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Trimbakeshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

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Trimbakeshwar Temple is located in Nasik, Maharashtra. It is a part of the holy Jyotirlinga pilgrimage. It is also one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar Temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva and like all the Jyotirlingas, it is worshipped as Swayambhu. The temple is also the source of the holy river Godavari. Our guide explains Trimbakeshwar Darshan Timings, Importance, Poojas, History, How to Reach Trimbakeshwar and Best Time to Visit.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Trimbakeshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location Nasik, Maharashtra
Tour5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
PoojasMaharudrabhishek, Narayan Nagbali
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
https://youtu.be/DjBv-Ua8L10
Trimbakeshwar Temple Video

The Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

त्र्यंबकेश्वर मंदिर – Trimbakeshwar Temple in Hindi

What are the timings of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Trimbakeshwar temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. Rudrabhishek timings are from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. General darshan is allowed from a distance of 5 meters. Only men who perform special poojas are permitted to enter the inner sanctum.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan Timings5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Rudrabhisek Timings7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Special Pooja Timings7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM
Afternoon Pooja 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Shiva Golden Crown 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

On every Monday of the month, a procession is carried out in a Palki, which carries the silver Panch Mukhi Mukhota from the Trimbakeshwar temple to the Kushavarta tank and back.

The devotees coming for general darshan do not have to follow a strict dress code. However, male devotees who opt for performing special poojas inside the sanctum should wear a white dhoti and a towel. The dress will be provided by the pundits if required.

What are the Poojas and Rituals at Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Poojas at Trimbakeshwar Temple
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is the only temple in the country where the Pitru-Dosh pooja is conducted.

Here’s the list of poojas and sevas at Trimbakeshwar temple:

  1. Kaalsarpa Pooja: The pooja is performed for people facing planetary disturbances in their life. The devotee should first take a bath in the holy Kushavarta and ask forgiveness for any sin that he committed knowingly or unknowingly. Donations like sesame, ghee, butter, milk, cow, gold and other such items are made to God. Devotees also worship Naag (cobra) in this pooja. Therefore, performing this pooja on the day of Naag Panchami is highly auspicious.
  2. Narayan Nagbali Pooja: This pooja removes the ancestral curses on the family also known as the Pitru-Dosh. It also calms down souls who had unfinished desires before they departed. The Nagbali Pooja further seeks forgiveness for killing a Naag (cobra). The priest creates an artificial body of wheat flour on which he performs all the rites for the dead. He then chants mantras that free the souls from the Earth. The pooja is unique to the Trimbakeshwar temple and lasts for three days. Pitru Paksha is a good time to perform this pooja.
  3. The Tripindi Shraddha Pooja: This pooja is for the departed, angry souls angry. It is also for problems like hurdles in childbirth, bad luck, ancestral Moksha, and for removing Gau Hatya dosha.
  4. Mahamrityunjaya Pooja: The Mahamritunjay Jaap is for long and healthy life and to get rid of prolonged sickness. This pooja is one of the most powerful methods of worshipping Lord Shiva.
  5. Rudrabhishek: This abhishek is performed with Panchamrit (Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar) amongst the recital of several mantras and shlokas.

Poojas like the Ganga Pooja, Ganga Bhet, and Tarpan Shraddha are also performed at the Trimbakeshwar temple so that the souls of the ancestors can rest in peace.

What is the significance of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The Linga present here is called as Trimbaka or Trayambaka. It is named so because it contains three Lingas (small thumb-sized) representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Some people also believe that it is because Lord Shiva has three eyes.

Trimbakehswar Shrine
The Linga of the Trimbakeshwar Temple consists of three heads and is covered with silver.

The Trimbakeshwar temple is the only Jyotirlinga where the actual Linga is present in a depression or a cavity.

Devotees also believe that the eyes of the three Lingas are representations of Sun, Moon, and Fire each facing in different directions. It is said that the one who worships this Linga, worships all the three Gods at once and attains salvation.

The three Lingas of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are usually covered with a silver crown depicting their faces. However, on special occasions like Mahashivaratri, Karthik Purnima and Dussehra, a golden crown studded with diamonds and rubies is kept over the three Lingas. It is believed that the Peshwas donated the crown to the temple and that the crown actually belonged to the Pandavas.

Other significant mentions:

The famous saint Sri Nivruttinath, who initiated the Nath community attained his Samadhi here at Trimbakeshwar. A temple dedicated to his mass knowledge of Shastras can be visited here.

As per the Skanda Puran, Padma Puran and the Dharma Sindhu, the unique ceremony of Narayan Nagbali (to remove Pitru Dosh) can only be performed at the Trimbakeshwar temple in India.

The beautiful and popular Nassak Diamond often counted among the 24 great diamonds in world history has its origin in the temple of Trimbakeshwar. The British East India Company captured the diamond and sold it to jewelers in Britain. It has changed hands since and is currently a property of Edward J. Hand from Connecticut.

A dip in the Kushavarta pond, the source of River Godavari is believed to wipe off sins from human’s life. The pond is the starting point for Kumbh Mela, which takes place every twelve years. The venue of Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy cities of Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik, and Ujjain. In Nasik, the Kumbh Mela is called the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

According to the legend, Nasik is one of the places where Lord Vishnu dropped four drops of Amrit that he was carrying in a Kumbh (pot). Hence, taking a dip in these places is considered extremely sacred and spiritual.

The Kushvarta Kund
A dip in the Kushavarta pond is believed to wash away the sins of the devotees.

