11 Best Pilgrimage sites near Aurangabad

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1. Shirdi

Shirdi is a pilgrimage town located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. About 180 km from Pune, and 258 km from Mumbai, this is one of the popular places pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Aurangabad.

Shirdi is home to the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba, the star attractions of Shirdi Tour. Sai Baba, who belonged to the 20th century, is known as one of the greatest saints of India. Sai Baba visited Shirdi when he was 16 years old and stayed there until he died in 1918. Shirdi is the place where he attained his 'Samadhi' or final abode. This is one of the must include places in Maharashtra holiday packages.

The Shirdi temple complex covers an area of about 200 square meters. It includes Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi, and Lendi Baug. Shirdi Temple is one of the richest temples in India with estimated donations of INR 4 billion per annum. Maruti Temple, Khandoba Mandir, Sai Heritage Village, Shanisinghnapur, and Nashik are the other Shirdi places to visit.

Distance from Aurangabad: 106 Kms

Shirdi Packages from ₹2350

Shirdi Tourist Places

2. Nashik

Nashik or Nasik is the third-largest city by population in Maharashtra. Situated about 182 km from Mumbai, and 211 km from Pune, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the famous places to visit near Mumbai.

Situated at an altitude of 700 m, Nashik is famous for its numerous temples that can be visited as part of Nashik Tour Packages. Panchavati, Someshwar, Ram Kund, Muktidham Temple, Coin Museum, Pandavleni Caves, Sinnar, Anjaneri, and Trimbakeshwar are some of the popular places to visit in Nashik.

Nashik also holds Kumbha Mela, the largest religious gathering held once every 12 years. A large number of pilgrims, sadhus, and holy men attend this magnificent fair and take bath in the holy river Godavari. Apart from its religious importance, Nashik has numerous vineyards that dot the countryside and is known as the wine capital of India. Nashik can be visited along with Shirdi Tour Packages.

Distance from Aurangabad: 181 Kms

Nashik Packages from ₹2100

Nashik Tourist Places

3. Shani Shingnapur

About Shani Shingnapur Temple

At a distance of 44 Km from Ahmednagar, and 72 Km from Shirdi and 44 km from Ahmednagar, Shani Shingnapur or Sonai is a village in Nevasa taluka of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. The village is known for its popular temple of Shani Mahadev, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. This is one of the most popular Shani temples in India and also among the famous pilgrimage sites near Pune. The temple is regarded as a 'jagrut devasthan,' which translates to 'living temple,' indicating that the deity is believed to still inhabit the site. The villagers' faith in Lord Shani is so profound that none of the homes in this remarkable village are equipped with doors or locks, as they trust that Lord Shani safeguards their possessions from theft.

History & Mythology of Shani Shingnapur Temple

The village of Shani Shingnapur is unique in that none of its homes have doors. The residents hold a strong belief that the deity Shani punishes anyone who attempts to steal. According to local legend, approximately 150 years ago, a large black stone appeared on the surface of the water, which was later discovered by local shepherds once the water receded. When one shepherd prodded the stone with a sharp object, it began to bleed. That night, the god Shaneshwara visited the dreams of the devoted shepherds, expressing his desire to remain in the village in that ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 82 Kms

4. Trimbakeshwar / Tryambakeswar

About Trimbakeshwar/Tryambakeswar Temple

At a distance of 28 Km from Nashik, Trimbakeshwar or Tryambakeswar is a small pilgrimage town situated along the banks of the Godavari River, at the base of the Brahmagiri Mountains in the Nasik district of Maharashtra. The town is renowned for the Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which carries significant religious and mythological importance. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, and among the most famous places to visit near Nashik. The sacred Godavari River has its source in the vicinity of Trimbak.

