The state of Maharashtra is situated in the western part of India. It has the distinction of being the third-largest and second-most populous state of India. The geographical terrain of this state is characterized by major rivers like Godavari and Krishna, palm-fringed beaches and lofty, cool-green mountains. The natural beauty of Maharashtra, along with certain world heritage sites, national parks and bustling cosmopolitan cities draw tourists to this state. Temples of Maharashtra are no exception in this regard. They also serve as spots that have the potential to catch the attention of tourists visiting this state. Temples of Maharashtra depict the spiritual consciousness of the people of the land and it also portrays its rich tradition of temple architecture.
Siddhivinayak Temple
Siddhivinayak Temple is located in Mumbai. This temple is devoted to Shree Siddhivinayak and is popular among His worshippers. The figure of Shree Siddhivinayak is carved out of a single black stone with the trunk on the right and is regarded as an unusual representation of Lord Ganesha.
Ballaleshwar Vinayka Temple
Ballaleshwar Vinayka Temple is situated at a distance of about 10 kilometers from the city of Pune. This temple is one of the eight Astha Vinayak Temples of Maharashtra and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple was founded in the year 1770 by Nana Phadnis. In this temple, Lord Ganesha is known as Ballaleshwar. The name of this temple came from one of the devotees of the Lord. The name of the devotee is Ballal of Pali.
Other Astha Vinayak Temples of Maharashtra are Shree Mayureshwar Temple, Shree Varada Vinayaka Temple, Shree Chintamani Vinayaka Temple, Shree Girijatmaj Vinayaka Temple, Shree Vigneshwara Temple and Shree Mahaganapati Temple.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is located in the town of Trimbak in Nashik District. The ruling deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao is credited with the establishment of this temple. It is a fine representation of the Hemadpanth style of architecture. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Other Jyotirlingas located in Maharashtra are Aundha Nagnath, Bhimashankar Temple, Grishneshwar Temple and Parali Vajinath.
Parshuram Temple
Parshurama Temple is located in the village of Parshuram in the district of Ratnagiri. It is also known by the other name of Shree Kshetra Parshuram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Parshurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism.
Jyotiba Temple
Jyotiba Temple is located at a height of about 3124 feet above sea level in the district of Kolhapur. The presiding deity of this temple is Jyotib (Dattatreya). An annual fair is held here on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha.
Vithal Dayaji Temple
Vithal Dayaji Temple is located in the village of Sulewadi in the district of Solapur. This temple is dedicated to Kuladevata, who is recognized as a family deity. Following the Hindu Lunisolar calendar, a fairy day event is celebrated in this temple.
Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai
Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai is situated in the northern foot of the Malabar Hill. It is one of the most primitive Hindu places of worship in Maharashtra. This temple is devoted to goddesses Mahasaraswati, Mahakali and Mahalakshmi.
Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
Mahalaxmi Temple situated close to Kolhapur, is one of the most famous centers of religious importance in Maharashtra. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi. The name of Goddess Mahalaxmi is mentioned in various Puranas. For several years, the members of a number of royal families had prayed for the blessings of goddess Amba Bai or Mahalaxmi. Even today this temple attracts a plethora of devotees from all corners of the country.
Nageshwar Temple
Nageshwar temple is one of the oldest temples of Pune, which is there in the city from the time of Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar. The main shrine of the Nageshwar Temple was constructed with a stone roof which is a distinctive Yadava architectural design. This temple has undergone several renovations and additions over the years. It is assumed that a reservoir was previously situated close to the Nageshwar Temple and the water of the reservoir was used to cure the disease of leprosy.
Ganapati Temple
Ganapati Temple is located alongside the Krishna River at Sangli. It is considered to be one of the most elegantly designed temples of the southern parts of Maharashtra. This temple is made out of black stone which was brought from the Jyotiba hills. It has a huge premise. It also has a very beautiful hall, a platform and a Nagarkhana. The sanctum door of this temple is made of several colours of natural wood.
Other Temples of Maharashtra
Some of the other temples of Maharashtra are Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple, Nipponzan Myohoji Temple, Amba Temple, Bhavani Temple, Ghat Shila Temple, Karla Cave Temple and Moreshwar Ganesh Temple.