What is the history of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The history of the Trimbakeshwar temple relates to a legend of Rishi Gautam. According to beliefs, the land was a Tapobhoomi in the Satya Yuga, when many Rishis and Munis (Sages) lived here, including Gautam Rishi.  He lived at Trimbak with his wife Ahilya.

Once, there was a massive drought and the world was suffering from the lack of water. Gautam Rishi offered prayers to God Varuna (God of water). God Varuna accepted his prayers and offered him a tank that provided a never-ending supply of water. Using this water, the Rishi grew agricultural crops like rice, wheat, and other vegetables. Then he fed them to the other Rishis residing there.

After a period of time, some of the other Rishis grew jealous and wanted to interrupt Gautam Rishi. So, they prayed to Lord Ganesha asking him to send a cow to the Rishi’s field which would later die. However, Lord Ganesha warned the Rishis that this will not end well for them. But he still sent a cow into the field. Gautam Rishi saw it and then threw the Darbha grass to frighten it. But the cow died on the field.

Gautam Rishi and his wife Ahilya did penance to Lord Shiva. Shiva, happy with their devotion, ordered Ganga to come down to the Earth.

The River Ganga flowed down on Earth from the Brahmagiri hill and Gautam Rishi trapped it in a Kund (pond) called Kushavarta in the present day. He took a bath in it for purification. The River was Dakshin Ganga and is now famous as Godavari and Gauthami.

Then Gautam Rishi along with other Gods and the Godavari requested Lord Shiva to take abode here. Lord Shiva acknowledged them and turned into a Linga to stay there.

The Maratha ruler Nana Saheb Peshwa constructed the current Trimbakeshwar temple in the 18th century. Later, Shreemant Rao Saheb extended the Trimbakeshwar temple around the Kushavarta Kund and improved the approach to the tank.

Trimbakeshwar Temple History
The Trimbakeshwar Temple was built in the 18th century.

Lingodbhava Formation

Devotees believe that after Lord Brahma lied to Lord Shiva on finding the end of the endless pillar of fire emanating from Lord Shiva, He cursed Lord Brahma that devotees will not worship him. This angered Lord Brahma and in turn, he cursed Lord Shiva. This pushed Lord Shiva under the ground. As a result, Lord Shiva’s Linga in Trimbakeshwar is under the ground level.

What are the festivals celebrated at Trimbakehswar Temple?

Festivals at Trimbakeshwar
There are several festivals celebrated at Trimbakeshwar, such as the Kumbha Mela.

How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple:

  • Road: Buses are connecting from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and other nearby cities of Maharashtra.
  • Rail: The nearest stations Nasik is 29.5 km from the temple.
  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nasik which is 54 km from Trimbakeshwar.

Where to stay nearby?

The Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Holiday Resort offers a variety of rooms ranging from standard, AC, and Non AC. The town is host to a variety of small private hotels and lodges — also, Nasik city, is just 25 km away from the Trimbakeshwar Temple. One can stay there too.

Where to eat near the temple?

A few small vegetarian restaurants serve good quality food at reasonable rates. One must not consume alcohol near the Trimbakeshwar temple premises. The town does not serve non-vegetarian food. The cuisine mainly includes traditional Maharashtrian as well as North Indian and South Indian dishes.

What are some temples nearby?

Explore Nasik
There are several temples near the holy Trimbakeshwar. One such temple is the Kedareshwar.

Some temples near Trimbakeshwar temple are:

  • Kedareshwar Temple: The temple is on the South-East corner of the Kushavarta pond. The presiding deity is Sri Kedareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva who appeared as Kedarbhatta and forgave the sins of Saint Gauthama. People believe that dead human bones disappear from the Temple.
  • Nivruttinath Temple: The Sage Nivruttinath, who started the Nath community and had immense knowledge of the Shastras, took Samadhi here. The temple is dedicated to him and is near Gangadwar.
  • Kushavarta: The holy pond is just 5 minutes from the Trimbakeshwar temple. This is the place where River Dakshin Ganga (Godavari) collects and distributes itself to the rest of India. The pond is the starting point for Kumbh Mela that occurs every twelve years. As per the Government rules, the Sadhus who follow Vaishnavism take a bath in the Godavari at Ram Kund and those who follow Shaivism take a dip in this pond.
  • Shri Nilambika Temple /Dattatreya Temple: The temple is at the top of the Neel Parbat peak on the eastern side of the Brahmagiri hill. Devotees believe that all the three Goddesses Parvati, Renuka (Lakshmi) and Manananba (Saraswati) came to visit during his penance. After the penance, he requested them to stay at the place.
  • Anjaneri Temple: The temple is for Lord Anjaneya or Lord Hanuman. According to beliefs, the hill is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

Besides these temples, there are several holy places of importance near the Trimbakeshwar temple. Some of them are:

  • The Brahmagiri Hill: The hill is the origin of River Godavari, which flows from the hill on three sides. The east-flowing stream is the Godavari. The one to the south is Vaitarna and the one facing west is Ganga. One has to climb 500 steps to reach the peak. The five peaks of this mountain are Sadyo-Jata, Vamdev, Aghora, Ishana, and Tat-Purusha.
  • The Indra Teertha: This teertha is in the east of the Kushavarta Kund. Devotees believe that Lord Indra took bath in this tank to wipe off the curse given by Rishi Gautam for misbehaving with the Rishi’s wife, Ahilya. A temple for Lord Indra depicts Indra sitting on an Airavat, the elephant.
  • Ahilya Sangam Teertha: Legend says that during the deep penance performed by Rishi Gautam, a friend of Ganga. by the name of Jatila, took the form of Ahilya, his wife. But Rishi Gautam recognized the imposter and cursed her that she will turn into a river. However, Jatila begged for forgiveness. Then Saint Gautam said that the curse will lift only when she joins the River Godavari. The Ahilya Sangam Teertha is the place where the river of Jatila joins the River Godavari.

