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Beyond the forts and historical monuments, there are several historical temples in Maharashtra, which you can’t brush to the side. Each of these temples holds a strong history, offering you a glimpse into the religious and cultural background of the state. As you are travelling through Maharashtra, exploring the individual landmarks and stopping by these historical and ancient temples in the state are a must. It allows you to immerse yourself in the enriching part of the state. On your next trip to Maharashtra, set aside a few days and dedicate it towards exploring each one of these temples.
Top 10 Historical Temples In Maharashtra
Each historical temple in Maharashtra carries a unique story, often reflecting the era in which it was constructed, the rulers who commissioned it, and the devout followers who have sustained its traditions over centuries.
1. Trimbakeshwar Temple
Photo: Savitr1915 / Wikimedia Commons
Starting with the most iconic temple in Maharashtra, the Trimbakeshwar Temple. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, making it one of the holiest shrines in India. The temple was built in the 18th century by Peshwa Nana Saheb and made entirely out of black basalt, which adds to the architectural significance of the place. However, its significance dates much further back in history, as the site is closely associated with the origin of the sacred Godavari River. The temple houses a unique linga, which has three faces Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Location: Trimbak, Maharashtra 422212
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
2. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Photo: Rajukhan Sr Rajesh / Wikimedia Commons
Though relatively modern, the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi is an important pilgrimage destination and is one of the most famous historical temples in Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Sai Baba, a saint respected by both Hindus and Muslims. The temple’s origin dates back to the 20th century. The construction of the temple was initiated by Shrimant Gopalrao, a devotee of Sai Baba, who sought to enshrine the saint’s mortal remains at the site where he performed miracles and preached equality, love, and selflessness. Inside the Samadhi Mandir is where you will find Sai Baba’s tomb, which is built using stone and wood.
Location: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
3. Bhimashankar Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
When talking about the popular historical temples in Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is another place worth visiting. It is a Jyotirlinga site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its origins are immersed in mythology, where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as Bhima to defeat the demon Tripurasura. The current structure, dating back to the 13th century, is built in the Nagara architecture style, with its stone walls having carvings of different mythological tales. One of the main highlights of this temple is its location amidst nature, especially the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The nearby Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar is also worth visiting.
Location: Dimbhe Dam Colony, Via, Dist, Khed taluka, Maharashtra 410509
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
4. Ellora Kailasa Temple
The Ellora Kailasa Temple is the oldest historical temple in Maharashtra, located inside the iconic Ellora Caves. It is an ancient rock-cut cave temple, which was reportedly commissioned by King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 8th century. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the entire temple was excavated vertically from a single rock, requiring the removal of over 400,000 tons of stone. The temple’s architecture has a lot of similarity with Mount Kailash and there are detailed Hindu scriptures like Ramayana and Mahabharata drawn on the walls of the temple.
Location: Ellora, Verul, Maharashtra 431102
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday closed)
5. Ganpatipule Temple
Photo: Pdsaw / Wikimedia Commons
Your religious tour around Maharashtra is incomplete if you don’t visit a Ganesh Temple. Among the best historical temples in Maharashtra, the Ganpatipule Temple is one worth visiting. The temple is reportedly 400 years old and is a “Swayambhu” idol inside the inner sanctum. During the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, thousands of devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings from the deity. The nearby beach adds to the temple’s allure as well, allowing you to have a spiritual experience, all while enjoying the stunning nature views around. You can also conduct a 1 km pradakshina around the temple to have their wishes fulfilled.
Location: Ganpatipule, Maharashtra 415615
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
6. Mahabaleshwar Temple
Photo: Madhusudana_reddy_Singana / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Old Mahabaleshwar, Mahabaleshwar Temple is another one of the Maharashtra historical temples that you have to consider visiting. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reportedly one of the oldest temples in the region. It dates back to the 6th century and was constructed under the rule of the Chalukya dynasty and showcases the Hemadpanthi architecture style, which is quite evident with the use of black stone. The temple houses a 6-foot-tall black stone Shiva lingam, revered by devotees as the Mahalingam. In addition to its religious importance, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is located near the source of the Krishna River, which is considered sacred.
Location: Old Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
7. Morgaon Mayureshwar Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Morgaon Mayureshwar Temple is a renowned historical temple in Maharashtra that deserves to be in your travel plans. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples. This temple is believed to date back to the 14th century and was built by the Maratha ruler Morya Gosavi, who was a devout follower of Ganesha. The folklore surrounding the temple suggests that Lord Ganesha appeared in the form of a peacock to defeat the demon Sindhu, which is where the temple’s name comes from. This is often considered one of the first temples to be visited in the Ashtavinayak circuit.
Location: Morgaon, Maharashtra 412304
Timings: 5 AM – 10:30 PM
8. Aundha Nagnath Temple
Photo: Rajesh rajewar / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond being a historical marvel, the Aundha Nagnath Temple is also one of the Jyotirlingas in India. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the temple’s construction was done by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, during their exile. The temple was later expanded in the 13th century during the time of the Yadava dynasty. One of the main elements of this temple that will surely blow your mind is the Hemadpanti style of architecture, which uses stone architecture and carvings. Also, inside the inner sanctum of this temple lies the Shivalinga, which remains partially underground, depicting its ancient origins.
Location: Nanded – Aundha Rd, Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra 431705
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
9. Grishneshwar Temple
Photo: Rashmi.parab / Wikimedia Commons
Grishneshwar Temple, located near the famous Ellora Caves, is another of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Historically speaking, the temple’s origins date back to the 18th century when it was reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar, the ruler of Indore after its original structure was destroyed by invaders. Beyond its history, the temple’s architecture is also unique, featuring the Bhumija style of architecture. The temple’s five-tiered shikhara has intricate carvings that depict various deities, floral motifs, and mythical creatures. If you are visiting the Ellora Caves, be sure to add this temple to your travel plans too.
Location: Ghrushneshwar, Ghrishneshwar Temple Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra 431102
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
10. Mumbadevi Temple
Photo: Ajay Lamichhane / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are in Mumbai looking for the most ancient temple in the city, head to Mumbadevi Temple. The name of the city is believed to be derived from this temple. The original temple is said to have been built in the 14th century, though the current structure dates back to the 18th century. One of the most unique aspects of this temple is the idol of the Goddess with no mouth. People visit this temple to worship the Goddess believing that doing so would bring peace, prosperity, and protection. The temple also has other shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Maruti, Indrayani, Shiva, Narsoba, Balaji and Jagannath.
Location: 45/47, Dhanji St, Mumbadevi Area, Kalbadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:45 PM
Much of the history of the state, several historical temples in Maharashtra offer a glimpse into the rich cultural past. As you are planning your travel plans around the state, don’t miss out on adding these temples to your travel plans too to get a deeper understanding of Maharashtra’s history, architecture, and devotional traditions. Without any delay, make sure you book your trip with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience.
Cover Photo: Arga / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
