If you are on a religious tour to Maharashtra means, you opted for a perfect destination. Maharashtra is named for its prominent religious places known for historic backdrops. Simply, it is the land of spirituality and home to many wonderful religious spots. Being not familiar with one religion Maharashtra holds prominence to all religions places. Starting with historic temples and follows on beautiful churches, mosques, pagodas, and many iconic religious places of Maharastra look stunning.
Maharashtra’s religious places will offer you a peaceful atmosphere with positive vibes. From the historic temples, churches, and mosques to the modern wonderful religious spots make you are stunned.
Here we go through some of the best religious places to explore in Maharashtra:
1. Mumbai
Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra comes first if you want to explore. The capital city is home to numerous wonderful religious spots. Not accompanied by one religion all religion’s shrines here grab everyone’s attention.
The famous Siddhivinayak temple, Haji Ali Dargah, and Mount Mary Church are the major religious spots of Mumbai. These are worthy enough places to visit for sure in Mumbai.
Later, ISKCON temple, Mumba Devi Temple, Babulnath temple, St. Thomas Cathedral, and Elephanta caves are the other prominent religious places to visit.
Especially, Elephanta caves are very popular rock-cut cave temples to visit that date back to the 7th century. Through boat rides from the Gateway of India, you have to reach the caves.
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2. Shirdi
It is a very popular and sacred religious destination in Maharashtra. Shirdi is home to Lord Sai Baba, where temple is located in the town. From all over India and from foreign countries too, devotees visit Shirdi.
In a few words, Shirdi is the land of Sai Baba. He is known for his generous acts and life teaching preaches. The town resonances with peaceful and spiritual vibes wherever you go.
Apart from the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan temple, the town holds some of the best religious spots to visit. Dwarkamai masjid, Shani Shingnapur, Samadhi Mandir, Gurusthan, LendiBaug, and Chavadi are the other religious sites to visit. To learn more about the top ten tourist attractions in Shirdi, click here.
Check out the Package for Shirdi: 2 Nights 3 Days Shirdi With Shani Shingnapur Temple Tour Itinerary
3. Nashik
Nashik is a wonderful city known for its beautiful tourist attractions and religious prominence. The city is home to the Kumbh Mela procession, which takes place once every 12 years on the shores of Godavari.
Nashik is a prominent city mentioned in many mythological stories and its religious sites hold great history. Different religious sites of Nashik speak about the tales of Ramayana. It is such a prominent religious spot in Maharashtra.
Its uncountable number of temples like Trimbakeshwar, Sita Gufa, Nasik Caves, Kapileshwara Temple, Muktidham Temple, Someshwar Temple, and so on many temples are just marvelous to visit. Later, the two places Panchavati and Saptashrungi are the must-visit. Visit the best tourist destinations in Nashik to read more.
4. Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule is a small town in the Ratnagiri district known for its famous Ganapati temple. Even though it is a small temple but it is a very famous and well-known one in Maharashtra. The idol of Lord Ganapati in the shrine is Swayambhu means a self-made monolith.
Besides, it is formed of pule means white sand. That’s why the temple is called Ganapatipule. The temple located on the Konkan coastline of white sand beach looks just stunning and awesome.
The temple dates back nearly 400 years old and the rhythmic resonance from the temple is another great attraction. During the festival of Diwali, the temple receives a huge crowd. Its white-sand beaches are also a great attraction to enjoy the day. Must-Visit the Best Places to See in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
5. Aurangabad
Popularly known as the “Tourism Capital of Maharashtra”, Aurangabad is a must-visit place. The place is home to many architectural wonders and heritage sites. From the Ajanta and Ellora caves to many temples, every religious site here is a masterpiece to get admired.
The Ajanta and Ellora caves come first to explore. The caves depict the religious prominence of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism through architectural brilliance. Worthy and must-visit places of Aurangabad.
Then, the Mausoleums of Aurangzeb and Bibi-Ka-Magbara, and the Grishneshwar temple are the prominent religious places to visit. Grishneshwar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. So don’t forget to visit. Also read: 10 interesting facts about Maharashtra’s Ajanta and Ellora caves
6. Tuljapur
Tuljapur is known for its Tulja Bhavani Temple, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peetas. This small town is home to Goddess Bhavanialso she is called Tvarita, MaaTulja, and Amba. As per the stories, Maharaja Chattrapati Shivaji is the devotee of Goddess Tulja.
Also, it is believed that the Bhavani Sword was gifted to Shivajiby. The temple was built in the 12thcentury and the Goddess in the temple is Swayambhu.
Apart from the temple, the nature and historic constructions of Tuljapur are perfect to visit. Here you can experience the Maratha clan’s dominance and their cultures.
Read Also: Must-Visit Forts in Maharashtra
7. Thane
A few temples in Thane city stand as iconic religious spots to visit. Among them, the Kopineshwar Mandir temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of Masunda lake is a wonderful one to visit.
The Shivalinga inside the temple is a major attraction because it is one of the largest in Maharashtra. Apart from the Shiva temple, the temple comprises many other shrines of Lord Rama, Kalika Devi, Uttareshwar, Bramha Dev, and Lord Maruti.
Other than this temple, Titwala Ganesh Mandir, St. John the Baptist Church, ISKCON, and Manas Mandir are prominent temples to visit. Kopineshwar Mandir is an olden temple of Thane so it is nice to capture its historic sights.
Viewing the 100 most beautiful destinations to visit in India are a must-see.
8. Sonai
In Maharashtra, Sonai is a different and interesting religious site to visit. This small village is home to a popular Shani temple named Shani Shingnapur. The idol of Shani Mahadev in the temple is Swayambhu and people believe that still, deity resides in the temple.
Nearly 30,000 to 40,000 devotees visit the temple daily. Even this temple was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. Such a popular and rarest Shani temple in India.
An interesting thing about this place is, here people believe Shane will punish if anyone attempts theft. Due to this reason, the entire village has no house with doors and even a bank branch opened without any security setup and locking system. They feel that much more secure because of belief.
9. Bhimashankar
Located at the foothills of Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is a pleasant and famous religious spot. This holy place is home to Bhimashankar Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
In Maharashtra, the Bhimashankar temple is one of the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. Its Nagara architectural style is another great attraction to the temple. The views and atmosphere of the temple from the hilltop are just amazing and breathtaking.
For spiritual and nature lovers, this temple is the best option. Its wildlife sanctuary is also a worthy place to visit on your trip. During Shivaratri, the temple receives hordes of people. The day you can see the grandeur of the temple.
10. Jejuri
Khandoba temples are the name for Jejuricity in Pune. Perched on a hilltop in a fort, Khandoba temples dedicated to the Hindu god, Khandoba are very sacred. Many people visit Jejuri and visit Khandoba temples. Kadepathar a and Gad-Kot are the two prominent and sacred temples of Khandoba.
Kadepathaara temple is the oldest one and it is located at an altitude of 133mts. Another one, the Gad-Kot temple is the new one. In it, the statue of Lord Khandobais a great attraction.
Trekking to these temples through lush greenery views, villages, and arches seems to be wonderful. In November, the annual festival of the temple will be held. It is a grand ceremony to take part.
Also read:
- Top Trekking Destinations near Pune
- Best Tourist Places to Visit near Pune within 100 Km
- Travel Mumbai to Pune by Vistadome coach Deccan Express
This is all about some of the famous religious sites to take visit in Maharashtra. Here are just about 10 places written down but many wonderful places are there to explore in Maharashtra. Whenever you are on plan to explore Maharashtra’s religious lands, pick them for the best experience.
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