Some other famous temples in Maharashtra are:

Frequently Asked Questions about Trimbakeshwar Temple

How much time does it take for darshan in Trimbakeshwar?

You can complete the darshan within 15-20 minutes if you reach early in the morning. It might take 40-60 minutes in the afternoon and longer in the evenings. The time also depends on the days on which you are going to visit. Generally, it takes longer in the weekends as compared to the weekdays.

What is Trimbakeshwar famous for?

Trimbakeshwar is the only Jyotirlinga which has three shrines. Here Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva’s shrines are available in the temple. This place is the origin of the river Godavari. The place is also famous for its scenic beauty in monsoon season. Amidst nature, untouched natural beauty surrounds Trimbakeshwar.

Where is Trimbakeshwar in India?

Trimbakeshwar is situated in the Trimbakeshwar tehsil. It is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak. It is in the Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. 28 KM from the city of Nashik. It is 40 KM from Nashik Road.

How many Jyotirlinga are there in India?

There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. These Jyotirlingas are considered holy and sacred. A Jyotirlinga is the devotional representation of Lord Shiva. It is a symbol of power and purity. It is believed that these 12 jyotirlingas are ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested. Lord Shiva manifested himself in these places for his devotees.

How can I go to Trimbakeshwar from Nashik?

You can visit Trimbakeshwar via roadways. Trimbakeshwar is 28 KM from the city of Nashik. You can opt for a bus or a taxi service. It will take approximately 40-50 minutes to reach there. There are many buses on this route. One can travel by the MSRTC bus which is available from CBS (Central bus stop).

Who constructed the Trimbakeshwar temple?

Peshwa Nana Saheb built the Trimbakeshwar temple in the 18th century. Tryambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak. It is situated in the Trimbakeshwar. It is the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India.

How can I go to Shirdi from Trimbakeshwar?

You can reach via roadways. It is 118 km far from the sacred town of Shirdi. You can also opt for bus service or taxis to reach Trimbakeshwar. Yet, the best way to travel from Shirdi to Trimbakeshwar is by roadways. It is a journey of almost 2 hours 21 minutes.

If you have any questions about Trimbakeshwar Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Ajanta Caves

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Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad

Aurangabad district in Maharashtra State is a famous place with many tourist attractions and religious sites as well as temples. The Ajanta Caves are one of the most popular and most visited places in Aurangabad district with an extravagant monument. Having 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves that have existed since 2nd century, these caves are exquisite structure that includes sculptures and paintings. They are a great example of the richness of Indian art and painting. These caves are also masterpiece of the Buddhist religious art and have figures of Buddha and depictions of mythological Jataka tales. The architecture of the Ajanta caves is worth witnessing and the caves are cut in the side of a large cliff which is the south side of U-shaped gorge on the river Waghur. They are along the modern pathway that runs across the cliff and were originally reached by the individual ladders from side of river 10–35 m below. The Ajanta caves have been built extravagantly in two phases and the construction started by the 2nd century BCE. The second group of these caves was built in 400–650 BCE. This is a protected monument and is cared by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ajanta caves

History and Legend of Ajanta Caves

  • This region was previously forested heavily and the caves were hidden in the heavy forests that were later discovered by a British officer in 1819. The buildings are Buddhist monastic that represent many monasteries. These caves have been numbered from 1 to 28 and some of these are unfinished but some have been barely begun. Many of these caves were hidden under the rubble and round the gorge, there are numerous waterfalls and these are audible when the river is high that are audible from outside these caves.
  • These caves have the best of the early Indian wall-paintings and there are not many such survivals from areas of the modern Indian region and they are believed to be related to approx. 5th century paintings in the Sigiriya region in Sri Lanka. Ajanta Caves have elaborated architectural carvings that are considered rare.
  • A little after being rediscovered, the caves became famous due to their exotic setting and the impressive architecture and also due to the unique paintings. These caves were originally in the territory of princely state of Nizam of Hyderabad and Ghulam Yazdani who was the founder of the archaeology department of Hyderabad State in 1914 had played a major role to conserve and research this site. He had also published series of monographs on the caves. This site was considered adventurous till the Nizam’s government had built a modern path in between these caves among the many other efforts that had been made in order to make the site an easy visit.

