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If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, some of the best Shiva temples in Maharashtra need to be in your travel plans. There are ancient rock-cut caves to towering temple structures, each one of which adds to the religious and spiritual experience. Each Shiva temple in Maharashtra stands out with its unique history, contributing to the significance of its existence. As you are crafting the details of your next trip to Maharashtra, be sure to research these individual temples and add them to your itinerary.
10 Shiva Temples In Maharashtra
Every Shiva temple in Maharashtra has a story to unfold and they stand out for their religious and spiritual significance too.
1. Trimbakeshwar Temple
Photo: Abhideo21 / Wikimedia Commons
Tagged as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Maharashtra. The temple’s highlights lie in its architecture wherein the entire structure is constructed out of black stone and features the traditional Hemadpanthi architectural style. Its unique feature is that the Linga here represents the three deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, which symbolises the Holy Trinity. Also, the temple is located near the origin of the sacred Godavari River, making it a popular religious destination to add to your itinerary.
Location: Trimbak, Maharashtra 422212
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
2. Bhimashankar Temple
Photo: Mechatron00 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the religious destinations to visit in Maharashtra is the Bhimashankar Temple, which is also a Jyotirlinga temple. It is located around the Western Ghats and surrounded by lush greenery and steep mountains, which add to the significance of the place. Due to its remote location, the temple also poses as a peaceful retreat for the devotees. According to mythology, Bhimashankar is the site where Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima to destroy the demon Tripurasura. The area is also a declared wildlife sanctuary, which makes it more of an ideal destination to visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Location: Dimbhe Dam Colony via Dist Khed taluka, Maharashtra 410509
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
3. Grishneshwar Temple
Photo: Rashmi.parab / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple is another one of the popular Shiva temples in Maharashtra. It is the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual significance. Since the temple is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ellora Caves, you can visit the tourist attractions on the same day. The present structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen known for her devotion to Lord Shiva. The simple architecture of the temple is one of the main highlights of this place. Also, there is a large Nandi bull statue at the entrance of the temple.
Location: Ghrushneshwar, Ghrishneshwar Temple Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra 431102
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
4. Aundha Nagnath Temple
Photo: Rajesh rajewar / Wikimedia Commons
Aundha Nagnath Temple, located in the Hingoli district, is a significant Shiva temple that holds the distinction of being the first Jyotirlinga in the form of Shiva’s Naga or snake avatar. The temple’s origins date back to the reign of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty. The temple’s architectural brilliance is one of the main reasons behind its growing popularity. Also, the temple walls feature some of the most brilliant carvings and intricate designs, which are inspired by the Hindu scriptures. It is believed that this is the site where Rishi Dadhichi sacrificed his life to make weapons for the gods.
Location: Nanded – Aundha Rd, Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra 431705
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
5. Mahakaleshwar Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
More commonly known as the Mahakal Mandir, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Gondia is another one of the best Shiva temples in Maharashtra. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for the Linga which is naturally formed and believed to be self-manifested. The temple has a peaceful ambience and is surrounded by dense forests, which further enhances the spiritual experience for devotees. Much like all the Shiva temples in the country, even this one comes to life during the celebrations of Mahashivratri. The temple is located quite close to the town as well.
Location: Unnamed Road, Temni, Maharashtra 441601
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
6. Parli Vaijnath Temple
Photo: Karanvir Pathania / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Parli Vaijnath Temple, located in the Beed district, is another prominent Jyotirlinga temple in Maharashtra. Not just the spiritual and religious significance, the temple also stands out for its historical significance. The temple is associated with the worship of Vaidyanatha or the healer form of Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides here as a doctor who heals his devotees from physical and mental ailments. The majority of the devotees embark on an annual pilgrimage to the temple during Mahashivratri. The nearby hillocks and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful place for meditation and worship.
Location: Pathanpura, Peth Mohallah, Parli Vaijnath, Maharashtra 431515
Timings: 5 AM – 9:30 PM
7. Kopeshwar Temple
Photo: Shivajidesai29 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Khidrapur, Kopeshwar Temple is another one of the top Maharashtra Shiva temples. The temple dates back to the 12th century wherein it was built by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE. The temple stands out for its intricate stone carvings and magnificent sculptures. The temple is unique because it houses two shrines – one for Lord Shiva and one for Lord Vishnu, highlighting the rare co-existence of these deities in one complex. Another one of the temple’s highlights is the circular mandap without the roof, which reportedly depicts the cosmic circle of life.
Location: Khidrapur, Maharashtra 416108
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
8. Ambarnath Shiva Temple
Photo: Rachna 13 / Wikimedia Commons
Ambarnath Shiva Temple is located in Ambernath in Maharashtra and is one of the largest Shiva temples in the state. The highlight of this temple is the unique Hemadpanthi architecture, which is truly mesmerising to witness from up close. The temple is believed to have been built in 1060 AD by King Mahamandaleshwar and is a striking example of the art and craftsmanship of the era. One of the main elements of this temple is the stone carvings that depict the stories from Hindu mythology. The temple is locally known as the Puratana Shivalaya and is located on the banks of the Waldhuni river, adding to the beauty of the place.
Location: Ambernath Prakash Nagar Shiv Mandir Road, 421, 501 East, Ambernath, Maharashtra 421501
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
9. Ramling Temple
Photo: Karoly Buzas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
With the surrounding beauty of the Sahyadri Range, Ramling Temple in Maharashtra is yet another one of the Shiva temples that you can’t miss out on the list. This temple, located near the Ramling cave, attracts devotees due to its peaceful atmosphere and scenic location, offering a perfect combination of spirituality and nature. Not just for the religious devotees, the temple’s peaceful and adventurous surroundings also attract trekking enthusiasts and picnickers. You have to hike through the mountains to get to the temple, and the route offers the best of nature.
Location: Ramling – Shirur Rd, Ramling, Maharashtra 412210
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
10. Siddheshwar Temple
Photo: Roah79 / Wikimedia Commons
Siddheshwar Temple is an important Shiva temple in Solapur, located on an island in the middle of a large lake. The temple was constructed in the 12th century by Shri Siddharameshwar, a yogi and devotee of Shri Mallikarjuna of Srisailam. The temple complex is large and attracts numerous devotees, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival. One of the main attractions inside this Shiva temple is the lake, which is considered sacred. Devotees often take a dip inside the lake and then enter the inner sanctum to offer their prayers to the deity.
Location: MH SH 151, Siddheshwar Temple Area, Solapur, Maharashtra 413002
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
The Shiva temples in Maharashtra are a perfect spot to find some peace and solace, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From ancient Jyotirlingas to intricately designed stone temples, each site provides a unique experience for devotees. So, when you are planning your trip to Maharashtra with TripXL, ensure to not miss out on exploring these individual Shiva temples in the state.
Cover Photo: Rajjat Bayas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
