36 Best Pilgrimage Sites near Mumbai

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, ...

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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 ...

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At a distance of 39 km from Akkalkot, and 46 km from Solapur, Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tuljapur in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the prominent places to visit near Hyderabad.

Dedicated to goddess Bhavani, Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India. Goddess Bhavani, literally translates to 'giver of life',is considered to be a mother who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras. The temple was built in 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Maradadeva of the Kadamb dynasty.

The temple of Bhavani at Tuljapur along with the temples of Renuka at Mahur, Mahalaxmi at Kolhapur, and Saptashringi at Vani forms the four great Shaktipitha in Maharashtra. Goddess Bhavani of Tuljapur is known as the Kulswamini of Maharashtra, and the inspirational deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is believed that goddess Bhavani gave him a' Bhawani sword' that brought success in his various expeditions.

Several legends are associated with the temple. According to one legend, a demon, Madhu-Kaitabh, who was wreaking havoc upon both the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord Brahma for help, who advised them to turn to the Goddess Shakti. She took up the form of a destroyer, and powered by the ...

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About Wai

At a distance of 13 Km from Panchgani, 35 km from Satara & 88 km from Pune, Wai is a small town in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the ideal places to visit near Pune for a day trip. Nestled along the banks of the Krishna River, Wai holds significant historical importance. It is the birthplace of two notable Maratha Brahmin queens: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Gopikabai, the spouse of Nanasaheb Peshwa. With more than 100 temples, it is known aptly as the Dakshin Kashi. In recent years, Wai has emerged as a favored destination for the production of Bollywood and Marathi films, with more than 300 movies filmed in and around the area. Additionally, Wai is known as Charanpur in the acclaimed film Swades.

History of Wai

Wai is traditionally regarded as Viratnagari, the location associated with the thirteenth year of the Pandavas' exile. Information about Wai remains sparse until the period of Muslim rule. Between 1453 and 1480, Wai is noted as a military outpost for the Bahamanis, from which troops were dispatched for various expeditions. By around 1648, Wai served as the headquarters for the Bijapur mokasadar, or manager. Afzal Khan, a renowned general from Bijapur, held the position of subhedar in Wai for a time. When Shivaji proclaimed independence for the Maratha region, he seized control of Wai, which also marked the site of Afzalkhan's final encampment ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Guhagar and 72 km from Ganpatipule, Velneshwar Temple and Beach are located at Velneshwar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Sri Velneshwar Temple is believed to be one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. Earlier, the temple was built by Gadgils and was later renovated by Sri Trimbak Ravaji Gokhale. Representing an example of ancient Hindu architectural style, the temple houses many small shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ganesha and Kala Bhairav. The main sanctum of the temple is adorned with paintings and stone carvings representing various episodes of mythology. This temple is flocked by a large number of devotees during the festival of Mahashivratri. It is held in the month of March and celebrated in honour of the deity Lord Shiva.

Another prime attraction of Velneshwar is the Velneshwar Beach which is lined with coconut trees. This is one of the most secluded and pristine beaches in the entire Konkan stretch and with popular destinations like Guhagar and Ganpatipule flanking it on either sides. This beach is quite famous for its location and also the peaceful surroundings. The beach experiences stable waves throughout the year and is an ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing. Water sports are the frequent activities, which are carried out here.

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At a distance of 21 km from Ratnagiri, Ganeshgule Beach is a beautiful beach situated at Ganeshgule village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most serene Maharashtra beaches, and among the top places to visit in Ratnagiri.

Ganeshghule Beach is popular among nature lovers and is known for its clear sunset view. The beach is 1.5 km long and is flanked by mountains on both sides. The rocky, white sandy terrain and clear emerald sea of the secluded Ganeshghule Beach is an idyllic holiday retreat for many travellers who visit the beach as of Ratnagiri packages.

Ganeshgule Beach is considered a perfect place for those who want to relax and spend peaceful moments. Swimming and sunbathing are the favorite activities at the beach. This beach also has many water sport activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, and parasailing. Visitors can even enjoy boat riding when visiting this beach.

The well-known Ganeshgule Temple is located 1.5 km from the beach. This temple is a popular religious place and is visited by many pilgrims from the Konkan region. This temple contains the idol of Lord Ganesha that is known as Swayambhu. The trunk of Lord Ganesha is towards the west in the temple. In addition, this temple contains an ancient well of the Pandava era.

