtra 410205
- Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hour
- How To Reach: By road it is located 8 km from Mumbai- Goa Highway. Direct buses are available from Mumbai. Nearest railway station is Nagothana (13 km away)
- Temple Website: http://www.ballaleshwar.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Bhadrapadi Utsav and Maghi Utsav time
- Other Attractions: The mesmerizing hot springs at Unhere is 4 km away
9. Parvati Hill Temples in Pune:
The Parvati hill is an extremely scenic, 2100 feet high hillock in Pune. It has 5 temples located atop. They are the Devdeveshwar temple, Kartikeya temple, Vishnu temple, Vitthai temple and Rama temple. The temple has 103 steps to be climbed to reach the top of the hill from where devotees can visit the temples. The main temple is dedicated to Devdeveshwara and is made of black stone. With the lush greenery around and the fresh environment atop the hill, the Parvati temples are one of the most appealing locations in Pune city. The temple is also famous for being a huge part of Pune city’s heritage, it is after all the oldest structure of the town that goes back to being built during the Peshwa dynasty period.
- Address: Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009
- Timings: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hour
- How To Reach: Nearest railway station is Grant Road. 15 minutes taxi from the station to the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: 4 Pm – 6 PM. Classical music festival held here is a must visit.
- Other Attractions: Parvati museum containing manuscripts and collections of the Peshwa rule. Bhaja caves are near to Pune city and a good place to explore.
So now you know that the state of Maharashtra is not all about fun and games. There is so much to explore and one should not miss out on its spiritual side once in the state. Serenity, peace of mind and who knows…probably a special encounter with your almighty is what these famous temples in Maharashtra state have on offer! Do get in touch with us sharing your experiences. We would love to hear about your travels and hope that this guide was helpful.
Frequently Asked Question and Answers:
1. Apart From The Above are There any Other Famous Shiva Temples in Maharashtra?
Yes, the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad is said to be the last or 12th jyotirlinga. Aundha Nagnath Temple, Hingoli is also considered one of the jyotirlingas of god Shiva. Vaijnath Shiva Temple, Parali also is an important one and hosts the biggest Shivratri festival of the state.
2. Is There any Place in Maharashtra Where You Can go for a Fun Weekend Beach Stay as Well as on a Pilgrimage at The Same Time?
Yes, the unique Ganpathi pule is one such place (193 Km from Mahabaleshwar, 307 km from Pune, and 345 km from Mumbai). It is one of the only two white beaches that the state offers. Peace lovers who would like to find a perfect getaway should head here and witness the beautiful sunsets at the beach. What’s more? This small beach town is most well known for its 400 years old temple. Considered extremely holy, the idol of god Ganpathi here is said to have self-incarnated.
3. For Those Following Jainism, are There any Places of Worship in The State?
Of course. Maharashra’s thriving Jainism (even of the past) insight can be seen by the famous Ellora caves. Today too there are tons of temples that the state houses for those following Jainism. Some of the tirths and jain temples in Maharashtra are the Ellora Jain Caves, Mangi-Tungi, Kumbhoj, Jahaj Mandir in Mandwala and the Godiji Parshwanath Temple in Mumbai.
