Travel Guide of Pilgrimage Maharashtra | Complete Temples & Routes Info

Travel Guide of Pilgrimage Maharashtra

Travel Guide of Pilgrimage Maharashtra

Maharashtra is one of the most spiritually rich states in India, known for its sacred temples, vibrant traditions, and deep-rooted religious culture. This Travel Guide of Pilgrimage Maharashtra covers all major pilgrimage circuits including Ashtavinayak, Jyotirlingas, Shaktipeethas, and saints’ temples that are revered across the country. This guide is ideal for devotees, tourists, and spiritual seekers looking to plan a comprehensive religious trip in Maharashtra.

Ashtavinayak Temples (Eight Ganesha Temples)

The Ashtavinayak Yatra involves visiting eight unique temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located around Pune district. It is considered very auspicious to complete this pilgrimage in a clockwise direction and end it where you started.

  • 1. Mayureshwar – Morgaon: Main temple and start of the yatra. Located 65 km from Pune.
  • 2. Siddhivinayak – Siddhatek: Located on the banks of Bhima River. Around 100 km from Pune.
  • 3. Ballaleshwar – Pali: Known for being the only Ganesha temple named after a devotee. Located 120 km from Mumbai.
  • 4. Varad Vinayak – Mahad: Located near Khopoli, easily accessible via Mumbai–Pune Highway.
  • 5. Chintamani – Theur: Just 25 km from Pune. Known for Lord Ganesha’s calm and peaceful form.
  • 6. Girijatmaj – Lenyadri: Located in caves on a mountain. Accessible after climbing 300 steps.
  • 7. Vighnahar – Ozar: Near Junnar, about 85 km from Pune. Known for removing obstacles.
  • 8. Mahaganapati – Ranjangaon: Final temple before ending the yatra at Morgaon. Located on Pune–Ahmednagar highway.

Jyotirlinga Temples in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is home to five out of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. These temples are spiritually significant and attract lakhs of devotees every year.

  • 1. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik: Located 30 km from Nashik. Offers accommodation, holy kunds, and Rudra Abhishek rituals.
  • 2. Bhimashankar – Pune District: About 120 km from Pune. Situated in Sahyadri hills. Dense forest area and temple with Hemadpanthi architecture.
  • 3. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad: Just 1 km from Ellora Caves and 30 km from Aurangabad. The smallest Jyotirlinga temple.
  • 4. Aundha Nagnath – Hingoli: Ancient temple with rich history. Nearest station is Hingoli, airport is Nanded (210 km).
  • 5. Parli Vaijnath – Beed: Located near Parli city. Connected by road and rail. Nearby attractions include hot water springs and Lord Datta temple.

Famous Devi Temples and Shaktipeeths

  • Mahalakshmi Temple – Kolhapur: One of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths. Located 240 km from Pune, connected by rail and road.
  • Tulja Bhavani Temple – Tuljapur: Worshipped by Shivaji Maharaj. Located near Solapur, 45 km away.
  • Renuka Devi – Mahur: Located in Nanded district. A peaceful hilltop temple surrounded by forests.

Other Prominent Pilgrimage Sites

  • Pandharpur – Vitthal Rukmini Mandir: Most revered temple of Lord Vitthal. Located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River.
  • Akkalkot – Swami Samarth Math: Sacred place of saint Swami Samarth. Nearest station: Akkalkot Road.
  • Shegaon – Shri Gajanan Maharaj: Famous spiritual center in Vidarbha. Nearest station is Shegaon.
  • Shirdi – Sai Baba Temple: Global pilgrimage destination. Located in Ahmednagar district.
  • Alandi – Sant Dnyaneshwar Samadhi: On banks of Indrayani River near Pune. Visited by Warkaris.
  • Dehu – Sant Tukaram: Birthplace of Saint Tukaram Maharaj. Near Pune.
  • Jejuri – Khandoba Temple: Temple of God Khandoba located on a hilltop 50 km from Pune.
  • Jyotiba – Near Kolhapur: Popular deity of Southern Maharashtra, temple located at Wadi Ratnagiri hill.

How to Reach Major Pilgrimage Sites in Maharashtra

By Air: Nearest airports are at Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Nanded, and Shirdi.

By Train: All major pilgrimage sites are well-connected by Indian Railways.

By Road: Maharashtra has an excellent highway network. Cabs and tourist buses are easily available.

Accommodation and Food

Religious places in Maharashtra provide budget-friendly dharmashalas, mid-range hotels, and even luxury stays. Vegetarian food is widely available. Temples like Shirdi, Kolhapur, and Pandharpur also offer free or nominal cost prasad bhojan.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the ideal season. Major festivals like Ashadi Ekadashi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Mahashivratri, and Navratri are peak spiritual times.

Conclusion

This Travel Guide of Pilgrimage Maharashtra is a complete companion to experience the deep spiritual heritage of Maharashtra. Whether you are a devotee, tourist, or a spiritual seeker, the temples and stories of this land will leave you blessed and fulfilled.