SOME POPULAR TEMPLES IN MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra, a state steeped in history and spirituality, is home to numerous revered temples. Some of the most popular include the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the historic Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, and the serene Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba.
Mahalaxmi Temple
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is a significant Hindu temple dating back to the 7th century.
Siddhvinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, built in 1801.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple in Trimbak, Nashik, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini, built in the 13th century.
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Pandharpur Temple
SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE
Additional Tips for Visitors
• By Air:
• Shirdi Airport is the closest, located about 15 km away, with limited domestic flights.
• Pune Airport (185 km) and Aurangabad Airport (110 km) offer better connectivity.
• From the airports, taxis and buses are available to Shirdi.
• By Train:
• Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is just 3 km from the temple and connects with major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad.
• Kopergaon Railway Station (16 km away) is another option with good connectivity.
• By Road:
• Shirdi is well connected by highways to Pune (185 km), Mumbai (240 km), and Nashik (90 km).
• State-run buses and private buses frequently operate between these cities and Shirdi.
• Open Hours: The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
• Key Aartis:
1. Kakad Aarti (Morning) – 4:30 AM
2. Madhyan Aarti (Afternoon) – 12:00 PM
3. Dhoop Aarti (Evening) – 6:30 PM
4. Shej Aarti (Night) – 10:30 PM
• Special Events:
• Thursday is considered auspicious, attracting a larger crowd.
• Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Vijayadashami are celebrated grandly each year .
Entry and Facilities
• Darshan Entry: General darshan is free, but VIP passes are available for quicker access.
• Dress Code: While there is no strict code, visitors are advised to dress modestly.
• Facilities: Cloakrooms, shoe storage, and prasadam counters are available within the complex. Phones and cameras are not permitted inside the temple.
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is a renowned pilgrimage site dedicated to Sai Baba, revered for his teachings of love, peace, and unity. Sai Baba lived in Shirdi during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, performing miracles and helping devotees, regardless of caste or creed. Today, millions visit this shrine seeking his blessings.
Temple Timings and Rituals
How to Reach Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Shirdi offers a variety of budget and mid-range hotels, many located within walking distance from the temple.
1. Hotel Sai Chhatra – Affordable rooms with easy access to the temple.
2. Hotel Yog Palace – Basic but comfortable accommodations.
3. Sai Grand Castle Inn – Known for family-friendly amenities.
4. Hotel G-Square – Located right across the temple entrance, offering clean and modern rooms.
5. St Laurn Hotel – A slightly upscale option with good facilities for pilgrims .
Budget Hotels Near Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Best Time to Visit
• October to March: The winter months are ideal, with comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
• Festive Days: Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Vijayadashami see large celebrations, but these times can also get crowded.
Additional Tips for Visitors
• Online Darshan Booking: It’s recommended to book darshan and aarti slots online in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Local Attractions: Visit nearby places like the Shani Shingnapur Temple (70 km) and Dwarkamai within Shirdi.
This travel guide will help devotees plan their spiritual journey to Shirdi, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling visit to the temple of Sai Baba.
Additional Tips for Visitors
Here is the Additional Attractions section for Shirdi Sai Baba Temple:
Additional Attractions Near Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
1. Dwarkamai Mosque: Located within the temple complex, this mosque served as Sai Baba’s residence for most of his life. It is a sacred site where devotees can see the oil lamp lit by Sai Baba, which continues to burn today.
2. Chavadi: This building is where Sai Baba used to rest every alternate night. It is now a small shrine, and a ceremonial procession takes place every Thursday.
3. Shani Shingnapur Temple: Located 70 km from Shirdi, this unique temple is dedicated to Lord Shani. The village surrounding the temple has houses with no doors, as people believe in divine protection from Lord Shani.
4. Wet N Joy Water Park: A family-friendly water park located close to the temple, perfect for relaxing after a pilgrimage.
5. Khandoba Temple: This temple is located near the entrance of Shirdi and holds historical significance, as it is believed that Sai Baba first set foot in Shirdi at this site .
This Additional Attractions section gives visitors more options to explore the spiritual and cultural richness of the area, helping make their trip to Shirdi even more memorable.
MAHALAXMI TEMPLE, KOLHAPUR
Additional Attractions
• By Air: The nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport, about 10 km away. For more connectivity options, Pune Airport is located around 235 km from Kolhapur.
• By Train: Kolhapur Railway Station is just 2 km from the temple, offering good connectivity to Mumbai, Pune, and other major cities.
• By Road: Kolhapur is well connected by state highways and national highways, with buses and taxis available from Pune, Mumbai, and nearby cities.
• Temple Hours: Open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
• Aartis:
1. Kakad Aarti – 4:30 AM
2. Shodashopachar Pooja – 8:00 AM
3. Naivedya Aarti – 11:30 AM
4. Mahapuja Aarti – 7:30 PM
5. Shej Aarti – 10:00 PM
No entry fee is required to visit the temple, but devotees can offer donations for specific rituals or temple maintenance. Visitors are advised to wear modest clothing inside the temple complex.
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, also known locally as Ambabai. This temple holds great importance in Hindu mythology, and devotees believe that visiting the temple brings prosperity and good fortune. It dates back to the 6th century and features intricate architectural designs with black stone carvings.
Temple Timings and Rituals
How to Reach the Temple
1. Hotel Pearl – Comfortable budget option near the temple.
2. Hotel Rasika Renaissance – Known for friendly service and good amenities.
3. Rajabal Yatri Niwas – A popular choice among pilgrims for affordability.
4. Hotel Sayaji – Slightly upscale but still within reasonable budgets.
5. Pavillion Hotel – Offers proximity to the temple and basic facilities.
Budget Hotels Near Mahalaxmi Temples
1. Rankala Lake – A scenic lake with boating facilities and gardens, about 3 km from the temple.
2. Jyotiba Temple – Located 30 km away, it is a famous hill temple dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, an avatar of Shiva.