Timings: ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Ulhasnagar Railway Station, 37 km from Matheran, and 59 km from Mumbai Central, Ambarnath Shiv Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated on the banks of Waldhuni River in Ambarnath. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Maharashtra, and among the most popular places of sightseeing in Matheran.

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular religious shrine of the region that can be visited during your Matheran Tour. The temple is believed to be constructed in 1060 AD by King Mahamandaleshwar as a tribute to his ancestors. The temple is carved out of stone in the Hemadpanthi architectural style of construction and is known for its resemblance with the famous Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu in Rajasthan.

The temple is built with black basalt stone. The main attraction of this shrine is the marvelous architectural designs carved on the walls and ceilings that grab the attention of the visitors. The beautiful images of Lord Shiva in different moods, including his renowned dancing pose, adorn the ceilings and pillars. To reach the Garbhagriha, one has to descend 20 steps. There is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) linga enshrined under the open sky in the inner sanctum. A statue of Nandi Bull is located at the center of the main porch of the ...

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About Anjarle Ganapati Temple

At a distance of 3 Km from Anjarle Beach, 24 Km from Dapoli, 43 Km from Harihareshwar, and 82 Km from Chiplun, Anjarle Ganapati Temple, also known as Kadyavarcha Ganapati Temple, is a Hindu temple located atop a hill in the small village of Anjarle in the Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, it is one of the popular temples in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, and among the most popular places to visit as part of the Chiplun tour packages.

History of Anjarle Ganapati Temple

The Kadyavarcha Ganapati Temple is thought to have been constructed in 1150 AD using wooden pillars. According to local legends, this temple was originally located by the seashore alongside two other temples, Ajayrayleshwar and Siddhivinayak. Remnants of these two temples can still be observed during low tide when the water recedes. Due to the erosion caused by high tides, the Ganpati temple was relocated to its current site in the 18th century, which is how it acquired the name Kadyavarcha Ganpati. This relocation likely occurred between 1768 and 1780. Since 1630, the temple has been under the management of the Nisture family.

Architecture of Anjarle Ganapati Temple

The architectural design of the temple is significantly shaped by both medieval and contemporary styles. It features a main hall, an assembly hall, and an open courtyard. Within ...

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At a distance of 44 km from Satara and 63 km from Panchgani, Yamai Devi Temple is an ancient temple situated on a hilltop at Aundh in Satara distric of Maharashtra. The temple is very much revered in Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Satara.

Yamai Devi is the family deity of many Maharastrian families. The idol of Devi Mahishasur Mardini in black stone is almost 2 meters high in a cross-legged sitting position. The idol has four hands and is carrying gada, arrow, trishul and paan patra.

The town and the temple have been associated with the Pant family for many centuries. The present head of this former ruling family, Gayatridevi Pantpratinidhi, has installed a 7 kilograms (15 lb) solid gold kalash or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill. Another temple of Devi Yamai is located in the town; apart from the one on the hill.

The temple can either be reached using steps that start at the bottom of the hill. Direct road access is also available to the hilltop. The temple complex also houses Sri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. The museum holds paintings by noted 19th and 20th century Indian artists such as M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as the famous Mother and Child stone structure by the British artist Henry Moore.

The annual Yatra to the Yamai Devi Temple attracts thousands of devotees. Yamai Devi Yatra is annually observed ...

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At a distance of 40 km from Sangli, and 61 km from Kolhapur, Sri Kopeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Khidrapur village in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Located at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, it is one of the ancient temples in Maharashtra, and among popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Built on the banks of River Krishna, Kopeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the must include places in Kolhapur tour. According to archaeologists, the construction of the temple began by Badami Chalukyas in the 7th century AD and remained incomplete for a long time. It was patronized by the Shilahara Kings during the 12th century. Lord Shiva has worshiped here in the form of a Shivalinga as well as a sculpture of his fierce form, Veerbhadra. Legend has it that Lord Shiva got angry when Sati sacrificed herself and he was then brought to this temple by Lord Vishnu. This is how the temple got its name as Kopeshwar which means furious god.

Kopeshwar Temple is a magnificent piece of intricate Chalukyan architecture. Built with basalt stone, the entire temple is divided into four parts Swarga Mandap, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha / Sanctum Sanctorum. The Swarg Mandap of the temple is unique and stunning. The mandap is supported ...

