10 Most Revered Shiva Temples in Maharashtra

Away from the helter-skelter of city life in Maharashtra, there are some enlightened realms filled with spirituality. There lies quite a peaceful spiritual world above the shindy atmosphere of the place. This enlightened sphere of Maharashtra has some of the most sacred Shiva Temples which are highly revered among the devotees.

These temples have great capabilities that can transform a person to the core. The aura of these temples is so strong that you can sense it the moment you enter the temple. The sacredness and spiritual significance of these temples set them apart from the rest of Maharashtra altogether. Although the state has an unending list of Shiva temples with utmost significance. Yet, these 10 Shiva temples are considered to be the most awakened ones containing a great amount of divine energy. In today’s post, we are going to delve deeper into the spiritual realm of Maharashtra through these 10 most revered Shiva temples. So, dear readers, without wasting much time, let’s begin with the chanting of “Om Namah Shivay”.

10 Highly Revered Must-Visit Shiva Temples in Maharashtra

1. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Almost 1.5 km from the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is highly revered and sacred amongst Hindus. It is also a National Protected Site and is only 300 km away from Mumbai. Its mention in various historical and religious texts such as Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata etc, provide a testament to its sacredness.

Even after facing multiple attacks from Muslim invaders, it stood tall having the pillars of belief and devotion. The temple was plundered many times during the Maratha-Mughal conflicts. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times. Finally, the current structure was established by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.

The temple is unique on its own. Built with black stones, the temple is spread over a 44,000 sq ft area. Lots of sculptures and intricate designs are made on the interior and exterior walls. There is a very uniquely weird rule to enter this temple. To enter the sanctum sanctorum men must be bare-chested.

2. Walkeshwar Temple(Originally Valukeshwar Temple):

This temple is located in Walkeshwar in Mumbai. The temple has been located at the city’s highest point, close to Bang Ganga Tank. The legend behind this temple is that while waiting for his younger brother, Lakshmana, Lord Rama built a Shiva Lingam out of sand by himself. Hence the name originates from here as Valukeshwara translates to “Valuka Ishwara” meaning God of Sand.
As the Ganga flows from Lord Shiva’s locks Lord Rama shoots an arrow and brings River Ganga there. That is why, this temple is also known as the Ban Ganga Temple.

The nearest railway station is Grant Road Railway Station, Distance in time: 15 minutes

3. Harihareshwar Temple: known as Dakshin Kashi

Located in a coastal region, 200km away from the city of dreams, Mumbai, there lies a combination of natural charm and spiritual enchantment. It is Harihareshwar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva but the deities here are three supreme Gods in Hindu culture namely Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh(Shiva) and also Goddess Parvati. Being one of the most beautiful places in South India, Harihareshwar Temple also holds the title of Kashi of the South.

Harihareshwar denotes the amalgamated form of Har and Hari who are Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. Harihareshwar temple, being the Kuldevta(clan deity) to the peshwas compliments its historical importance. Its location on the shores of the Savitri River adorns it with a beautiful and charming beach.

Apart from the main deities, there are two other deities located in the main temple complex. They are Lord Kalbhairav and Goddess Yogeshwari. While Kalbhairav is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva himself, Goddess Yogeshwari is a form of Shakti(Goddess Parvati).

4. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

This temple is so ancient that no one actually knows the exact time of its construction. Situated in the town of Trimbak, in Nashik, Maharashtra. It is only 28km from the main city of Nashik. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is very near to the origination point of River Godavari. Godavari River is the longest river in peninsular India. The Lingam has three faces with Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh – the Tridev. It is also located between three hills: Brahmagiri, Nilagiri, and Kalagiri. There are four entry gates on each of the sides -North, South, East and West. The North gate is used by devotees to enter the temple,

5. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Located in the village of Bhojgiri near Pune, Bhimshankar Jyotirlinga stands out because of its religious importance and picturesque location. In the dense forest of Bhimashankar and near the origin point of the Bhima River, this Jyotirlinga is known for devotion and blessings. The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located approx 100km from Pune and is well connected by roads. The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is no less than a devotional epitome near Pune and is a must-visit for every Shiva devotee. To read more about the place(best time to visit, timings and places to explore nearby), click on the link given above.

6. Ambarnath Shiva Mandir, Ambarnath

Ambarnath Shiva Temple is one of the declared cultural heritage sites by UNESCO. It is no less than a gem in the state of Maharashtra, India. Located just 2 km from Ambarnath railway station, this is also known as Ambareshwar Mahadeva. Known for its spiritual influence and unique architecture, the location of this temple uplifts its sacredness even more.

It is one of the historical and cultural sites in Maharashtra which dates back to the Mahabharata period. Believed to have been built by the Pandav brothers overnight. They almost finished it but the rooftop was left uncompleted before sunrise and there they stopped. The unfinished rooftop over the Garbhgriha is the evidence of that legend which can be seen from the inside of the temple.