3. Panhala Fort – A historic hill fort located 20 km from Kolhapur, known for its scenic views and trekking trails.
4. New Palace Museum – A museum showcasing Kolhapur’s royal heritage and artifacts.
5. Binkhambi Ganesh Temple – A unique temple without any pillars, located just 1 km from the Mahalaxmi Temple.
This guide ensures a seamless and enriching experience for travelers visiting Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, blending spirituality with local culture and historical exploration.
For the best experience, plan your visit during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and temple visits.
SHRI SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE, PRABHADEVI, MUMBAI
Additional Attractions
• By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, about 12 km from the temple.
• By Train: Dadar Railway Station is the closest, just 2 km away. It’s well connected by local trains and express trains from across the country.
• By Road: The temple is easily accessible via taxis, auto-rickshaws, and BEST buses from all parts of Mumbai. Being centrally located, it’s a short drive from prominent areas like Bandra and Lower Parel.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 5:30 AM to 9:50 PM.
• Aartis:
1. Kakad Aarti (Morning) – 5:30 AM
2. Shree Darshan – 6:30 AM to 12:15 PM
3. Dhoop Aarti (Evening) – 7:30 PM
4. Shej Aarti (Night) – 9:50 PM
The temple becomes especially busy on Tuesdays, which are considered auspicious for Lord Ganesha. There is no entry fee, though donations are welcome.
The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the most visited and revered temples in India. Situated in Prabhadevi, the temple attracts not only locals but also celebrities, politicians, and tourists. Devotees flock here seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings, as he is considered the remover of obstacles.
Temple Timings and Rituals
How to Reach Siddhivinayak Temple
1. Hotel Amigo – Just 1 km from the temple, offering basic amenities and free parking.
2. Hiltop Hotel – A popular budget option with easy access to the temple.
3. City Guest House – A simple, affordable hotel located close to Dadar Station.
4. Hotel Avon Ruby – Budget-friendly with breakfast options.
5. Bawa Regency Hotel – Offers good services and proximity to major attractions in Mumbai.
Budget Hotels Near Siddivinayak Temple
1. Haji Ali Dargah – A beautiful mosque located on the Arabian Sea, 5 km away.
2. Shivaji Park – A popular beachside promenade and park, about 3 km from the temple.
3. Worli Sea Face – Known for its scenic views and the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, located 4 km away.
4. Dadar Flower Market – Just a short walk from the temple, famous for fresh flowers and garlands.
5. ISKCON Temple, Chowpatty – Another spiritual destination, located about 8 km from Siddhivinayak.
This guide ensures that devotees and visitors have a smooth and enriching experience at Siddhivinayak Temple. The best time to visit is during the early morning hours or on weekdays to avoid large crowds. A visit to this temple offers not just blessings but also a glimpse into Mumbai’s vibrant cultural and spiritual life.
TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE, NASHIK
Additional Attractions Near Trimbakeshwar
• By Air: The nearest airport is Nashik Airport (ISK), around 39-40 km from the temple. Taxis and buses are available for the one-hour journey from the airport to the temple area.
• By Train: Nashik Road Railway Station is about 36 km away from the temple. Travelers can take taxis or buses to reach Trimbakeshwar from the station.
• By Road: Trimbakeshwar is well-connected by highways. Buses and taxis operate frequently from Mumbai (178 km), Pune (210 km), and Shirdi (120 km), making it an accessible destination by road..
• Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
• Key Rituals:
• Narayan Nagbali Pooja: A unique ritual performed to seek liberation from ancestral curses.
• Tripindi Shraddha: Conducted to bring peace to departed souls.
• Festival Highlight: Mahashivaratri and Kumbh Mela are celebrated with great fervor, attracting thousands of devotees.
The Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds a special significance as it is the only Jyotirlinga where the lingam represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in a single idol. The temple is surrounded by the Brahmagiri Hills, which are considered the origin of the sacred Godavari River. This ancient site is known not only for spiritual activities but also as a center for performing special rituals like Narayan Nagbali and Tripindi Shraddha.
Temple Timings and Rituals
How to Reach Trimbakeshwar Temple
1. Sai Vijay Lodge – Located near the temple with budget-friendly rooms and basic amenities.
2. Hotel Sai Yatri – A popular choice for pilgrims, situated close to the temple complex.
3. Anand Resort – Offers mid-range accommodation with scenic surroundings.
4. Hotel Dhruv Palace – Known for its proximity and good hospitality.
5. Hotel Samrat – An option with comfortable rooms and essential amenities, near the temple.
Budget Hotels Near Siddivinayak Temple
1. Brahmagiri Hill – A scenic trekking destination believed to be the origin of the Godavari River.
2. Anjaneri Hill – About 7 km away, this hill is said to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
3. Gangadwar – A holy bathing site on the Godavari, popular for ritual dips.
4. Panchavati – Located in Nashik, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama stayed during his exile.
5. Sula Vineyards – A short drive away, this vineyard offers tours and wine tasting experiences.
The best time to visit the temple is from October to March, as the winter months offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and rituals. Avoid summers due to extreme heat, and be prepared for monsoon rains if visiting between June and September.
Trimbakeshwar offers a blend of spirituality and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit for devotees and travelers seeking peace and cultural enrichment.