The holy month of Shravan (Sawan) brings a deep sense of devotion, crisp monsoon air, and lush green landscapes across Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, observing fasts (vrat) and performing Jalabhishek (water offering) on Sawan Somwar (Mondays) is considered immensely auspicious. If you’re a devotee of Lord Shiva, unstumbled has compiled a list of the best Shiva temples near Mumbai you should visit this Sawan!
About Sawan Somwar 2026 And Which Mondays Are Important
In Maharashtra and Western India, the Amanta calendar is traditionally followed. For 2026, Shravan in Maharashtra runs from August 13 to September 11, 2026, with the four regional Sawan Somwar dates falling on:
- 1st Sawan Somwar: August 17, 2026 (Coincides with Nag Panchami)
- 2nd Sawan Somwar: August 24, 2026
- 3rd Sawan Somwar: August 31, 2026
- 4th Sawan Somwar: September 7, 2026
Whether you want a city temple for early morning prayers or a scenic monsoon road trip to a historic cave shrine, here are the 10 best Shiva temples in and around Mumbai to visit this Sawan.
Best Shiva Temples Near Mumbai
1. Babulnath Temple, Girgaon (Mumbai City)
Perched on a small hillock near Marine Drive, Babulnath is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most iconic Shiva temples. Built in its present form in the 18th century, it features a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivling.
Highlights: Elevator service available for senior citizens; grand evening Aarti during Sawan.
Distance From The City: Around 5 km (South Mumbai).
How To Reach
- Nearest railway station: Charni Road (Western Line) or Grant Road (Western Line).
- From either station, take a taxi, BEST bus, or walk uphill to the temple.
- Private vehicles can reach the base of the temple; an elevator is available to access the hilltop shrine.
2. Walkeshwar Temple (Banganga Tank, Malabar Hill)
Constructed by the Silhara dynasty in the 12th century, legend holds that Lord Rama constructed a Shivling here out of sand (Valuka-Iswar) while en route to Lanka. The temple complex adjoins the peaceful Banganga Tank.
Highlights: Heritage architecture, quiet spiritual ambiance amidst bustling South Mumbai.
Distance From The City: Around eight km (South Mumbai).
How To Reach
- Nearest railway station: Charni Road (Western Line).
- Hire a taxi or use a BEST bus to reach Malabar Hill and Banganga Tank.
- Private cars and app-based cabs can directly access the temple area.
3. Elephanta Caves (Gharapuri Island)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 5th-century rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta Island house the legendary Sadashiva (Trimurti) sculpture, a 20-foot three-headed depiction of Lord Shiva as Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer.
Highlights: Stunning island boat ride across Mumbai Harbour and rock-cut cave heritage.
Distance From The City: One-hour ferry ride from Gateway of India.
How To Reach
- Reach the Gateway of India in Colaba by taxi, bus, or local train (Churchgate or CSMT).
- Take the government-authorized passenger ferry to Elephanta Island.
- After disembarking, walk or use the toy train (where operational) to the staircase leading to the caves.
4. Ambreshwar Shiva Temple, Ambarnath
Built in 1060 AD, this Hemadpanthi-style stone temple is a marvel of ancient architecture. Located on the banks of the Vadavan River, it draws massive crowds during Shravan and Maha Shivratri.
Highlights: Intricate stone carvings, recognized as a protected monument by the ASI.
Distance From The City: Around 60 km from South Mumbai (accessible via Central Line local trains to Ambernath station).
How To Reach
- Take a Central Line local train to Ambarnath Railway Station.
- The temple is around two km from the station and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or on foot.
- Those driving can reach via the Kalyan-Badlapur Road.
5. Kopeswar/Kopineshwar Mandir, Thane
Located right beside Masunda (Talao Pali) Lake in Thane, Kopineshwar is believed to be the patron deity of Thane city. The main attraction is its massive Shivling, which is one of the largest in Maharashtra.
Highlights: Lakefront views, lively local atmosphere during Sawan Mondays.
Distance From The City: Around 35 km from Mumbai city center.
How To Reach
- Reach Thane Railway Station on the Central or Trans-Harbour Line.
- The temple is about 1 to 1.5 km from the station near Masunda (Talao Pali) Lake and is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or on foot.
- It is also well connected by road from Mumbai via the Eastern Express Highway.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Sahyadri Hills)
One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India, Bhimashankar is set deep inside the lush Nagphani hills of the Western Ghats. The Nagara-style stone temple is surrounded by a dense wildlife sanctuary that comes alive during the monsoons.
