Maharashtra is not only famous for its beaches, wildlife or forts but also famous for its religious places. Maharashtra is a place that have the three main jyotrilinga those are Bhimashankar, Triambkaeshwar, Grishneshwar and along with that Maharashtra also have 2 other jyotirlingas that are not counted in 12 Jyotirlingas and are not so famous among people those 2 jyotirlinga are Parli Vaijnath and Baba Aundha Nagnath Nageshwar jyotirlinga that hold importance and have mysteries. Maharashtra not only have 5 jyotirlingas but also have some other famous temple like in Mumbai all the Mumbaiker have a strong belief in Siddhi Vinayak Temple, there is a temple that is Shirdi that is located in Nashik and is the abode of one of Maharashtra most revered Saints, Maharashtra also have one of the most visited temple that is Shani Shingnapur and many other temple are to be explored. Maharashtra not only have 12 jyotirlinga but also have 5 Shaktipeethas of Goddess Sati.

Some of the famous temple of Maharashtra are:

Shirdi

Shirdi is the temple of “ Sai Baba” that is in Ahmednagar and is the place with deep belief and faith in India. The devotees of Sai baba are spread all over the world and hence the place has attained importamce. A small village in Ahmednagar district Shirdi has acquired a lot of fame. The temple also have Samadhi Mandir that is build with stone and Baba Samadhi is build with white marble stones and is decorated with Ornamentals decoration. In front of the Samadhi there are two pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba’s marvelous statue made of Italian Marble, which shows him a seated on a throne you can even see the Dwarkamai, Gurusthan is the place where Sai Baba came in the form of Bal Yogi- a child ascetic. He was first spotted under need tree and this place is known as Gurusthan.

Ashtavinayk

Bhgwan Ganpati or Ganesha is one of the deities that is most worshipped in India. The state of Maharashtra has the recoginition of Ashtavinayak temples that are special and sacred. The word Ashtavinayak is a Sanskrit word that mean Eight Ganesha. These eight temple are located at different places and all of them are considered “ Sawayambhu” that means self originated. These dietes are Jagrut that means that all these dieltes fulfill the wishes of their devotees. Each Ganpati is know by different name: Chintamani, Moreshwar, Girijatmak, Mahaganpati, Siddhivinayak, Vighneswar, Varad Vinayak, Ballaleshwar. These eight temples are situated in three districts of Maharashtra- Pune, Raigad, and Ahmednagar. Each temple has its own history, and all are very different from each other.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar Jyotrilinga is a temple that is also included in the 12 Jyotrilinga. Maharashtra have 3 jyotirlinga in which Bhimashankar is on e of them. The jyotrilinga is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at the Shyadri hills in the state of Maharashtra. Bhimashankar one also decalred as the” Wildlife Sanctuary”. The wildlife sanctuary is a part of western ghats. The bhimashanakar shrine marked the victory of undying faith over arrogance and thus anyone who visits the shrine with pure heart is known to get all the rid from the mental impurities. Devotees also believe that the water there at Bhimashankar has the healing properties.  It is said that one dip in the river or performing abultions here can purify the soul and cure aliments.

Mahalaxmi Temple

The temple Mahalaxmi is dedicated to central deity Mahatyam. Mahalaxmi temple is one of the most famous temple of Mumbai . The Mahalaxmi temple contain images of tridevi Mahakali that resemble the Goddess of time and destroyer of Evils, Mahalaxmi that resemble Wealth and Prosperity and Mahasarswati resemble Learning and Knowledge and all  these images are adorned with Nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklace. The image of Mahalaxmi is in the center that is holding lotus in the hand. The festival of Navratri makes the temple more wonderful and where Mahalaxmi residence is situated in Mumbai. The temple was build by Karnadeva and is dedicated to the Hindu Godess of wealth and fortune. And the three idols of Shree Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai represent the Adishakti( first power), Parashakti (transcendental power) and the Mahamaya Shakti (Mysterious supreme power) of the Devi Tattva and there is no entry fee in the temple and there is no VIP Darshan at the temple also.