7. Kopeshwar Shiva Temple, Kolhapur

Kopeshwar Shiva temple is a historical gem in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is hugely revered among the locals. The story behind the temple is really fascinating and reflects the reason for Nandi being absent here.

After Goddess Sati set her body on fire because her father Daksha insulted Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva started his cosmic Tandav dance in rage and sorrow. To calm down Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu brought him to this place. Significantly, there are two Shivalingas in this temple one is of Lord Shiva and the other is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are present here in the forms of Dhopeshwar and Kopeshwar respectively. As Nandi was accompanying Goddess Sati while she was visiting her father that is why Nandi is absent in this temple as well.

8. Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple, Pune

Located 45km from Pune in the state of Maharashtra, Bhuleshwar Shiva temple is one of the most revered temples in the region. Built in the 8th century, this temple is also a major point of attraction due to its classical carvings on the walls.

The story of disappearing pedhas, when offered to the deity is quite famous among the locals. The temple’s uniqueness uplifts drastically due to the female version of Ganesha, Shiva and Kartikeya. One can see all of them in female attires unveiling the mysteries of Sanatan Dharma.

Bhuleshwar Shiva temple is one of the religious structures in the region and is highly revered among the people around it. It is certainly a gem and a must-visit place on the outskirts of the beautiful city of Pune. Although, it is not just an exception there are more amazing and most famous Shiva temples near Pune. These 10 most famous Shiva temples near Pune are a must-visit for every Shiva devotee.

Timings: 6 am to 9 pm every day

9. Marleshwar Shiva Temple, Sangameshwar

Visiting the Marleshwar Shiva temple in Sangameshwar is no less than entering a spiritual realm. Reaching the temple by climbing approx. 530 stairs act as purification of one’s mind and soul. This temple is believed to be built by Lord Parshurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

It is indeed tiring to climb up to the top to reach the temple and that is why, refreshment stalls can be seen in between. Older people will certainly find it difficult to reach the top but it is worth it if you can reach there. Along with the blessings of Lord Shiva, you get a stupendous view of Dhareshwar Waterfall from the viewpoint inside the cave.

Including its religious significance, this temple is also quite compelling among adventure enthusiasts. Marleshwar Shiva temple is undoubtedly one of the best religious and adventurous sites in Maharashtra.

10. Aundha Nagnath Temple, Hingoli

Located in the Hangoli district in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Aundha Nagnath temple is indeed one of the most revered temples. Legends and stories attached to this temple are really fascinating and life-changing. The devotional aspect of Aundha Nagnath temple is on the next level which can give you goosebumps.

Believed to be constructed by Yudhisthira, this temple is said to of 7 storeyed before being destructed by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. I can only imagine its beauty and grandness which it could have shown in today’s world. But no matter how hard one tries, one can’t eliminate its history and relevance, only the physical structure can be harmed. Still, what is left is more than what they could have imagined to build.

After being reconstructed and destroyed many times, it was finally shaped by the legendary Rani Ahilyabai Holker in its present form. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas which is a very overlooked fact about this temple.

Legend behind the Aundha Nagnath Temple

If you ever visit this temple(or have visited), you will notice that Nandi ji is not in the front of the temple but instead on another side. So, here is the story behind it. Namdev Ji, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, along with many other great devotees were performing Bhajan in front of the temple. A pujari interrupted Namdev Ji and insulted him with abusive words and told him to go away with an excuse that he was disturbing the daily pua with his Bhajan. Namdev ji stood and sat on the other side of the temple and started doing Bhajan. Suddenly everyone felt that the temple was moving. The whole temple in front of everyone moved from its original position and started rotating until it found Namdev Ji on the front side.

There can be no better description of devotion and Lord Shiva’s affection towards his devotee is possible. The temple complex houses 12 more small temples dedicated to 12 Jyotirlingas. People often quote another legend associated with this temple but we will talk about that later.

Takeaway:

In the ocean of posts related to Lord Shiva temples in Maharashtra, this post focuses on the most revered Shiva temples in Maharashtra. please keep in mind that this listing is not done in any periodic order which means that #1 is not the most revered and #10 the least. These are just used for numbering

This post tries to highlight the Shiva temples which are built mainly for a reason and that is devotion and affection towards Lord Shiva. Most of these temples have a mind-boggling story related to it. Behind those stories are the personalities who at some point in time were known for their devotion to Mahadeva. Some of these temples have even seen destructions and invasions still they stand tall because of the beliefs attached to them. They convey the message that temples are not built by technique or engineering but through devotion, sacrifice and dedication. All the other things are only superficial.

I enjoyed a lot writing this post and my heart always felt overloaded with devotion. I hope you will feel the same. If you really do, do comment Om Namah Shivay in the comment section followed by any question you have. Don’t forget to share this post to others if you liked it. I will see you in the next post, till then take care, keep travelling. Om Namah Shivay