Significance of the site and the Ajanta Caves

  • The site boasts of the best mural paintings in the country that have survived from earlier and later caves. The paintings also include court-led paintings that are well preserved. Some of the later paintings also concentrate on the Jataka tales that show the previous lives of Buddha as king. These paintings have since deteriorated significantly and a majority of these caves are the vihara halls that were used for prayer and also for living. Such caves are also called as monasteries. There are also some other plainer rooms that were used for sleeping and also for other activities.
  • The earlier caves have been built on eastern end of these horse-shoe shaped regions, and now the caves are in less prominent position. Ajanta Caves have been fully inaugurated that are important for the worship by the devotees of Lord Buddha that has an image in central shrine. The cliff of the first cave has steeper slope than other caves and this provides it a tall and a grand facade. Some caves only have left remains as the fine carving have been carelessly thrown down into the slope into the river but some have still been lost and they may have been presumably carried away in the monsoon torrents.
  • The carvings on the cave are surfaces embellishments and have scenes from life of Buddha along with decorative motifs. There also is a two pillared portico and the cave also has a front-court along with porch that has simple cells on its both ends. Most areas of these porches had been once covered with the murals and some fragments remain on the ceiling of the cave. On the rear wall to the house, a shrine has been carved with an impressive and elaborate seated image of Buddha and his hands have been made in dharmachakrapravartana mudra.
  • The temple has four cells that are located on all the walls and these have paintings that are in fair state in terms of preservation. The paintings depict mainly didactic, ornamental, and devotional scenes that are from Jataka stories that date back to Buddha’s former existence when he was a bodhisattva. The paintings have depicted life of Gautama Buddha and also of his veneration. The caves have two famous individually painted images and also life size figures of bodhisattvas that are Padmapani and Vajrapani that are placed on either side of entrance to Buddha shrine.
  • The paintings are on every surface of these caves except the floor but the art work has eroded in some places due to decay and also due to human interference. Many areas thus are painted walls, pillars, ceilings that are fragmentary. The narratives of the paintings are mostly based on the Jataka tales that are depicted on the walls. The paintings inform the community mainly of the teachings of the Buddha and of his life through the successive rebirths.
  • Some of the caves have also been saved from volcanic eruptions and thus still contain some major volcanic remains that also increase the attraction and significance of the site. This is today the most popular and most visited tourist destination in the Maharashtra state and is extremely crowded at the time of holiday. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation had in 2012 announced their plans to add this site to ASI visitor centre. They are also trying to get a better idea of these paintings and decipher them.

Ajanta Caves Timings

Ajanta Caves are open on all days except Tuesday and are open till sunset. The entry fees per person is Rs. 10/- and Rs 25./- are charged for clicking pictures and videography inside the caves.

How to reach by Rail Road and Air

Aurangabad is one of the most popular tourist hubs and thus has many visitors especially in the holiday season. The past glory and heritage of this city are the main attractions of Aurangabad. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are a major tourist attraction of the city and these caves are recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. Some other places to visit are the spectacular Mughal monuments, Bibi ka Maqbara and many other sites are extremely enjoyable in the city.

The caves also have a dedicated archaeological museum that is also a well noted tourist spot in the city. This place also has many historical and cultural places. The city has many ways to be reached and can be reached through multiple means of transport. Aurangabad is well connected by all major means like air, rail and road as per the tourist’s convenience. The city’s airport connects to all major cities and traveling to this city through air can be a very comfortable option while one can also travel by rail to the city.

By Air: Aurangabad has regular flights from all other major cities of the country and the major airport is the Chikkalthana Airport.

By Rail: Aurangabad is also well connected to all other major cities of India via regular trains. The major stations are Aurangabad, Rotegaon, Chikalthan, Mukundwadi Halt.

By Bus: One can get regular buses to the Aurangabad city from all other major cities of the country. The major bus station is Aurangabad.

The city is well connected and has efficient connectivity by all means of transport to various cities. There are a number of buses connecting Aurangabad to other cities and the journey is a comfortable one.

Hotels in Aurangabad

There are many 3, 4, and 5-Star hotels in Aurangabad that are extremely comfortable and have great services. The major hotels in the city include Hotel Atithi, Lemon Tree Hotel Aurangabad, VITS Hotel, Green Olive, Vivanta by Taj Hotel Oberoi and J P International. All the above hotels are extremely spacious and comfortable with all facilities. The tourists visit Ajanta caves and museums mostly in the holiday season and that is when the hotels are jam packed.

Nearby Attractions and Temples

The major attractions of the city of Aurangabad apart from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are as follows:

Bibi Ka Maqbara: The place is situated about 3kms from the main city and is the resting place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. This place is an imitation of Taj Mahal, Agra. The burial site or the Maqbara is situated in middle of spacious Mughal garden that has axial ponds and fountains along with broad pathways and clean pavilions.

Panchakki: The 17th century water mill is situated at distance of about 1km from city. The water mill is famous for the vast underground water channel that traverses about 8kms. The mesmerizing artificial waterfall and beautiful water fountains increase the beauty of the place and thus is one of the most visited sites of the city.

Gates in Aurangabad: The most interesting place to visit in the city is the 52 ‘gates’; they have a local history and are visited most often. The historical gates increase the legend of the place and thus are one of the most visited sites of the city.

Naukhanda palace: Built by Malik Ambar, the massive portal gateway is a grand palace in the city with nine apartments. The interior buildings have five zananas, a Divan-i-Aam, a Divan-i-Khas, a masjid and a kacheri and each of this is provided with a garden and also with a cistern.

Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary: The Salim Ali Sarovar which is popularly known as the Salim Ali Talab, is a major place of interest that is located near Delhi Gate right opposite the Himayat Bagh in Aurangabad. The site is located in northern part of the city and was known as the Khiziri Talab during Mughal Period. The place was renamed after the well known ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. The site also has a bird sanctuary and also a garden that is well maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation.

Aurangabad Caves: The caves are situated at a distance of 5kms, and are nestled amidst the hills. These 12 Buddhist caves date back to 3 A.D. and are of particular interest as there are Tantric influences that are evident in the iconography and also in the architectural designs of these caves. The caves also offer a panoramic view of the whole city as well as of the imposing Maqbara.

Aurangabad has always been held as a town of great importance due to the history and legend associated with it. The popular tourist destination in the country has a lot to offer to the visitors. The town holds major significance in terms of history as well as mythology and is an important Buddhist site. The place has a lot to offer to the tourists and they back a lot in term of spiritualism as well as heritage and thus they keep coming back to experience the utmost enjoyment.