History & Mythology of Trimbakeshwar/Tryambakeswar Temple

Trimbakeshwar Temple was constructed by Sri Nana Saheb Peshwa between 1755 and 1786 AD and is regarded as among the most sacred pilgrimage sites near Mumbai. This temple is referenced in the revered Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is believed to confer immortality and longevity. According to tradition, the sage Gautama Rishi and his wife Ahalya lived in the Brahmagiri Hills, renowned for their devoutness. Their unwavering faith was so profound that their hermitage was continuously supplied with food, even during times of severe famine. However, envious sages deceived Gautama, leading him to unwittingly commit the sin of cow slaughter. To atone for this transgression, ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 215 Kms

5. Bhimashankar Temple

About Bhimshankar Temple

At a distance of 111 Km from Pune, 124 Km from Lonavala, 210 Km from Nashik, and 224 Km from Mumbai, Bhimashankar Temple is an ancient pilgrimage center located near Karjat in the Ghat region of Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. This is one of the top pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, and also one of the best places to visit near Pune. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is considered one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India, and one among the five Jyotirlinga temples in Maharashtra.. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Vaidyanath near Parli, Trimbakeshwara near Nashik, Grishneshwar near Aurangabad, and Aundha Nagnath Temple in Hingoli. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur.

History of Bhimshankar Temple

The origins of the temple's construction remain unclear, yet scholars and historical texts suggest that it was established in the early 13th century. In 1437 AD, a trader from Pune named Chimaji Antanji Nayik Bhinde added a court hall to the temple. Subsequent renovations occurred during the 18th century under Maratha rule. Notably, Nana Phadnavis, a prominent figure during the Peshwa period, is credited with the construction of the Sabhamandap and the Shikhara. Additionally, the esteemed Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji contributed to the Bhimshankar temple to support its daily ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 278 Kms

6. Ghrushneshwar / Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

About Ghrushneshwar/Grishneshwar Temple

At a distance of 1 Km from Ellora Caves, and 29 Km from Aurangabad, Grishneshwar or Ghrushneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a revered Hindu temple located at Verul village in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is an important pilgrimage site in the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga (linga of light) in India, and among the 5 jyotirlinga temples in Maharashtra. The other four are Aundha Nagnath Temple, Trimbakeshwar near Nashik, Vaijnath Temple in Parli, and Bhimshankar near Pune. It is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, among the must-visit places as part of the Ellora tour packages. Grishneshwar Temple is sometimes referred to as the Ghrushneshwar Jyotirlinga or Dhushmeshwar temple. Ghrushneshwar means 'the lord of compassion.

History of Ghrushneshwar/Grishneshwar Temple

Although there is no definitive historical record indicating the exact date of its construction, it is widely accepted that the temple originated prior to the 13th century. Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, the temple endured multiple destructions under the Delhi Sultanate's reign. It was subsequently reconstructed in the 16th century by Maloji Bhosale, the grandfather of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple continued to face assaults even after this period. The current structure ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 31 Kms

7. Saptashrungi Devi Temple

About Saptashrungi Devi Temple

At a distance of 26 Km from Vani and 65 Km from Nashik, Saptashrungi Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple situated near Nanduri village. Perched on a cliff at an elevation of 1,230 meters, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi, also referred to as Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. It is widely recognized as one of the 'three and a half Shakti Peethas' in Maharashtra and is part of the 51 Shakti Peethas found across the Indian subcontinent. The term 'Saptashrungi' translates to seven mountain peaks, referring to the hill range that comprises seven hills, where the Saptashrungi Goddess is revered among these peaks. It is the must-include place in the Nashik tour packages.

History & Mythology of Saptashrungi Devi Temple

The Saptashrungi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas situated on the Indian subcontinent, believed to be the site where a limb of Sati, specifically her right arm, is said to have fallen. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Saptashrungi, is recognized as one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra, alongside the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, the Tulja Bhavani Temple, and the Renuka Mata Temple in Mahur. Collectively, these four temples symbolize the four components of Omkara: A, U, M, and Bindu.

According to another legend, the powerful goddess assumed the form of Devi Durga to vanquish the demon Mahishasura, ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 216 Kms

8. Aundha Nagnath Temple

About Aundha Nagnath Temple

At a distance of 25 Km from Hingoli, 61 Km from Nanded, and 204 Km from Aurangabad, Aundha Nagnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Aundha Nagnath in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra, India. Aundha Nagnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped here as Lord Nagnath. It is recognized as the eighth Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlinga temples across India and is one of the five Jyotirlingas located in Maharashtra. The other four are Vaidyanath near Parli, Trimbakeshwar near Nashik, Grishneshwar near Aurangabad, and Bhimshankar near Pune. Additionally, the temple holds significant connections to the lives of notable saints such as Visoba Khechara, Namdev, and Jnanesvar. This is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the sacred pilgrimage sites near Aurangabad.