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About Sangli Ganpati Mandir

At a distance of 4 km from Sangli Railway Station, and 47 km from Kolhapur, Sangli Ganapati Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated at Ganapati Peth locality of Sangli town in Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Sangli Ganapati Temple is situated on the eastern banks of the Krishna River. It is one of the prominent temples in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur. Lord Ganesh in this temple is highly regarded as the guarding deity of the Sangli city.

History of Sangli Ganpati Mandir

The construction of Ganesh Temple was started in 1814 by Chintamanrao Patwardhan, the first head of the Sangli, to honor the guarding deity of the Sangli city. The construction of this temple took a period of 30 years and was completed in 1845. Chintamanrao Patwardhan from Royal family of Sangli installed the idol of Lord Ganpati in this temple. In 1952, a red stone arch was erected in front of the Ganesh temple. The rest of the temple was completed during the reign of Chintamani Rao II. Vijay Singh Patwardhan has recently renovated and transformed this temple.

Architecture of Sangli Ganpati Mandir

Considered as a masterpiece of Peshwa architecture, the main temple is made of black stones brought from the Jyotiba hills. There is a platform, a hall and a 'Nagarkhana' inside the vast two acres complex of the temple. The entrance ...

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At a distance of 28 km from Sangli, and 30 km from Kolhapur, Bahubali Kumbhoj is a Jain Tirth situated in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular places of Jain pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Kolhapur Trip.

Kumbhoj Bahubali is home to Shri Bahubali Bramhcharya & Vidyapeeth. Dedicated to Lord Bahubali, it is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. place of miracles. According to history, Kumbhoj is an ancient city where ascetic saint Shri Bahubali Maharaj lived almost 250 years ago. The name of the place has been kept as Khambhoj Bahubali in memory of the great saint. After the death of the saint, the place is visited by many notable people such as Muni Shri Prabhachandraji, Muni Shri Kamlakarji, and Shri 108 Shanti Sagarji. In 1937, Chaturmas Vaktavya i.e. the Four Monthly Statement was delivered from here. As per history, it is said that the first holy pilgrimage to the sacred place Shri Sammed Shikharji also began from here.

In Kumbhoj Bahubali, a 6 feet high beautiful, artistic idol of Lord Bahubali is installed here in 1156 AD by the motivation of an ascetic saint Shri 108 Shrut Sagarji Maharaj. This Tirth has small scale replicas of Gajpantha, Taranga, Mangi-Tungi, Sonagiri, and Pavagiri on left and Kailash Parvat, Shikharji, and Girnarji on the right side. Jal Mandir, Ratnatraya temple, Shantinath Temple, Chandaprabhu Temple, Adinath Temple, and Samavsharan Mandir are also built near the main temple. The temple also has a ...

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About Jyotiba Temple

At a distance of 20 Km from Kolhapur, Jyotiba Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated near Wadi Ratnagiri in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of about 3124 feet, the glorious temple of Jyotiba is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, who was believed to be an embodiment of three different deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.It is one of the revered places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the must visit places as part of the Kolhapur pilgrimage packages.

History of Jyotiba Temple

The Jyotiba Temple near Kolhapur was constructed in three distinct phases. Historical records indicate that the original Kedareshwar Temple was established by Navaji Sayaji, commonly referred to as Kedar baba, from the village of Kival near Karad. In 1730, Ranoji Shinde replaced it with the current Jyotiba temple, which measures 55 feet in length, 37 feet in width, and 77 feet in height. The second Kedareshwar temple was built by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808, while the third temple, dedicated to Ramling, was erected around 1780 by Malji Nilam Panhalkar.

Mythology of Jyotiba Temple

Sri Jyotiba, also referred to as Kedareshwar, is regarded as an embodiment of the three principal deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. According to legend, these deities united to manifest as Jyotiba, who ultimately vanquished the evil Ratnasura. Lord Jyotiba also defeated ...

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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 ...

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About Narayanpur Sri Balaji Mandir

At a distance of 45 Km from Pune, Sri Balaji Mandir, also known as Sri Venkateswara temple is a modern Hindu temple situated at Ketkawale near Narayanpur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu. It is an impressive replica of the renowned Sri Balaji Mandir in Tirumala, which has led to it being affectionately known as Prati Balaji Mandir and Mini Balaji Mandir. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites near Pune.

