Maharashtra has many important Hindu temples in major cities such as Mumbai and Pune. You will find the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, ancient Ganesha temples, shaktipeethas, and places associated with saints such as Sai Baba. Some of these temples are hundreds of years old and are visited by lakhs of devotees during major festivals.
From Sai Baba’s Shirdi shrine to the famous Siddhivinayak Ganesh temple, here is a famous Maharashtra temple list for you to visit.
1. Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple, Mumbai
Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most famous temples in Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the temple is known for its black stone idol and gold-plated dome. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to pray to Lord Siddhivinayak, who is believed to fulfil all desires. The temple sees large crowds, especially on Tuesdays and during Ganesh Utsav.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:50 PM (3:15 AM to 11:45 PM on Tuesdays)
- Aarti Timings: Wednesday to Monday (Different timings on Tuesday)
- Kakad Aarti: 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM
- Evening Dhoop Aarti: 7:00 PM to 7:10 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Shej Aarti: 9:50 PM
- How to Reach: Local buses, taxis and trains. Nearest metro station is Siddhivinayak Metro Station (100 m)
- Nearby Railway Station: Dadar Railway Station (1.8 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Parel ST Bus Depot (700 m)
2. Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, Shirdi
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the most popular temples to visit in Maharashtra. Sai Baba was a spiritual saint who taught love, kindness and respect for all religions. He spent much of his life in Shirdi, and after his death in 1918, his tomb became the main place of worship at the Samadhi Mandir.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 4:45 AM to 10 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Kakad Aarti: 5:15 AM
- Aarti: 6:20 AM
- Mid-day Aarti: 12 PM
- Dhoop Aarti: At sunset
- Shej Aarti: 10 PM
- How to Reach: MSRTC buses run from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
- Nearby Railway Station: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station (3.1 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Shirdi ST Bus Stand (650 m)
3. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Nashik
Located about 28 km from Nashik, this Shiva temple is a Jyotirlinga. Devotees visit this famous temple in Maharashtra and take a dip in the sacred Kushavarta Kund to wash away their sins. Many devotees visit during Mahashivratri, Shravan Somwar and Kartik Purnima to experience the special celebrations.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM (may change during festivals)
- How to Reach: Take an MSRTC bus or taxi from Nashik to reach the temple
- Nearby Railway Station: Nashik Road Railway Station (38 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Trimbakeshwar Bus Stand (300 m)
4. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, Pune
This Jyotirlinga temple in Maharashtra is located in the Sahyadri Hills. The temple is built in the traditional Nagara style and has several smaller shrines on the grounds. It is surrounded by the dense forests of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Mangal Aarti: 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM
- Midday Aarti: 2:45 PM to 3:20 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: MSRTC buses and taxis are available from Pune.
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (122 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhimashankar Bus Stand (500 m)
5. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Verul
Believed to be one of the most ancient temples in Maharashtra, the Grishneshwar Temple is also the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The present temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. It is also one of the only Jyotirlingas where you can see carvings of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya sitting on Nandi.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings:
- Tuesday to Friday: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Monday: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Mangal Aarti: 4:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM
- Night Aarti: 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
- Nearby Railway Station: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station (38 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Bus Stand (33 km)
6. Tulja Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur
This ancient temple in Maharashtra dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peeths. Goddess Bhavani is worshipped in this temple, and it is believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj prayed here before battles and the Goddess blessed him with the Bhavani Talwar.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February (during Navratri)
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (1:00 AM to 10:00 PM on festivals)
- How to Reach: Regular buses run from Solapur and nearby cities to Tuljapur.
- Nearby Railway Station: Dharashiv Railway Station (31 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Tuljapur Bus Stand (1.2 km)
7. Mahalaxmi Ambabai Temple, Kolhapur
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, also known as Ambabai Temple, is an important Shakti Peetha and a major centre of Shakti worship. According to legend, Goddess Sati’s eyes fell at this place. People visit this famous temple in Maharashtra to worship Goddess Mahalaxmi and pray for prosperity, good fortune and success.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Kakad Aarti: 8:00 AM
- Dhupa Aarti: 8:00 PM
- Shej Aarti: 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: You can take a local bus, auto, or taxi from Kolhapur.
- Nearby Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (2.2 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Kolhapur Central Bus Stand (3 km)
8. Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri
Believed to be over 400 years old, Ganpatipule Temple is one of the famous temples in Maharashtra on the Konkan coast. It is home to a Swayambhu, or self-manifested, form of Lord Ganesha. As part of worship, people perform pradakshina by walking around the hill behind the temple to seek Ganesha’s blessings.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: 5:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM
- How to Reach: Take a local bus or taxi from Ratnagiri.
- Nearby Railway Station: Ratnagiri Railway Station (30 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Ganpatipule Bus Stand (1.3 km)
9. Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur
This temple is among the most important temples to visit in Maharashtra for the followers of the Bhakti movement. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal, a form of Vishnu, and Goddess Rukmini, the temple is closely linked to Maharashtra’s Warkari tradition. During Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi, lakhs of Warkaris walk to Pandharpur in the famous Wari pilgrimage.
- Best Time to Visit: Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:45 AM, 11:00 AM to 4:40 PM and 5:00 PM to 11:15 PM (Darshan timings)
- Aarti Timings:
- Mangal Aarti: 4:00 AM
- Dhoop Aarti: 6:45 PM to 7:00 PM
- Shej Aarti: 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- How to Reach: Take a bus or train from Pune, Solapur and other cities.
