9 Famous Temples in Maharashtra, Interesting Facts
The Midwestern state of Maharashtra is visited and explored by everyone, not only Indians, but Mumbai, the state’s main center, is a dream city for many. With its fast-paced life and some of the best options for shopping and entertainment, it consistently ranks among the most popular cities in India. more importantly? This is Bollywood’s own land, which makes it all the more glamorous, both at home and abroad. But there’s more… party capital and home to Indian hippie culture – what about Goa? Or what about Pune, the city with a monument to Mahatma Gandhi himself? Maharashtra is the perfect blend of modernity and historic monumental culture. However, this state is more than just relaxing and having fun! Did you know that some of the most revered temples in India are actually located in the state? The historical temples of Maharashtra are known for their unique stories and connections to our past as a nation and the entire Hindu religious text. These Maharashtra temples are the perfect starting point to start your religion and start your journey closer to the divine. Ready for a spiritual journey in this amazing state? Here we bring you a list of famous temples in Maharashtra that you will categorize.
List of temples in Maharashtra – 9 most popular temples in Maharashtra:
1. Tryambakeshwar Shiva Temple in Nashik District:
Tryambakeshwar Shiva Temple is an ancient temple located in Triambakeshwar tehsil in Nashik district. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It probably tops the list of famous temples in Maharashtra. The temple has a sacred pond which is the source of the Godavari River. The main festival celebrated in the temple is Shiva Ratri. The temple itself is built of beautiful black stone, beautifully carved and worth spending time admiring. The nearby area is kept clean, there are food stalls around, vada paw and pakodas are usually very tasty. Go for a VIP pass for around 200 rupees for a particularly fast darshan.
- address: Shrimant Peshwe Path, Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra 422212
- time: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 7:00 am to 8:30 am
- Dress Code: There is no such dress code if one does not enter the nave and participate in a general darshan. However, the dress code varies depending on the puja you want to perform. During the Abhishek period, men were mostly required to wear dhoti and kanduwa.
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: The temple is 28 km from Nashik city. There are direct buses and Autorickshaws 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, Kedareshwar Temple and Kushawarta Tirth are often combined.
2. Lalbaugcha Raja Temple in Lalbaug:
The Lalbaugcha Raja Temple at Lalbaug is the most famous Sarvajanik Ganapati temple in Mumbai during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Over 1.5 million people visit this Ganesh pandal every day during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi festival every year. In fact, this number is increasing year by year. After the eleventh day, the idol is immersed in the auspicious moment of Anant Chaturdashi. This year’s Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol is 81 years old. The two types of darshan here include Navsachi (for staunch believers who want to indulge in Charan Sparsh) and Mukha Darshan (for those who just want to see the idol from a distance). It is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Maharashtra.
- address: 1, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
- time: Open 24 hours during festivals
- Dress Code: Decent and traditional clothing works best.
- About. Visiting time: 2-3 hours
- how can I get there: The temple is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. You can also take the local train to Chinchpokali or Byculla stations.
- Temple website: http://www.lalbaugcharaja.com/
- Best time to visit: During their annual LALBAUGCHA RAJA GANESH UTSAV.
- Other attractions: It’s a world-class festival, try pre-arranging VIP entries for a hassle-free darshan.
[See Also: Beaches to Visit in Maharashtra]
3. Bhimashankar Temple in Khed:
A Jyotirlinga shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva known as the Bhimashankar Temple is located in Khed near Pune. It is located on the hills of Sahyadri surrounded by dense forest. Bhimashankar is the starting point of the Bhima River. The Bima River, which flows to the southeast, originates from the temple and joins the Krishna River at Raichur. It is one of the important 12 jyotirlingas and every year a large number of devotees pour into the temple gates. The temple is said to have been built in the 13th century and resembles Nagara-style architecture. It is said to be to educate tourists how Triprasul was defeated by the combined form of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. A shrine dedicated to Camaraga, 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
- time: Morning: 5am to 3pm, 4pm to 9:30pm
- Dress Code: Traditional clothing is recommended
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: The nearest airport and railway station are in Pune, 125 km away. Buses are also available from Pune, Ghatkopar and Kalyan.
- Temple website: http://bhimashankar.in/
- Best time to visit: Mahashivratri. September to February. For adventure lovers, monsoons are a wonderful time.
- Other attractions: On the second day, you can explore the Bhaja caves in Khopali or the Imagica theme park.