Shani Shingnapur

Shani Shingnapur temple is a temple that is located around 65km from Shirdi nesteld in Ahmednagar District. This popular temple is dedicated to Lord Shanidev, the Hindu god that is associated with the planet Saturn. The temple is well known amongst the local devotees from all over the india.  Apart from the temple, Shingnapur is a small village which is also famous for the fact that in the whole village no house, no door and despite no theft has been reported in the village. The presiding desity in the temple is Lord Shani and the temple is “Jagrut Devasthan” that means the deity is still alive in the temple premises.The main deity of the temple is “Syambhu” which means it is self emerged from the earth in the form of black imposing stone. One can even reach Shani Shingnapur by train , buy road and by air also.

Triambakeshwar

Triambakeswar is located at a distance of about 28 km from Nashik city near the mountain Barahamagairi from which the river Godavari river flows. It was constructed by Third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao on the site of an old temple. Triambakeshwar temple is one of the 12 jyotirlinga of Maharashtra. The extra ordinary features is the three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. A jeweled crown studded with precious stones- reptuted to be from the age of the Pandavas cover the lingas here. The Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga is a temple where one also perform many kind of Pooja’s like Kal Sarp Yog or Pind Shradh. The actual name of the temple is Trimbak. It is the venue for the Simhasta Kumbh Mela which is held over once in every 12 year. The temple is also a brilliant peace of architecture with marvelous carved pillars and intricate floral design at the inner walls. According to Hindu belief one who visit Trimbak attain salavation or Moksha.

Haji Ali

Haji Ali is a mosque or we can say it as Dargah or the monument of Haji Ali Bukhari that is located at the southern part of Mumbai. It is an Enquisite example of Indo- Islamic Architecture associated with the doom lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Haji Ali Bukhari and one of the most intresting fact that is about HHaji Ali Bukhari is that the saint died  when he went on a pilgrimage to Mecca, but miraculously his casket floated across the sea and ended up the shores of Mumbai. This is how the iconic mosque in Mumbai came into existence. Usually the dargah is opened for 16 hours a day, it can be visited during the low tide as the other times the narrow lane is submerged. This dargah is build through the marble known as “Makrana” which is the same marble that Is used in making Taj Mahal.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

This temple has been mentioned in the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana. This site was destroyed by Delhi Sultanate and was reconstructed by Martha ruler. The special features of this temple are build on the red rocks, and is composed of five tier spire of Shikara. You can even see the Dashavtars of Lord Vishnu  that is carved in red stone. The dress code that one have to follow is to wear Formal or Traditional in the temple. The temple architecture resembles South Indian Style and it is known to be one of the holiest places to visit in Aurangabad.

Shaktipeethas of Maharashtra

The term Shakti is manifestation of power In Hindu mythology, Shakti is manifested in several forms. The state is home to five great temples of Shakti – that together make three and a half Shakti Peethas. The word Shakti is Uma Inner knowledge or wisdom and these Shakti peethas are located in the 4 major cities of the state: Kolhapur, Mahurgadh, Jejuri and Aundh. Each site is an embodiment of the divine power of Shakti. Acoording to hindu traditional saying Lord Brahma  had stated a Yagna to please Shakti and Shiva to help in the creation of the Universe.

• The Temple of Goddess Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur
• The Temple of Goddess Renuka at Mahurgad near Nanded
• The Temple of Goddess Ekveera Devi near Lonavala
• The Temple of Goddess Bhavani in Tuljapur near Sholapur
• The Temple of Goddess Saptashrungi at Wani near Nashik

Huzur Sahib Gurudwara

Huzur Sahib Gurudwara at Nanded , is the place where Guru Gobind Singhji the 10th of the 11 th sikh Guru, held his last gathering. Hazur Sahib is also covered with golden plate. Inside the Gurudwara is an Angitha Sahib room dependent on a comparatable spot where Guru Gobind Singh was burned. The stunning architecture is a treat to the eyes and so is the complex that extends around it on the banks of river Godavari in Nanded.