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai, is one of the distinguished shrines of the city, located at the Bhulabhai Desai road. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Mahalaxmi Temple is an abode of peace amidst the hectic metro life.

Mahalaxmi Temple – Facts

DeityGoddess Mahalaxmi
LocationMumbai, Maharashtra
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to Visit June to December
Darshan TimingsTuesdays: 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM; Other days: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
FestivalsSankashti Chaturthi, Vinayaki Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi
Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai Video

What are the timings of Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Fridays are special days to visit the temple. The day starts early at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai and as the devotees’ state gathering at the shrine, the temple complex fills with the sound of bells, the aroma of incense and fresh flowers.

  • You can visit the temple from 6 am to 10 pm.
  • Aarti is performed three times in a day:
  • Morning aarti is from 7 am to 7.20 am.
  • There are two types of evening aarti done here. Dhoop aarti is done from 6.30 pm to 6.40 pm and the main aarti is done from 7.30 pm to 7.50 pm.
  • Night aarti is known as Shejarti. It is done at the time of closure of the temple, at 10 pm.

It is worth noting that Fridays tend to be more crowded than usual.

There is no entry fee to the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai. Photography is also not permitted within the temple complex.

How to reach Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai

What are the poojas and rituals at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is an ideal place to witness the unique Hindu rituals; while the holy chants create a pious environment here, the sacred fire of havans is believed to purify the hearts. You can get all the necessary items for worship at the stalls which crowd both the sides of the temple. From flowers, garlands, puja accessories to incense sticks and sweets, everything is available here.

  • Special Havan: Besides the regular pooja, devotees can arrange special havans within the temple complex.
  • Monthly Havan: These havans are performed by the temple trust on every ‘Ashtami.’
  • Mahapooja: Devotees can request this type of havan on their desired day.
  • Abhishek: This is a regular ritual performed every day at the Mahalakshmi temple.
  • Archan: This is also a part of regular worship at the temple.

What is the significance of the Mahalaxmi Temple?

Where is Mahalaxmi Temple

When in the city, the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is a must-visit due to the unique characteristics that it comes with:

The Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai houses three different incarnations of Adi Shakti; Shree Maha Kali or Ma Durga, the destroyer of evil, Shree Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Shree Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Goddess Mahalakshmi is found to be mounted on a tiger.

The months of March-April and September-October are auspicious here as at this time, the holy rays of the rising sun fall on the deities.

The Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai complex is impressive with multiple statues. While the 10.6 metres high wooden plank is wrapped with silver, the stone deepmala gains a divine aura when lit during the aarti.

The Sabhamandap of the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is grand. It is spacious and airy with an area of 12.10*9.10. At the heart of the sanctum stands a statue of a silver-plated lion, facing the three goddesses. The 27 apex tops of the Sabhamandap is spectacular while there are a couple of wooden idols of Jay and Vijay, which are also covered with silver, at the main entrance of the Gabhara, also known as the sanatorium. There are also idols of Lord Ganapati, Vithal and Goddess Rukhamini at the gateway of the Gabhara. The Gabhara is also spacious with an area of 11*11 metres. The Gabhara also comes with a Laxmi Yantram, also known as Shree Yantra; it is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The deities are seated on a beautifully crafted throne, known as Simhasan; part of which is plated with silver. Images of elephants and peacocks are designed at the front pillars of the throne. The ceiling of the temple, also known as Kalash is 15 metres high.

The three idols of the goddesses are beautifully decorated with jewellery, like pearl necklaces, gold bangles, earrings and nose pins while the garlands and cluster of flowers; a true symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The intricate designs and large statues of the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai reflect gorgeous Indian architectural style while the backdrop of the Arabian Sea creates a perfectly divine atmosphere.

What is the history Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai History

Constructed in 1771 AD, this shrine has several folklores surrounding it. It is believed that the three deities of Goddesses Mahalakshmi were immersed into the Arabian Sea, near Worli to prevent the destruction of the idols by the Muslim invaders.

Later, during the British rule, Lord Horneby planned to join the two hill creeks of Worli and Malabar and Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu was appointed as the chief for the task. Shri Ramji along with his colleagues tried several times but failed to connect the creeks due to the waves. One night Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in his dreams and instructed him to bring out the immersed idols from the creeks of Worli and place them on the top of a hillock. Shri Ramji did the same and after that, he was able to construct the bridge. Later he built the temple on the hillock where the deities are still worshipped with great pomp.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai Poojas Festivals

Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and her incarnations, every festival dedicated to the goddess is celebrated here.

  • Navratri: Navratri is celebrated two times at the Mahalakshmi temple of Mumbai. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra, the months of March and April. Ashwin Navratri is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashwin, the months of September and October. The temple is beautifully decorated with colourful lights, bright flowers, fresh garlands, from the Gabhara to the main gateway.
  • Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights is a time of joy at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai. Celebrated at winters, during the months of October and November, this festival is celebrated for three to four days here. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped at this time and rush of devotees is no less than that of Navaratri.
  • Annakut: Celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima, this is an auspicious occasion. 56 kinds of sweets and food platters are dedicated to the goddesses, known as ‘naivedya.’ After worshipping Mahalakshmi, the sweets and food items are distributed among the devotees. There is a mass gathering at Mahalakshmi temple this day, as 500 pilgrims are treated with food, known as Prasad.
  • Margashirsh Month: The months of December and January are considered holy and devotees, especially women gather at the Mahalakshmi temple to offer their prayers to the goddesses. People sit in front of the Sabha Mandap as the deities are worshipped.
  • Palkhi of Mataji: The day of Marathi New Year occurs at the Hindu month of Chaitra (March or April) and is a special day, known as Gudhi Padwa. The goddesses are carried on a palanquin and the large procession is a colourful affair. This procession also takes place on the anniversary of the construction of the Dhwjasthambha, which adorns the front of the shrine. The Dhwjasthambha has been dedicated to Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti.