History of Narayanpur Sri Balaji Mandir

Sri Balaji Mandir, located in Narayanpur near Pune, was constructed by the Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group, founded by Dr. Banda Vasudev Rao (B.V. Rao), at a remarkable cost of 27 crore rupees. The construction of this temple spanned nearly seven years, from 1996 to 2003. This stunning replica of the Tirumala Temple was built under the supervision of the Tirumala Tirupati Temple Devasthanam. All rituals and services at the Balaji Mandir in Pune are conducted by priests from the Tirupati Balaji Temple, and visitors can receive laddoo as prasad, similar to what is offered at the Tirupati Temple.

Architecture of Narayanpur Sri Balaji Mandir

The Prati Balaji Mandir, located near Pune, has been designed in the Dravidian architectural style, serving as a replica of the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors ...

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About Prati Shirdi Temple

At a distance of 33 Km from Pune, Prati Shirdi is a sacred places situated at Shirgaon, Maharashtra. It is one of the most famous places to visit near Pune. Prati Shirdi, often referred to as Sai Baba Mandir, serves as a replica of the original Sai Baba Temple located in Shirdi. This temple is dedicated to the venerated saint, Sai Baba, and provides a similar spiritual ambiance to that of the original site. It attracts numerous devotees, pilgrims, and tourists throughout the year.

History of Prati Shirdi Temple

Located in Shirgaon, close to Pune, Prati Shirdi is a faithful replica of the Sri Sai Baba Temple found in Shirdi. Established in 2003 by Mr. Prakash Deole, the former legislative council member and founder trustee of the Shri Sai Baba Temple Trust, Shirgaon, the temple closely mirrors the architectural design, rituals, and schedule of the original Shirdi temple, attracting both devotees and visitors. The temple features a stunning idol of Sri Sai Baba, identical to the one in Shirdi. It functions as a sacred space for Sai Baba followers, providing a comparable spiritual experience to that of the original temple in Shirdi.

Architecture of Prati Shirdi Temple

Prati Shirdi temple faithfully mirrors the architectural design of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple located in Shirdi. Within Prati Shirdi complex, one can find the Dwarkamai mosque, the Gurusthan shrine, the Samadhi Sthan, and the Chavadi shrine. ...

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At a distance of 41 km from Solapur, Akkalkot Temple, or Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated in Akkalkot. It is one of the important places for pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit as part of the Solapur tour.

Swami Samarth Temple is the final abode of Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj, a 19th-century saint who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya by his devotees. He is also believed to be a reincarnation of Narasimha Saraswati, another earlier spiritual master of the Dattatreya sect. Swami Samarth is also known by different names, such as 'Akkalkot Swami, Akalkot Maharaj, Maharaj of Akalkot, and Akalkot Niwasi Maharaj.

According to Swami Samarth himself, he had originally appeared in the Kardali forests near Srisailam, a holy town in Andhra Pradesh. Later, he migrated to different places. Sri Swami Samarth probably arrived at Akkalkot in 1856 on receiving an invitation from Chintopant Tol and then stayed there for about 22 years. Sri Swami Samartha Maharaj left his mortal body in 1878, but his legacy continues to inspire and guide people around the world. The holy Samadhi of Swamiji is located in the house of his disciple Cholappa, in the place already reserved for it before his bodily demise.

This temple is also called Vatavruksha Swami Mandir because of the presence of the huge banyan tree (Vatavruksha). This is the same banyan tree ...

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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 ...

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About Ranjangaon Maha Ganapati Mandir

At a distance of 50 km from Pune, Ranjangaon Maha Ganapati Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Ranjangaon in the Shirur Taluk of Pune district, Maharashtr. Also known as Sri Maha Ganpati Temple, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples venerating Lord Ganesha, bearing immense religious importance in Maharashtra. The other Ashtavinayaka Temples in Maharashtra being Moreshwar in Morgaon, Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Varadavinayak in Mahad, Chintamani in Theur, Girijatmaj in Lenyadri, and Vighneshwar in Ozar. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites near Pune.

