In the heart of Maharashtra, Aurangabad is not just a historical city known for its Mughal architecture and UNESCO heritage sites—it’s also a spiritual hub surrounded by some of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Whether you’re a devoted seeker or a curious traveler, the sacred sites near Aurangabad offer an unforgettable blend of peace, heritage, and cultural insight.
In this article, we take you on a divine journey through the 10 best pilgrimage sites near Aurangabad, each holding its own spiritual significance and timeless charm.
Aurangabad’s Best Nearby Pilgrimage Sites:
1. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Distance from Aurangabad: 30 km (approx.)
Location: Verul Village, near Ellora Caves
Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it an immensely significant site for Shaivites. Built in the Hemadpanthi style, this red stone marvel is a stunning example of Maratha temple architecture. Legend has it that the name “Grishneshwar” means the “Lord of Compassion.”
Thousands of devotees visit each year, especially during the Mahashivratri festival, seeking blessings, purification, and a spiritual upliftment. The temple is situated very close to the Ellora Caves, which adds to its charm and accessibility.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and immerse yourself in the serene aarti rituals.
2. Bhadra Maruti Temple
Distance from Aurangabad: 35 km (approx.)
Location: Khuldabad
One of the very few temples where Lord Hanuman is depicted in a sleeping or reclining posture, Bhadra Maruti Temple is both unique and highly revered. The legend goes that Hanuman, deeply moved by King Bhadrasen’s devotion, decided to rest here after hearing his devotional songs.
The temple sees a large influx of devotees during Hanuman Jayanti. Its spiritual ambiance, coupled with folklore and mysticism, makes it a beloved spot for worshippers from across India.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during sunset hours when devotional chants elevate the spiritual vibe.
3. Ajanta Caves
Distance from Aurangabad: 107 km (approx.)
Though famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta Caves are also a significant pilgrimage center for Buddhists. These 30 rock-cut caves are carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River. They house Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls (viharas and chaityas) with exquisite murals and sculptures narrating the life of Lord Buddha.
For followers of Buddhism, Ajanta is not just an archaeological site but a place of deep reflection, representing the ideals of compassion, meditation, and detachment. Explore More: What Makes Ajanta Caves Famous – Full Guide
Spiritual Insight: Cave 1, with its painting of Padmapani, is especially venerated.
4. Ellora Caves
Distance from Aurangabad: 29 km (approx.)
Ellora is where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism converge harmoniously. This massive complex comprises 34 rock-cut shrines and temples, each a testament to the divine craftsmanship of ancient India.
The most celebrated structure here is the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a monolithic marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out of a single rock, it is believed to represent Mount Kailash itself. Pilgrims, art lovers, and spiritual seekers find solace and amazement within these stone walls.
Must Experience: Participate in spiritual chanting or quiet reflection in Cave 10 (a Buddhist chaitya).
Read More:Â Top 10 facts about the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
5. Kailasa Temple
Part of Ellora Caves
While Kailasa Temple is part of Ellora, it deserves its own mention due to its divine symbolism and architectural grandeur. The entire temple was carved from top to bottom, featuring finely detailed sculptures of gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes.
The temple symbolizes the eternal presence of Lord Shiva and attracts both spiritual pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts.
Tip: Walk the periphery of the temple to admire the full scope of carvings and experience its spiritual design.
6. Valley of the Sufi Saints (Khuldabad)
Distance from Aurangabad: 25 km (approx.)
Known as the Valley of Saints, Khuldabad is where several revered Sufi saints are buried, including Hazrat Khwaja Zainuddin Shirazi and Hazrat Burhanuddin Gharib. The area also houses the simple tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who chose to be buried near his spiritual guide.
Khuldabad is a place of serene beauty and introspection, drawing followers of Sufism and Islamic spirituality. It remains a lesser-known yet powerful spiritual destination near Aurangabad.
Experience: Attend evening qawwalis or just sit peacefully amid the whispering winds of devotion.
7. Anwa Temple
Distance from Aurangabad: 60 km (approx.)
Location: Near Golegaon
This lesser-known gem is a 12th-century Shiva temple featuring classic Yadava-era architecture. The temple is relatively unexplored, making it an ideal retreat for solitude seekers and offbeat pilgrims. The stone carvings, though weathered, still narrate tales from Hindu mythology.
Why Visit: For its serene atmosphere and to connect with divinity without crowds.
8. Aurangabad Caves
Distance from Aurangabad: 5 km (approx.)
Not far from the bustling city center, the Aurangabad Caves are a group of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines carved between the 6th and 8th centuries. These caves, though often overshadowed by Ajanta and Ellora, hold their own spiritual importance and artistic brilliance.
The tantric imagery found in some caves adds a layer of mysticism and spiritual depth. These caves are often visited for quiet meditation and exploration of Buddhist philosophy.
Pro Tip: Visit Cave 7 for impressive sculptures of female deities and meditative serenity.
9. Shuli Bhanjan
Distance from Aurangabad: 30 km (approx.)
A scenic hill near Aurangabad, Shuli Bhanjan is believed to be where Saint Eknath Maharaj performed penance. There’s a small temple dedicated to him at the top, and the spot is famous for its natural echo phenomenon.
Spiritual seekers often trek up for solitude, nature, and to feel the energy of Maharashtra’s revered saint. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking inner peace and introspection.
Best Time: Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the monsoon when the landscape comes alive.
10. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Location: Within Aurangabad City
Though not a temple or shrine in the traditional sense, Bibi Ka Maqbara holds deep symbolic meaning as a monument of love and remembrance. Built by Aurangzeb for his wife, Dilras Banu Begum, it serves as a place of quietude and prayer for many locals.
Modeled after the Taj Mahal, this iconic structure is a reflective space for those seeking peace, beauty, and emotional connection. The gardens, fountains, and symmetry create an atmosphere that soothes the soul.
Experience: Visit during the golden hour for a peaceful stroll and reflection on love and mortality.
Final Thoughts: A Spiritual Mosaic Near Aurangabad
Aurangabad is much more than a historical city—it is a spiritual gateway. These 10 pilgrimage sites near Aurangabad form a mosaic of religious traditions, architectural wonders, and soul-soothing experiences. Whether you’re walking barefoot in an ancient temple courtyard or meditating in a cave carved centuries ago, each site offers a step closer to the divine.
So, pack your bags with reverence in your heart and set out on this sacred circuit around Aurangabad. You might return with more than just memories—you may find a piece of yourself left behind in these timeless shrines.
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