Maharashtra, a historic land in western India, is home to many Hindu temples built by ancient dynasties like the Chalukyas, Yadavas, and Marathas. Below are ten key temples in Maharashtra, attracting thousands of devotees from all around the Indian subcontinent.
1. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik
On Brahmagiri Hill near the Godavari River, the Trimbakeshwar Temple began around the 4th century CE and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as a Jyotirlinga. It’s one of twelve sacred Shiva sites, with 10,000 visitors daily. The Nagara-style spire has carvings of Shiva with Nandi, built by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao in the 1700s. Mahashivratri in February or March has lamp marches. With Chalukya roots, it’s a top pilgrimage site. The temple’s bilva leaves, given as prasadam, are special to devotees.
2. Tulja Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur
In Tuljapur, Osmanabad, the Tulja Bhavani Temple, from the 12th century, honors Goddess Bhavani, a Shakti Peetha. Its Hemadpanthi gopuram shows Bhavani fighting demons, made by Yadava workers. Old texts name it, and Navratri in September or October brings crowds for Kumari Puja. A nearby Durga shrine adds to its holiness. Maratha king Shivaji’s visits make it dear. Local tales say Bhavani gave Shivaji a sword, making it more loved.
3. Gondeshwar Temple, Sinnar
The Gondeshwar Temple, 5 km from Sinnar in Nashik, started in the 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by the Seuna dynasty, its Bhumija-style tower and carvings of Ramayana tales are clear. Shravan Maas in July or August has water offerings. Smaller Vishnu and Surya shrines make it holy. The temple’s quiet hill setting and Yadava-era links draw people. Stories of its safety from old attacks add to its sacred feel.
4. Amruteshwar Temple, Ratanwadi
Near Bhandardara in Ahmednagar, the Amruteshwar Temple, from the 9th century, is a Shiva shrine built by the Shilahara dynasty. Its Hemadpanthi design has carvings of Shiva dancing by a hot spring. Kartik Purnima in November brings lamp festivals. Known for a lingam with water flow, its Shivaratri rites are busy. The Sahyadri hills around it make it a key holy spot. Local talk of the spring’s power adds wonder.
5. Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
In the Sahyadri hills, the Bhimashankar Temple, from the 13th century, is a Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its Nagara tower and carvings of Shiva with snakes, made by Yadavas, stand out. Mahashivratri has Rudra prayers. Forests and streams around it add to its holiness. Tales say Shiva killed demon Bhima here. The temple’s hilltop peace draws many for worship.
6. Aundha Nagnath Temple, Hingoli
The Aundha Nagnath Temple in Hingoli, from the 13th century, is a Jyotirlinga for Lord Shiva, built by the Yadavas. Its Hemadpanthi gopuram and carvings of Shiva’s stories are fine. Shravan Maas has milk offerings. Known for sage Nagnath’s blessings, its Shivaratri festival is active. Near Nanded, it’s a big pilgrimage place. The temple’s sunken lingam adds to its sacred air.
5. Jejuri Khandoba Temple, Pune
On a hill in Jejuri, the Khandoba Temple, from the 14th century, honors Khandoba, a warrior god. Its simple gopuram shows Khandoba on a horse, built by Marathas. Champashashti in November or December has turmeric rites. Old writings link it to demon fights. The hill’s yellow turmeric dust makes it holy. Local tales of Khandoba’s victories make it special.
8. Bhuleshwar Temple, Pune
The Bhuleshwar Temple, 40 km from Pune, began in the 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its Hemadpanthi spire and carvings of Shiva’s dance, made by Yadavas, are clear. Mahashivratri has water rites. A nearby Parvati shrine adds to its holiness. The hilltop calm and Yadava-era ties draw people. Stories say Shiva blessed a devotee here, adding to its fame.
9. Akkalkot Swami Samarth Temple, Solapur
In Akkalkot, Solapur, the Swami Samarth Temple, from the 19th century, honors a Dattatreya saint. Its white dome and carvings of Dattatreya, built by devotees, stand out. Guru Purnima in July has song prayers. Known for spiritual guidance, its daily rites are busy. Near Solapur, it’s a key holy spot. The temple’s neem trees add to its calm feel.
10. Pandharpur Vitthal Temple, Solapur
By the Chandrabhaga River, the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple, from the 12th century, is dedicated to Lord Vitthal, a form of Vishnu. Its Dravidian gopuram shows Vitthal with Rukmini, made by Yadavas. Ashadhi Ekadashi in July brings lakhs for marches. With Varkari sect ties, it’s Maharashtra’s main holy site. The temple’s tulsi beads, given as prasadam, are dear to devotees.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Maharashtra gets hot, up to 95-100°F, with rains from June to September. November to February is cooler, around 65-85°F. Visit early morning to avoid heat and crowds. Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees. Photos are often not allowed inside sanctums. Stay quiet during prayers to feel the holy calm. Festivals like Mahashivratri and Ashadhi Ekadashi get busy, so book buses, taxis, and places to stay early for far spots like Bhimashankar.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s temples, from the grand Jyotirlinga Trimbakeshwar to the serene Pandharpur Vitthal, hold the state’s deep Hindu tradition and heritage. Built by dynasties like the Chalukyas, Yadavas, and Marathas, these shrines have fine carvings, big designs, and holy rites that shape Maharashtra’s ways, calling devotees and visitors to these sacred grounds, making them a must-visit for all travelers.