Highlights: Jyotirlinga darshan, foggy monsoon drives, and pristine nature trails.
Distance From The City: Around 210 km from Mumbai (Around a 4.5 to 5-hour drive).
How To Reach
- Drive via NH 60/NH 61 through Rajgurunagar (Khed) to Bhimashankar.
- MSRTC buses operate from Pune, with limited services from Mumbai via connecting routes.
- Private taxis and self-drive vehicles are the most convenient options.
7. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Nashik
Another revered Jyotirlinga, Trimbakeshwar is unique because its Shivling features three faces representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. It also marks the source of the holy Godavari River.
Highlights: Deep spiritual significance, scenic drive through Igatpuri ghats.
Distance From The City: Around 170 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
How To Reach
- Drive via the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH 160) to Trimbak.
- Take an express train to Nashik Road Railway Station, then continue by taxi or MSRTC bus (around 30 km).
- Regular state transport buses connect Nashik city with Trimbakeshwar.
8. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
The 12th and final Jyotirlinga on the traditional pilgrimage route, Grishneshwar was rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century using red volcanic rock. It sits near the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves.
Highlights: Beautiful red-stone carvings, close proximity to Ellora Caves.
Distance From The City: Around 330 km from Mumbai (ideal for an extended weekend trip via the Samruddhi Mahamarg).
How To Reach
- Drive via the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, then continue to Verul (Ellora).
- Reach Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station or airport and hire a taxi.
- MSRTC buses also operate between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ellora.
9. Kailash Temple (Cave 16), Ellora
While technically a monolithic rock-cut cave complex rather than an active daily parish, Cave 16 at Ellora is the world’s largest single-rock excavation, carved top-down out of a single basalt cliff face to represent Mount Kailash.
Highlights: Unrivaled engineering feat dedicated entirely to Lord Shiva.
Distance From The City: Around 335 km from Mumbai.
How To Reach
- Travel to Ellora Caves by road from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (around 30 km).
- Taxis, private vehicles, and MSRTC buses regularly connect the city with the UNESCO site.
- The Kailash Temple is located within the Ellora Caves complex.
10. Tungareshwar Shiva Temple, Vasai-Virar
Tucked inside the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary near Vasai, this quiet forest shrine involves a pleasant nature walk alongside seasonal streams and small waterfalls during the monsoon.
Highlights: Eco-trekking, forest waterfalls, and peaceful pilgrimage environment.
Distance From The City: Around 55 km from Mumbai city center.
How To Reach
- Take a Western Line local train to Vasai Road Railway Station.
- Hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the Tungareshwar temple base, followed by a short uphill walk to the shrine.
- Those travelling by road can reach via the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH 48).
Here’s a look at the important details of the temple:
| Temple | Distance from Mumbai | Ideal Travel Mode | Recommended Visit Timing |
| Babulnath Temple | Around five km | Taxi/Local Train (Grant Road) | Early Morning (5 AM to 7 AM) |
| Walkeshwar Temple | Around eight km | Taxi/Private Car | Late Afternoon |
| Ambreshwar (Ambernath) | Around 60 km | Central Line Local Train | Morning |
| Bhimashankar | Around 210 km | Road Trip via NH61 | Overnight/Early Morning Departure |
| Trimbakeshwar | Around 170 km | Express Train/Nashik Highway | Weekend Day Trip |
How To Plan Your Sawan Visit
To avoid long queues and ensure a smooth darshan, structure your day using this step-by-step route:
1. 4:30 AM To 6:00 AM: Early Morning Departure
Reach city temples like Babulnath or Walkeshwar right when doors open for the morning Abhishekam. Early morning arrivals skip the 2-to-3-hour lines that build up by noon on Sawan Mondays.
2. Sattvic Diet Preparation: Pack Fasting Essentials
If observing a Phalahar Vrat (fasting), carry bottled water, fruits, makhana, or sabudana items. Most street vendors around major temples get extremely crowded during afternoon hours.
3. Outstation Drives: Check Weather And Ghat Conditions
If driving to outstation shrines like Bhimashankar or Trimbakeshwar, check local weather updates for heavy rainfall warnings in the ghat sections (Kasara/Igatpuri) before departing.
Also Read: Must-Visit Shiva Temples In Maharashtra!
Summing Up
Sawan 2026 is an incredible time to experience both spiritual devotion and the natural monsoon beauty of Maharashtra. Whether you stay within Mumbai city limits or take a weekend drive into the Sahyadri hills, these Shiva temples offer an uplifting pilgrimage experience.