History & Mythology of Ranjangaon Maha Ganapati Mandir

The stone pillars of the temple suggest that it was constructed in the 9th or 10th century during the Peshwa dynasty. Madhavrao Peshwa would often stop here on his way to battle, and he created a room in the cellar to house the idol of Lord Ganesha, surrounding it with a stone sanctum. In 1790 AD, he granted an inherited right to perform pooja for Maha Ganapati to Shri Anyaba Dev. Temple hall was built by Sardar Kibe & Owaris (several small apartments erected along the course of enclosing wall of temple) were built by Sardar Pawar & Shinde. The renowned hermit Morya Gosavi presented an idol of Ganesha, crafted ...

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About Moreshwar Ganapati Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Jejuri and 65 Km from Pune, Sri Moreshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Moregaon in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Also known as Sri Mayureshwar Temple, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, god of wisdom. This temple is considered to be the first temple among the Ashtavinayak temples of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra. The other Ashtavinayaka Temples in Maharashtra being Maha Ganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Varadavinayak in Mahad, Chintamani in Theur, Girijatmaj in Lenyadri, and Vighneshwar in Ozar. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred places to visit as part of the Pune family packages.

The Morgaon temple serves as the starting point for the pilgrimage to eight sacred Ganesha temples located around Pune, collectively known as the Ashtavinayak Temples. The pilgrimage is deemed incomplete if visitors do not conclude their journey at the Morgaon temple.

History of Moreshwar Ganapati Temple

The precise date of the temple's establishment remains uncertain; however, it is closely linked to the Ganapatya saint Moraya Gosavi. Initially, Morya Gosavi worshipped at the Morgaon Ganesha temple before relocating to Chinchwad, where he founded a new Ganesha temple. The Moregaon Ganapati Temple stands as the primary center of worship for the Ganapatya sect, which regards ...

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At a distance of 32 km from Pune, Dehu Gatha Temple is sacred temple situated on the banks of the Indrayani River in Dehu village. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites near Pune.

Dehu, a quaint town located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, is renowned as the birthplace of Sant Tukaram, a highly esteemed saint and poet of the Bhakti movement. Sant Tukaram, who lived in the 17th century, is celebrated for his devotional compositions known as abhangs, which honor Lord Vitthal. His abhangs are regarded as a pinnacle of Marathi literature and cultural heritage.

The Gatha Temple also referred to as the Abhang Mandir or Tukaram Maharaj Mandir, is dedicated to Sant Tukaram and his abhangs. It is believed to be the residence of Sant Tukaram during his lifetime. The giant elephant statues greet the visitors at the entrance of the temple. Within the temple, there is a huge statue of Sant Tukaram Maharaj depicted in a seated position, deeply immersed in devotion, holding an Ektara in one hand with a Pothi, or manuscript, placed before him.

A remarkable feature of Dehu Gatha is the intricate carvings of approximately 4,000 Gathas of Sant Tukaram that adorn the temple walls. It is commonly suggested that visitors to the temple should read at least three Gathas. The walls are also embellished with the 108 Namavali, or names, of Sant Tukaram, along with paintings illustrating scenes from his literary ...

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At a distance of 65 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall near Gorai, in the north western part of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the famous places to visit near Mumbai.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda was officially opened on February 8, 2009, by Pratibha Patil, the former President of India, in the presence of esteemed guests from around the globe. Situated on a peninsula between Gorai Creek and the Arabian Sea, this monument symbolizes peace and aims to spread the teachings of compassion and non-violence as advocated by the Buddha, while also promoting the practice of Vipassana meditation. In 2013, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recognized the Global Vipassana Pagoda as one of the 'Seven Wonders of Maharashtra.'

The design of the pagoda is inspired by Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda. At its center lies the world's largest stone dome, constructed without any supporting pillars. The dome's foundation is made of basalt, while the dome itself is crafted from sandstone sourced from Rajasthan. The dome reaches a height of approximately 29 meters, and the overall structure stands at 96 meters, making it twice the height of the previously largest hollow stone monument, the Gol Gumbaz Dome in Bijapur, Karnataka, India.

Above the first dome are the second and third domes, along with an auxiliary dome adjacent to the second. ...

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At a distance of 7 km from Velneshwar Temple and 31.5 km (includes ferry ride) from Ganpatipule, Hedvi Ganesh Temple & Beach is located at Hedvi village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Lakshmi Ganesh Temple at Hedvi is also known as Dasabhuj Ganesh Temple and is one of the famous temples of Konkan region. The name Sri Dasabhuj Ganesh is derived from the idol of Lord Ganesha which possesses dasha bhuja, meaning ten hands. This temple was constructed during the reign of the Peshwas and has been carved from white marble found in Kashmir. The idol is 3 feet high and has 10 hands. There is big ceremony of birth of Ganesh from Shukla Chaturthi to Shashthi in Magh. There is procession of Ganesh in chariot.

