Lord Shiva has countless names and avatars. He’s part of the Holy Trinity in Hindu mythology and one of the revered deities for a lot of Hindu devotees. Devotees also know him as Adi Shakti – the first supreme energy. If you’re one of the devotees and you’re looking for major Shiva temples in Maharashtra, we’ve got just the list for you!
5 Shiva Temples In Maharashtra
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Verul
- Ambarnath Shiva Mandir, Ambarnath
- Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple, Pune
- Harihareshwar Temple, Harihareshwar
- Walkeshwar Temple, Mumbai
1. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Verul
Home to the 12th Jyotirlinga, this temple is 2 km away from the famous Ellora Caves. This temple was built in the 13th century and is mentioned in the Shiva Purana. It’s constructed in a traditional South Indian style and has a five-tier shikhara. The doors of the temple are open to all, but men need to be shirtless while entering the premises. Grishneshwar is the only Jyotirlinga that you can touch with your bare hands!
Timings: 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
2. Ambarnath Shiva Mandir, Ambarnath
Only a two-hour drive from Mumbai, this temple is a lesser-known abode of Lord Shiva. It’s also one of the oldest temples of Maharashtra. Legend says the Pandavas built this temple in just one night during their exile. However, they left it incomplete, and to this day, the main area, Garbha Griha remains without a roof.
The entire temple is made of black rock and the outer walls have fine carvings. During Mahashivratri, the temple goes all out and holds a 4-day fair.
3. Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple, Pune
An interesting myth surrounds this temple: it’s believed that if you offer a bowl of sweets to Lord Shiva, one of the other sweets goes missing. Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple is a protected monument and is looked after by the Archeological Survey Of India.
Another unusual thing about the temple is that you’ll find an idol of Ganesha dressed in female attire. People refer to the idol as Ganeshwari. Goddess Parvati is said to have danced for Lord Shiva at this temple. Hindola is celebrated by devotees from all over India at Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple.
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
4. Harihareshwar Temple, Harihareshwar
Bajirao Peshwa I built the Kalbhairav Temple, also known by this name, in 1723, featuring two complexes within it. Kalbhairav is the scariest avatar of Lord Shiva. As tradition goes, you have to first visit the small Kalbhairav Temple and then make your way to the main temple.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancestral deity of the Peshwas. After entering the main temple, you’ll find that to see the shivling, you’ll have to descend some steep stairs because the shrine is below ground level!
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
5. Walkeshwar Temple, Mumbai
As the legend goes, Lord Rama built a Shiva Linga at this spot during his exile. Previously people referred to the temple as Valukeshwar, meaning Valuka Ishwar – God of Sand. Witness a beautiful blend of Hindu architecture with modern tones. After entering the temple, your gaze will first shift to the Nandi statue, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Once inside, the Shiva Linga embellished with flowers and other offerings will mesmerize you.
Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Summing Up
All of these Shiva temples in Maharashtra have their significance and have a special place in the hearts of many devotees. Visit them during important festivals like Mahashivratri when you can witness them fervent life and spirituality.
FAQs
How Many Jyotirlingas Are There In Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has 3 out of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. One is the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nashik, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga near Pune, and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga near Aurangabad.
Which Is The Largest Shivling In Maharashtra?
Kopineshwar Mandir in Thane has one of the largest shivling in Maharashtra.
