Religious & Spiritual Tourism

Famous Temples & Pilgrimage Sites

Maharashtra is home to some of India’s most sacred and historically significant temples, attracting millions of devotees and spiritual seekers. Whether you're looking for Jyotirlingas, Shirdi Sai Baba’s blessings, or ancient rock-cut temples, Maharashtra offers a rich blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist spiritual heritage.

Here’s a list of the most important religious sites in Maharashtra that every pilgrim and traveler must visit.

 1. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – Maharashtra’s Most Famous Pilgrimage Site

 Location: Shirdi, Ahmednagar District
 Best For: Devotees of Sai Baba, Spirituality

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations.
✔️ Dedicated to Sai Baba, a saint known for his miracles & teachings on unity.
✔️ Lakhs of devotees visit daily for prayers & blessings.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Samadhi Mandir – The main shrine where Sai Baba’s mortal remains rest.
✔️ Dwarkamai Masjid – The place where Sai Baba spent most of his life.
✔️ Chavadi & Lendi Garden – Important sites connected to Sai Baba’s daily life.

 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but best during Guru Purnima & Ram Navami.
 Entry Fee: Free (VIP Darshan ₹200 – ₹600).

 2. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – One of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas

 Location: Trimbak, Near Nashik
 Best For: Lord Shiva Devotees, Jyotirlinga Darshan

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
✔️ Situated near the source of the sacred Godavari River.
✔️ A must-visit for Shiva devotees, especially during Mahashivratri.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Trimbakeshwar Temple – Ancient black stone temple with intricate carvings.
✔️ Kushavarta Kund – The starting point of the Godavari River.
✔️ Brahmagiri Hill – Ideal for spiritual treks.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March, Mahashivratri Festival.
 Entry Fee: Free, Special Darshan ₹200 – ₹500.

 3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – A Sacred Shiva Temple in the Western Ghats

 Location: Pune District, Near Lonavala
 Best For: Lord Shiva Devotees, Nature Lovers

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, located in a beautiful forest reserve.
✔️ Best for both spiritual seekers & trekking enthusiasts.
✔️ The temple’s architecture blends ancient & modern styles.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Bhimashankar Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
✔️ Hanuman Lake & Gupt Bhimashankar – Sacred spots near the temple.
✔️ Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Perfect for nature walks & birdwatching.

 Best Time to Visit: July – March (Avoid heavy monsoons for trekking).
 Entry Fee: Free.

 4. Siddhivinayak Temple – Mumbai’s Most Famous Ganesha Temple

 Location: Prabhadevi, Mumbai
 Best For: Lord Ganesha Devotees, Quick Darshan

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of Mumbai’s most powerful and visited temples.
✔️ Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
✔️ Celebrities & politicians frequently visit for blessings.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Siddhivinayak Ganapati Idol – The main deity with a unique right-turned trunk.
✔️ Nearby Places: Mahalaxmi Temple & Haji Ali Dargah.

 Best Time to Visit: Tuesdays (Special Aarti), Ganesh Chaturthi.
 Entry Fee: Free (VIP Darshan ₹100 – ₹300).

 5. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – The Last Jyotirlinga in India

 Location: Near Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
 Best For: Jyotirlinga Devotees, Historical Pilgrimage

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
✔️ Located near the famous UNESCO Ellora Caves.
✔️ Beautiful temple architecture with intricate carvings.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Grishneshwar Temple – The main temple with stunning red stone carvings.
✔️ Ellora Caves (5 mins away) – A must-visit UNESCO heritage site.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March, Mahashivratri Festival.
 Entry Fee: Free.

 6. Jejuri – The Khandoba Temple of Maharashtra

 Location: Pune District
 Best For: Khandoba Devotees, Unique Festival Experience

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a warrior deity.
✔️ Famous for the "Bhandara Festival," where devotees throw turmeric powder in the air.
✔️ Known as "Sonyachi Jejuri" because the temple glows golden due to turmeric.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Khandoba Temple & Bhandara Festival.
✔️ Beautiful hilltop location with panoramic views.

 Best Time to Visit: November – February, Bhandara Festival (December).
 Entry Fee: Free.

 7. Pandharpur – Maharashtra’s Spiritual Capital for Vitthal-Rukmini Devotees

 Location: Solapur District
 Best For: Lord Krishna & Vitthal Devotees

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Most important pilgrimage site in Maharashtra.
✔️ Famous for the Ashadhi Ekadashi Yatra, where lakhs of devotees walk to the temple.
✔️ Vitthal (Lord Krishna) is worshiped as the main deity.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Vitthal-Rukmini Temple.
✔️ Pundalik Temple & Chandrabhaga River.

 Best Time to Visit: July (Ashadhi Ekadashi Yatra) & Kartik Ekadashi.
 Entry Fee: Free.

 8. Mahalaxmi Temple – Goddess of Wealth & Power

 Location: Kolhapur
 Best For: Shakti Peetha Devotees, Goddess Mahalaxmi Worship

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of the 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi.
✔️ A powerful energy center known for fulfilling wishes.
✔️ Visited by millions, especially during Navratri.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Mahalaxmi Idol & Temple Rituals.
✔️ Rankala Lake – A beautiful spot near the temple.

 Best Time to Visit: Navratri Festival (October).
 Entry Fee: Free.