- Nearby Railway Station: Pandharpur Railway Station (2.3 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Pandharpur ST Bus Stand (1.4 km)
10. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
This is one of the best temples in Maharashtra for Ganesha devotees. Located in central Pune, the temple was established by Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife in the late 19th century. The idol is decorated with precious jewels, and thousands of devotees visit the temple during Ganeshotsav to seek the blessings of the Lord.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM
- Naivedyam Aarti: 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM
- Madhyana Aarti: 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM
- Mahamangal Aarti: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Shej Aarti: 10:30 PM to 10:45 PM
- How to Reach: Take the Purple Line metro to Mandai Metro Station and walk to the temple.
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction Railway Station (3.7 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Pune Station Bus Stand (3.6 km)
11. ISKCON Temple, Kharghar
ISKCON Kharghar is one of the largest temples in Maharashtra, spanning about 9 acres in Navi Mumbai. Dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji, the large temple complex has prayer halls and spaces for spiritual and cultural activities.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (also during Janmashtami)
- Temple Timings: 4:15 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Mangal Aarti: 4:30 AM
- Mangal Tulsi Aarti: 5:30 AM
- Rajbhog Aarti: 12:30 PM
- Uttapana Aarti: 4:15 PM
- Evening Tulsi Aarti: 6:30 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM
- Shayana Aarti: 8:30 PM
- How to Reach: You can take a bus, auto or taxi from Kharghar.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kharghar Railway Station (4.7 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Kharghar Bus Station Depot (4.6 km)
12. Jyotiba Temple, Kolhapur
Jyotiba Temple stands on Jyotiba Hill near Kolhapur and is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, who is worshipped as a form of Lord Shiva. This is one of the famous temples in Maharashtra and is best known for the Chaitra Yatra, when thousands climb the hill, carry decorated sasankathis in procession and cover the temple grounds in pink gulal.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February; March-April for Chaitra Yatra
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Take a local bus or taxi from Kolhapur localities.
- Nearby Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (21.5 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Kolhapur Central Bus Stand (24.5 km)
13. Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Vani
Among Maharashtra’s famous temples, the Saptashrungi Devi Temple is unique because it’s considered a half Shakti Peetha. Goddess Sati’s right arm is believed to have fallen here. The temple has a swayambhu rock idol with eighteen arms, each holding a different weapon. It is also among the popular temples to visit in Maharashtra, especially during Chaitra Navratri.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Buses and taxis run from Nashik to Vani and Saptashrung Gad.
- Nearby Railway Station: Nashik Road Railway Station (79 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Vani Bus Stand (23.2 km)
14. Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla
Located in the Karla Caves near Lonavala, this famous temple in Maharashtra is dedicated to Goddess Ekvira, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple sits on a hilltop, and devotees must climb about 500 steps to reach it.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Take a bus, taxi or auto from Lonavala to Karla.
- Nearby Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (11.6 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Lonavala ST Bus Stand (11 km)
15. Shri Shyam Dham, Nagpur
This famous temple in Maharashtra is dedicated to Khatu Shyam Ji, who is worshipped as Barbarika, the grandson of Bhima. Devotees offer prayers at the temple by chanting “Haare ka sahara, Baba Shyam hamara”, calling Shyam Baba to support those who are lost in life. Thousands of Shyamji devotees visit this temple, especially those who cannot travel to the main Khatu Shyam Temple in Rajasthan.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (Ekadashi days)
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- How to Reach: The temple is in the Nandanvan area of Nagpur and can be reached by city bus, auto or taxi.
- Nearby Railway Station: Nagpur Junction (5.5 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Ganeshpeth Bus Stand (3.6 km)
Things to Know When Visiting Temples in Maharashtra
When visiting Maharashtra’s famous temples, follow these simple tips to plan your visit and respect temple rules and customs:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Check darshan and aarti timings before visiting, especially during Ganesh Utsav, Navratri, Shravan and Mahashivratri. | Do not expect normal temple timings during major festivals and yatras. |
| Wear simple, modest clothes. Some temples may have special dress rules for the inner sanctum. | Do not wear sleeveless or revealing clothes to temples. |
| Follow the darshan queue and wait for your turn. | Do not push, jump queues, or enter areas meant only for special pujas. |
| Check if phones, cameras and bags are allowed before entering. | Do not take photos inside the sanctum if photography is restricted. |
| Keep your footwear at the designated shoe stand before entering. | Do not carry footwear into the temple premises where it is restricted. |
| Check the temple’s customs before entering the sanctum. For example, at Grishneshwar Temple, men traditionally remove their upper garment before entering the inner sanctum. | Do not touch idols or religious objects unless the temple allows it. |
FAQs
- How many Jyotirlinga temples are there in Maharashtra?
Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, and Grishneshwar are three main recognised Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
- Which is the wealthiest temple in Maharashtra?
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is the wealthiest temple in Maharashtra. The annual income of the temple ranges from ₹400 to ₹480 crore.
- Which god has the most number of temples in Maharashtra?
Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva are widely worshipped across the state. Maharashtra has many famous Ganpati temples, including the eight Ashtavinayak temples, while several important Jyotirlingas are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Which are the best Ganpati temples to visit in Maharashtra during Ganpati Utsav?
Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai and Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune are among the best temples in Maharashtra to visit during Ganpati Utsav. You can also visit Ganpatipule and the Ashtavinayak temples.
- Which are the most famous ancient temples in Maharashtra?
Some well-known ancient temples in Maharashtra include Kailasa Temple at Ellora, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Grishneshwar Temple, Aundha Nagnath Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur.