4. Mahala Kashmi Temple in Mumbai:
Located on Bhulabai Desai Road, Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the most famous temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Mahala Kashmi, the central deity of Devi Mahathir. A Hindu businessman named Dhakji Dadaji built the temple in 1831. The temple has three statues of the goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, decorated with nose rings, gold bracelets and pearl necklaces. On the auspicious occasion of Navaratri, devotees from far and wide visit the temple and offer garlands and utensils to the deities.It is a true heritage site with charming vernacular architecture
- address: Mahalaxmi West, Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
- time: 6am to 10pm
- Dress Code: Respectful attire suitable for temples
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: The nearest railway station is Mahalaxmi Station, from where you can take a bus/taxi to the temple. Public transport is easily accessible throughout Mumbai.
- Temple website: http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/
- Best time to visit: Navaratra, Diwali and Margashirsha month
- Other attractions: Special havas can be organized in the name of devotees for INR 2500. Haji Ali Dargah and Heera Panna Shopping Centre are nearby attractions.
5. Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur:
Located in Tuljapur, Osmanabad district, Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. The goddess is also known as Amba. The main statue is 3 feet high and made of granite. This temple was built in the 12th century. Also in the main complex is a temple dedicated to Markandeya Rishi and a temple to the goddess Annapurna. Every morning at 5am, Nagarkhana has a very loud drumming ceremony, which is an appeal to devotees to pray. This temple celebrates Khandenavami and Dussehra. The royal families of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka are said to be faithful followers of Tulja Bhavani.
- address: Mahadwar Rd, Jijamata Nagar, Tuljapur, Maharashtra 413601
- time: 6:00am to 900pm
- Dress Code: Respect for tradition, suitable for temples. Men usually wear dhotis and women, sarees or suits.
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Aurangabad is the nearest airport (288km away). Osmanabad Railway Station is the nearest train (30.7 km). It is also easily accessible by road from Mumbai as it is connected to the city.
- Temple website: https://www.tuljabhavani.in/
- Best time to visit: Navrati festival time. Khandenavami and Dussehra are the most famous.
- Other attractions: The nearby Chintamani and Vishnu tirth usually accompany this temple visit.
[See Also: List of Waterfalls in Maharashtra]
6. Durga Devi Temple in Guhagar:
Located in Guhagar, Ratnagiri district, Durga Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, considered Kuladevata or Clan Goddess. This is a Panchayatan style temple as it has four temples for other deities namely Surya or Sun God, Shri Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. During the Navaratri festival, people from all over the country visit this temple. It is one of the oldest temples in India with a seaside feel and greenery around. Some also believe that it is the oldest temple that has been recently rebuilt.
- address: MH SH4, Guhagarh, Maharashtra 415724
- Dress Code: Respectful attire suitable for temples
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: It takes 6-7 hours by road from Pune. There are buses in all major Konkan cities. By rail, Chiplun is the nearest station, which in turn connects to Mumbai and Pune.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Navratrav
- Other attractions: Guhagar’s beach is said to be one of the best Kangkham beaches. Immerse yourself in the Kangkang culture here. During the monsoons, one can really be captivated by the beauty of these places. The whole environment becomes more serene due to the appearance of lakes and waterfalls.
7. Babna Temple, Mumbai:
Babulnath Temple is an ancient temple located on a small hill near Girgaum Chowpatty dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. The main deity of the temple is a Babur tree, which is considered a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is actually in a fairly peaceful setting. At 1,000 feet above sea level, it is set against the backdrop of the nearby gushing Arabian Sea. So if you want to find a peaceful rest in Mumbai, Babnath Temple is quite suitable. The temple has a flight of stairs to reach Shivlinga and get the Lord’s blessing. It is also possible to take the elevator to the top of the mountain. Maha Shivaratri is the most popular annual festival here, and thousands of devotees come to the temple to pray.
- address: 16, Babulnath Road, Charni Road Near, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
- time: 5 am to 10 pm.
- Dress Code: No such dress code, but decent, temple attire should do
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: For those using the local train, the temple is close to Charni Road Station (20/30 min walk). You can also get to the temple by car or taxi from anywhere in the city.
- Temple website: http://www.babulnath.com/
- Best time to visit: Shivaratri is a good time to visit this temple.
- Other attractions: The temple’s pillars are adorned with stunning episodes of Hindu mythology, giving us an insight into India’s rich culture and heritage. Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple is 0.1 km away and Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is 0.4 km away.
8. Ballaleshwar Pali Tempel, Raigad District:
Ballaleshwar Pali Temple is one of the eight Astha vinayaka temples located in Maharashtra. It is located in Raigad district 30 km from Karjat and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Balleshwar is another form of Ganesha, the only incarnation known by the name of his devotees. The idol of Ganesha sits on an east-facing stone with diamonds in its eyes and navel. The gods here are known for quickly responding to the day-to-day wishes and prayers of believers, pouring into the gates with hope and gratitude.
- address: tal. Laygard, Sudargard District, Pali, Maharashtra…