To accommodate huge rush of devotees during such festivals, especially Navratri, the temple committee makes special arrangements; pandals are erected along with railings at the adjoining footpaths from where the devotees can view the three idols.

Besides these major festivals, Durga Ashtami, Vaat Purnima, Purnima, Guru Purnima, Nag Panchami and Gauri Poojan are some of the events performed annually.

How to reach the Mahalaxmi Temple?

Located at the heart of the Mumbai metropolitan, the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is easily accessible from all parts of the city and also from other cities of the country. From low-cost buses to premium cabs, transportation to the Mahalakshmi temple is easy.

  • By Air: The nearest airport to the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, located at 14 km from the temple. Besides international flights, this airport also connects domestic flights from Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and other major cities of the country.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Mahalakshmi railway station. The temple is located within 1 km of the railway station. Local trains from Virar and Churchgate (on the western line), from Karjat or Kasara to CST (the central line) and Panvel to CST (Harbour Line) are some of the regular trains to the Mahalakshmi temple. People travelling on the western line or from Kasara and Karjat, need to take another train from Dadar to the Mahalakshmi station.
  • By Road: The BEST buses and the cabs are the most convenient road transport to reach the Mahalakshmi temple. If you are travelling from parts of South Mumbai, like Colaba, Nariman Point, Charni Road or Grant Road or from Central Mumbai, then the temple is easily accessible.

Where to stay in Mumbai?

Mumbai being one of the most important cities of India has both budget and premium hotels, located near the Mahalakshmi temple. From private hotels to lodges, devotees from all around the world can spend some hassle-free time at these hotels. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the location of the hotels is impressive.

Where to eat in Mumbai?

Besides the Prasad served at the temple, there are numerous food stalls near the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai. Most of the eateries serve vegetarian food. Both budget-friendly eateries and luxurious restaurants are available near the temple. Vada pav is must-have speciality when one visits Mumbai. If people want to change the taste, they also have the option of Mughlai, Continental and Chinese cuisines at these restaurants.

What are some famous temples in Mumbai?

Mahalakshmi Temple Explore Mumbai

There are several shrines around Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai:

  • Siddhivinayak Temple: Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the oldest sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the most popular and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The name Siddhivinayak means “Vinayak who grants one’s wishes.”
  • Iskcon Temple:
  • Dhakleshwar Temple: Also located at the Bhulabhai Desai Road, this Hindu temple is one of the oldest temples of Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple with its lashing water body is spectacular.
  • Kali Mata Mandir: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple worships the Goddess following unique Hindu rituals and hence is worth a visit. This temple is located at Borivali East, near the Western Express Highway.
  • Param Rameshwaram Mahadev Mandir: This temple offers a soulful atmosphere with its quiet surroundings. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivratri is one of the major festivals celebrated at the temple.

The Haji Ali Dargah is also located near the Mahalakshmi Temple. Located on an islet off the coast of Worli, it is known to fulfil the wishes of devotees.

Other famous temples near Mumbai which are must-visit are:

  • Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple: located in Nashik district of Maharashtra, the Trimbakeshwar temple is easily accessible from Mumbai. It is one of the most popular temples of the state after Mahalakshmi temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Panch Jyotirlingas is located in and around Aurangabad.

Hence, Mahalakshmi Temple along with its classic surroundings provides you with a unique experience, quite different from the glitters of the city of Mumbai. Besides worshipping the goddess of wealth, devotees can also enjoy shopping at the nearby Heera Panna and Atria shopping mall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mahalaxmi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Mahalaxmi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahalaxmi Temple is free of cost. There is no VIP Darshan available.

Is there any online pooja booking facility available?

Yes, please visit the website http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/ fo.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are strictly allowed (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). However, photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Mumbai start from February and continues until May. The summers here can be hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 32 º C.

What are winters like in Mumbai?

In Mumbai, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 18 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Mahalaxmi Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Pandharpur Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Pandharpur Temple or the Vitthal Temple located in Pandharpur in the Solapur district of Maharashtra is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Statistically, it receives the largest amount of devotees in Maharashtra. The holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Vitthal or Vithoba along with his consort Rakhumai or Rukmini, as popularly known, who is worshipped as a form of Lord Krishna.

Pandharpur Temple is one of the most important and oldest pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. The Temple is located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, another name of the River Bhima.

The legend of Lord Vitthal or Vithoba is disputed but historic and legendary. Lord Vitthal is the focal point of devotion especially among the followers of the Varkari philosophy or Sampradaya of Hinduism as well as the Haridasa sect of Karnataka. He is more popularly worshipped in regions of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

As per the Varkari tradition, “Vitthal” is composed of two words in Sanskrit – Vit meaning Brick and Thal that originated from the Sanskrit word “Sthala” meaning standing. That gives the meaning of “Standing on the brick” to the word “Vitthal”. Hence, God is depicted as a figure of a young boy standing on a brick. There are, however, other interpretations of the meaning as well.

The Varkari Saint Tukaram proposed that Vittha means ignorance and La means one who accepts, creating the word “Vitthala” meaning “God who accepts ignorant people”. Another possible meaning was put forward by historian Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar stating that Vitthu is a Kannada version of Vishnu in Marathi. The suffixes La and Ba are added as a mark of respect creating the names as Vitthala or Vithoba.