Hedvi Beach is situated about 3 km from the Dasabhuj Ganesh Temple and is a black sand cove between the two white sand beaches of Guhagar, Velneshwar and Ganpatipule. Hedvi Beach is a small stretch and is famous because of a rock formation that sits on the beach. Hedvi Beach is not safe for swimming and a dip ideally should be avoided.

Hedvi also has the Uma Maheshwari temple and the Brahman Ghal, a natural gorge. The Brahman Ghal is about 35 feet in length, 20 feet in depth and 2 feet wide. This spot is about 3 km from Dasabhuj Ganesh Temple situated behind Uma Maheshwari temple. At high-tide, sea waves rush into this gorge and collide on rocks and a water column of about 15-20 meters rises from this gorge. Listening the thundering noise of waves colliding ...

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About Theur Chintamani Temple

At a distance of 25 Km from Pune & 176 km from Mumbai, Chintamani Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Theur in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Located near the confluence of river Bhima and the conjoint of rivers Mula & Mutha, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples venerating Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra, bearing immense religious importance in Hinduism. The other Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra being Moreshwar in Morgaon, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Maha Ganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, Varadavinayak in Mahad, Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek, Girijatmaj in Lenyadri, and Vighneshwar in Ozar. Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur is the fifth temple to be visited as per the traditional sequence of the Ashtavinayak Yatra, and among the most sacred places to visit near Pune.

History of Theur Chintamani Temple

As per the historical records, there is no specific information regarding the construction date or the builder of the Theur Chintamani Ganpati temple. However, it is widely believed that the temple has been in existence for a considerable period. The current main structure of the temple was erected by the descendants of Morya Gosavi. The Chintamani Temple served as a significant spiritual center for the Peshwa rulers, particularly Madhavrao I (1745-1772), who undertook renovations and ...

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About Mahad Varadavinayak Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Karjat, 20 Km from Lonavala, 88 Km from Pune, and 74 Km from Mumbai, the Varad Vinayak Ganpati Temple, also known as Mahad Ganpati Temple, is a Hindu temple situated in Mahad village near Khopoli in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the most venerated deities in Hinduism. It is the seventh temple in the Ashtavinayak series, which is visited during the Ashtavinayak Darshan Tour in Maharashtra. The other Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra include Moreshwar in Morgaon, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Maha Ganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek, Chintamani in Theur, Girijatmaj in Lenyadri, and Vighneshwar in Ozar. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred places to visit as part of the Lonavala pilgrimage packages.

History of Mahad Varadavinayak Temple

The idol at the Varad Vinayak Mahad Ganpati Temple is a Swayambhu murti, discovered in a submerged state in the nearby lake in 1690 AD by Shree Dhondu Paudkar. For a period, this idol was housed in a temple dedicated to a goddess. The construction of the current temple is attributed to Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, who is believed to have built it in 1725 AD.

Mythology of Mahad Varadavinayak Temple

According to the legend, during a hunting expedition, Rukmaganda visited the ...

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About Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple

At a distance of 100 Km from Pune & 193 Km from Mumbai, Girijatmaj Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Junnar in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Also known as Lenyadri Ganpati Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. Lenyadri is one of the eight revered Ganesha temples collectively called Ashtavinayaka Temples while the other Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra being Moreshwar in Morgaon, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Maha Ganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, Varadavinayak in Mahad, Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek, Chintamani in Theur, and Vighneshwar in Ozar. Lenyadri Ganpati Temple is the sixth temple to be visited as per the traditional sequence of the Ashtavinayak Yatra, and among the most sacred pilgrimage sites near Pune. Out of 18 Buddhist caves on mountain, Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple is in the 8th cave. These caves are also known as Ganesh Gufa. Located at Lekhan Hills, or Lenyadri Hills, Girijatmaj Temple is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak which is on a mountain and is built in the locale of Buddhist Cave Temples.

History of Lenyadri Girijatmaj Temple

Lenyadri, also known as Ganesh Lena or the Ganesh Pahar Caves, comprises approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves carved into a natural cliff or steep incline. These caves, which date back to between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, are associated with the Hinayana Buddhism tradition, ...

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