History of Aundha Nagnath Temple

The origins of the Aundha Nagnath Temple are steeped in ancient history. According to legend, it was initially constructed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, during their period of exile, thus marking it as a significant location in the Mahabharata epic. The current edifice of the temple is thought to have been built in the 13th century under the rule of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty. It is also said that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb attempted to demolish the Aundha Nagnath Temple; however, his efforts were thwarted ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 200 Kms

9. Vaijnath Temple - Parli

About Parli Vaijnath Temple

At a distance of 60 Km from Latur, 105 Km from Nanded, 119 Km from Aundha, and 219 Km from Aurangabad, Sri Vaijnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, located at Parli Vaijnath in the Beed district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped here as Lord Vaijnath. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples across India and one of the five Jyotirlingas located in Maharashtra. The other four are Aundha Nagnath Temple, Trimbakeshwar near Nashik, Grishneshwar near Aurangabad, and Bhimshankar near Pune. This is one of the top pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Aurangabad. Thousands of worshippers flock here every year to seek blessings, healing, and inner peace.

History & Mythology of Parli Vaijnath Temple

Although the precise date of the temple's construction remains uncertain, scholars suggest it dates back to the Yadava era, specifically the 12th or 13th century CE. Historical records indicate that Ahalyabai Holkar renovated the temple in 1706. A distinctive practice at this temple involves offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva and Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the harmony between Shaivism and Vaishnavism, thus establishing the temple as a remarkable spiritual hub. The Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is thought to possess significant medicinal and spiritual attributes. The term 'Vaijnath' or ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 210 Kms

10. Jejuri

About Jejuri

At a distance of 48 Km from Pune, Jejuri is a town and municipality situated to the southeast of the Pune city in Maharashtra. The town is home to the most renowned temples in Maharashtra known as Khandoba Temple dedicated to Khandoba, who is also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand in the region. Khandoba is the important god worshipped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. It is believed that Khandoba is a god of Sakamabhakti, the god who fulfills all the desires of his devotees. It is one of the must-include places in the Pune family packages.

History of Jejuri

The Khandoba Temple in Jejuri dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with its initial construction taking place in 1608 AD. The Maratha chief Ragho Mambaji completed the hall and other structures by 1637 AD, while subsequent enhancements were made by the Holker rulers. Between 1737 and 1739, Chimaji Appa, the sibling of Peshwa Baji Rao I, donated church bells from Portuguese churches in Vasai to the temple. These bells were taken as trophies following Chimaji Appa's victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Vasai in 1737. In 1742 AD, Tukoji Holkar contributed by adding pillars, and he finalized the battlefields and tank by 1770 AD. Additionally, shepherds who revered Khandoba as their family deity constructed staircases, lamps, cloisters, canopies, and gateways.

Mythology of Jejuri

The ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 253 Kms

11. Bhuleshwar Temple

About Bhuleshwar Temple

At a distance of 11 Km from Yawat, and 52 Km from Pune, the Bhuleshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine perched on a hill near the village of Malshiras in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is recognized as one of the oldest in the area and among the most popular places to visit near Pune. The temple holds considerable mythological and historical importance and is also known for its remarkable architecture. It has been designated as a protected monument and is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History of Bhuleshwar Temple

According to the Hindus, the temple was built by Panch Pandavas. The temple is said to have been built in the late 12th century or early 13th century AD during the reign of King Mahadeva or King Ramachandra of the Yadava dynasty. The exact period remains unknown. The temple is located on a fort known as Daulatmangal Fort, which is also sometimes called Mangalgad. This fort was built in 1629 by Murar Jagdev Pandit, a general of the Adilshahi dynasty, who looted Pune in 1630 and subsequently erected the fort to oversee the city. In the 17th century, the Mughals attempted to attack the temple with the intention of destroying it; however, their efforts were thwarted by the forces of Shivaji Maharaj, who ensured the temple remained unharmed. Later, in the 18th century, the Adilshahi troops made another ...

Distance from Aurangabad: 235 Kms

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Package	Duration	Starting Price	Details
Ellora Caves- Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad	3D/2N	₹ 8700	View Details
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Mahabaleshwar - Alibaug	4D/3N	₹ 12150	View Details
Nashik - Shirdi - Ajanta - Ellora - Aurangabad	5D/4N	₹ 14050	View Details
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