The Pandharpur Temple is huge with six entrances. The eastern entrance is called the Namdev gate or the Mahadwaara. The Samadhi of Saint Namdev and Saint Chokoba is situated here. The famed “Namdev Chi Payari” step is the first step out of 12 steps that one must climb to reach the Samadhi. The Pandharpur Temple has a Mandap at the beginning consisting of a Nagarkhana where various musical instruments are placed.

Two Deepmalas can be seen in the west that is lit during festive occasions. The Chowk is lined on both sides with rooms for resident devotees. The Mandap also has shrines dedicated to Garuda and Hanuman. The chowk leads to the Solakhambi Mandap meaning a Mandap with sixteen pillars. The beautiful chamber is engraved with Krishna Lilas and the Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The entrance to the shrine is through a silver door named as the Rupyacha Darwaja.

The idol of the deity Vitthala or Vithoba is made of black stone three and a half feet tall. The idol has a Shivalinga on his head and the Kaustubha Mani around the neck. The idol is placed in front of a Prabhaval, a silver plate in the sanctum.

Several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, Garuda, Lord Krishna’s consorts Rukmini, Sathyabama and Radha, Kashi Vishwanath, Lord Rama and Lakshman, Kalabhairav, Dattatreya, and Narsoba are present inside the Pandharpur Temple Complex.

Pandharpur Temple Timings

  • Pandharpur Temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 PM.
  • The Mukha Darshan (Darshan of the face) can be had at any time without waiting in the queue.
  • The Sparsh Darshan (Touching of the feet) can be had only by standing in a separate queue.

Dress code in Pandharpur Temple

Pandharpur Temple dress code is traditional wear. Men should wear dhoti, pyjama or formal pants and shirt. Women should wear a sari, churidar or a half saree. Children should wear any fully covered dress. There should be an upper cloth present for both men and women.

Pandharpur Temple History

  • The exact date or year of construction of the Pandharpur Temple is debatable but the earliest inscriptions on the oldest structures of the Temple belong to the era of the Yadava dynasty in the 12th and 13th century. However, the name Pandaranga which is another name for Vitthala can be found on a Rashtrakuta Copper plate inscription dated 516 AD postulating that worship of Vitthal started as early as the 6th century.
  • Several inscriptions can be found in the Pandharpur Temple as well as surrounding areas that imply the fact that the Temple existed in the 12th and the 13th century. An inscription in Alandi referring to Vitthal and Rakhumai can be found dating back to 1209. A stone slab dated 1237 AD states that the Hoysala king Someshwara donated a village for expenses incurred during Annadanam in the Temple premises. Besides these, several inscriptions related to Lord Krishna and the Yadava kingdom can be found in and around Temples that date back to 1249 AD and 1277 AD.
  • Krishnadevaraya, king of the Vijayanagara Empire safely took away the idol of Vitthal during the invasion of Muslim rulers. The Pandharpur Temple remained closed for worship for a few years. The idol was then restored by Bhanudas Maharaj in the 14th century and worship restarted.
  • Before independence, the untouchables, and other backward classes were not allowed to enter the Pandharpur Temple premises. Freedom fighter Sane Guruji went on Fast-unto-death to change this custom. He was supported by other Gandhians. Eventually as a result, of this movement, the gates of the Temple were opened for the untouchables and other castes.
  • The legends associated with Lord Vitthala in Pandharpur Temple have been mentioned in the Skanda Puranam, Sthala Puranam, Padma Puranam and the Panduranga Mahatmya. All these legends are centred on one individual named as Pundalik. There are several versions of legends associated with Pundalik and Lord Vitthala.
  • According to the first legend, Pundalik was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. He dedicated his life to the service of his parents. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Gopala Krishna visits him from Govardhan in his Digambar form. Pundalik requests Lord Krishna to remain beside the banks of the River Bhima making it a Tirtha Kshetra. The region described resembles the modern city of Pandharpur.
  • The second legend states that Pundalik was a greedy man who did not take care of his old and ailing parents. When he drove them out, they set out on a pilgrimage to Varanasi on foot with other groups of devotees. Pundalik also eventually decided to go to Varanasi and on his way, stopped for rest on the banks of River Bhima. He observed that three ugly women: Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari went to the house of a poor cobbler after taking the bath. On asking their credentials, they informed that they have to bear the sins of people and got cleansed when they visit the cobbler’s house who treated everyone especially his parents with love. Realization dawned on Pundalik and he immediately asked for forgiveness from his parents and started treating them well.
  • Meanwhile, Radha who loved Lord Krishna visited Dwarka, his kingdom and sat on his lap. Radha ignored Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s queen. Angered by the occurrence, Rukmini left Krishna and left to Dindivana near Pandharpur. Lord Krishna searched for her and eventually landed in Pandharpur where he came across Pundalik’s home. Lord Krishna was impressed with his devotion to the parents and called on Pundalik. But Pundalik asked him to wait as he was busy with his parents and threw a brick outside for the Lord to sit and wait. After finishing his work, Pundalik came out and on seeing Lord Krishna, asked for forgiveness. He asked him to settle here with Rukmini and bless them forever.
  • A small but an interesting legend associated with the Pandharpur temple is related to the naming of the first step of the temple as “Namdev Chi Payari”. Once a child named Namdev was asked by his mother to offer the Naivedyam to Lord Vitthal. Namdev went to the Temple and performed Naivedyam but waited to see God eat the offering. He keeps waiting and becomes disheartened when God does not appear. In his disappointment, he started banging his head on the feet of the Lord. Seeing his innocence and devotion, Lord Vitthal appears before him, eats the offering and blesses him. Namdev requests Lord Vitthal to name the first step of the Temple after him so that all the devotees will touch and pass through him to have the Lord’s darshan. Since then, the temple’s first step is named as “Namdev Chi Payari”. The child became a highly revered Saint in the future.
  • The Rukmini or the Rakhumai Temple has been built separately from Lord Vitthal’s shrine. There is a legend behind the separate shrines for both of them instead of one. Vitthal’s wife was fondly called Padubai and was mostly busy doing the household chores. One day, she was too tired and refused to serve a guest of her husband Vitthal named Maliraya. Vitthal became angry and cursed Padubai that she will become mad and be separated from him. Padubai eventually became mad and left him to the jungle where she died under a Tamarind tree. Her parents Janakoji and Kamalaja came to visit her after the death but were blocked by Vitthal who turned into a snake. He did not allow anyone near the corpse. He created a shower which washed Padubai’s remains into the sea. Maliraya felt guilty as he believed that he had caused this instance and took up penance. The Sea-god granted his wish and returned the bones which he immersed in a proper ritual at the Padmatirtha Lake. Meanwhile, Vitthal was unable to bear the separation from Padubai and wandered in search of her. Eventually, he reached Padmatirtha and found a beautiful Lotus on the bank. As soon as he plucked the flower, it turned into Padubai. However, Vitthal who by the time was free of all materialistic desires decided that both of them will take abode in Pandharpur but in separate shrines to bless their devotees.