Dehu

Dehu is a place in Pune, Maharashtra that have an imposing statue of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, Dehu Gatha that is one of the biggest temples in Pune. The wonderful statue greets the visitors at the entrance of the temple and this place makes for a memorable visit in Pune. One of the most visited sight at Dehu Gatha is the various carvings from all the Gathas on Sant Tukaram on the walls of this temple. It is often said that tourists who visit the temple must read at least 3 Gathas. The most preferred time to visit Dehu Gatha is during palakhi in the month of ashadh which is held every year. Even there is a beautiful garden that is dedicated to Sant Tukaram wife.

Alandi

Devachi Alandi meaning God’s place that is situated around 25km away from Pune and was build in 13 th century. There is a Samadhi and a temple that is dedicated to the saint poet Dnyaneshwar here. The saint poet wrote the Dnyaneshwari, the Marathi translation of the Bhagavad Gita. Alandi is a well known place of pilgrimage for Hindu Marathi people because of the town associate with Dnyaneshwar and his devotees believe that that he is still alive. Dnyaneshwar samadhi is located in the Alandi Gaon Temple, which is the main attraction of Alandi. Alandi is not only a pilgrimage site but also a tourist destination for anyone who wants to explore rich history, culture and spirituality of Maharashtra. Alandi do have many other attractions such as temples, ghats and museums that showcase the life of Dnyaneshwar and works of Saint Dnywaneshwar and other saints.

Akkalkot

Akkalkot is a holy place of Shri Swami Samarth Maharaja. It is located at the distance of 38 kms by road. Akkalkot has a famous temple that is Akkalkot Shri Swami Samarth Mandir. Swami Samartha took Samadhi in 1878 and his teachings continue to be followed by millions of people in Maharashtra and his ashram in Akkalkot remains a popular pilgrimage place. At present the temple is build around the famous banyan tree and this banyan tree is the tree where Swami Samarth use to meditate and preach the followers. Some of the nearby temples are Shri Siddheshwar temple and Shri Bhairavnath temple that one can also visit.

Ambajogai

Shri Yogeshwari temple is the Bhushan of Ambanagari. Firstly the untouchables have adopted the literacy and cultural. Ambajogai Yogeshwari Devi temple is located 25 km from Parli Vaijnath this temple is the most reverted temple in Bheed District. Yogeshwari is a Sanskirt namein hindi we can say The “Goddess Durga”. The yogeswari temple has a large main entrance facing east.  The delicate carvings on the pillars are very attractive. Adjacent to the north gate is the “ Sarveshwar Tirtha”. Adjacent to the west gate are temple of various deities.

 Markandeshwar

The Markandeswar Mahadev Temple is sitatued at the bank of Wainganga River near Chamorishi town. This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is spread over 40 acres of land. This beautiful temple was desgined by an exemplary son, who destined to die at the age of 16 who was grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva.and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva In the form of Shivalingam.

Aundha Nagnath

Aundha Nagnath a revered pilgrimage site in Maharashtra. India is renowned for its majestic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. As one of the 12 Jyotitrlingas, it hold immense spiritual significance. The Aundha Nagnath is a centerpiece and is a self manifested jyotirlingas a pillar of light representing Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been created by the cosmic energy of the universe. I f we talk about the history the temple orohin can be traced back to the ancient times of Mahabaharata. It is said to have been rebuilt by the Seuna dynasty in the 13 century. Aundha Nagnath is a poplular pilgrimage destination fpr devotees of lord Shiva. It is especially crowded during Shivratri and Vijaydashmi. Visiting Aundha Nagnath is a truly spiritual experience. The serene atmosphere the majestic temple and the divine energy of the jyotirlinga create a sense of peace and tranquility. Whether you are a devout Hindu ou simply seeking retreat and Aundha Nagnath is a must visting destination.