Significance of Pandharpur Temple

  • The Pandharpur Temple receives the highest number of pilgrims in Maharashtra every year.
  • The Pandharpur Temple is considered extremely ancient and sacred. It is praised in several Puranas and the famed Saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya even wrote the Pandurangashtakam Stotram praising God Vitthal whose other name is Panduranga in the 8th century.
  • The deity Vitthala has been associated with several Gods in the past. He is worshiped as an avatar of Lord Shiva by strict Shaivites, as the supreme Lord Vishnu by Vaishnavites, as the supreme avatar of Lord Krishna by his sect, as the avatar of Buddha by Buddhists and as a Jain god by the followers of Jainism.
  • It is believed that Lord Vitthala and Rakhumai signify non-attachment to materialistic desires. They symbolize a life of duty, forgiveness and devotion.
  • The Dindi Yatra is a unique feature of the Temple. Thousands of Varkaris, people who worship Lord Vitthal religiously march from their homes in areas like Karnataka and Maharashtra to reach the Temple on foot. This Yatra is called the Dindi Yatra and takes place in June – July.
  • It is widely believed that a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River washes away all your sins and blesses the devotees with prosperity.
  • In May 2014, the Pandharpur Temple became the first Temple in India to invite women and people from backward classes to assume the responsibilities of Priests.
  • The Kaustubha Mani that is hung around the neck of the deity’s idol is supposed to be one of the precious gems obtained during the mythical tale of the churning of the ocean episode in mythology.

Festivals celebrated at Pandharpur Temple

  • Ashadi Ekadasi or the Shayani Ekadasi – The grand religious procession is celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June – July). The festivities begin on the eleventh day of the month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep on the day in the Ksheersagar while lying on the back of the Shesha Naga on this day. The Ksheersagar is the Ocean of Milk that denotes the Milky way that surrounds the directional space. It is also the place where Lord Vishnu reclines over the Shesha Naga and plans to churn the ocean to reveal its Amrit and other miracles. Hundreds of devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh walk from their homes to the Pandharpur Temple carrying a Palkhi with the “Padukas” or the “Feet” of the Lord. They do so amidst singing bhajans and songs in the praise of Lord. This journey is called the Dindi Yatra. During the Yatra, the devotees perform charity work for the poor and the needy like Annadanam, repair work, medical help, and building work.
  • Prabodhini Ekadasi – The Varkaris offer Poojas at the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple on the 11th day of the Kartik month (November – December), exactly four months after the Shayani Ekadasi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu wakes up from his slumber on this day in the Ksheersagar during the Samudra Manthan episode in mythology.
  • The Magha Ekadasi and the Chaithra Ekadasi are also celebrated by the Varkaris especially. They arrive at the Pandharpur Temple in large numbers during these days and receive the blessings of their beloved Lord.
  • Besides the Ekadasis, Holi, Deepavali, and Dussehra are also celebrated with great pomp and fare. The Pandharpur Temple is decorated and special Poojas are performed for the Lord on these days.

Pandharpur Temple Sevas

  • Kakad Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord at 4:30 AM every day in the Pandharpur Temple. The Kakad Aarti is a form of morning Mangal Aarti which is performed to wake up the deity. Several chants and stotrams are recited to create a holy environment conducive to the waking up of the Lord.
  • Nitya Pooja – The regular Pooja begins with a ritualistic bathing of the Lord with Panchamrit which are Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar, and Ghee. Then the Lord is decorated and dressed up in the regional attire for the morning darshan. This Pooja is performed between 5 AM to 6 AM.
  • Mahapuja – This Pooja can be performed by the devotees by paying the requisite amount. Several Poojas and shlokas are recited on behalf of the devotee. These rituals are performed between 7 AM to 8 AM.
  • Mahanaivedyam – The Lord is offered food of different varieties mainly consisting of rice, daal, and sweets. This takes place between 11 AM to 11:15 AM.
  • The Poshakh Pooja – The ornaments and the attire of the Lord are changed again for the evening darshan.
  • Dhoop Aarti – The evening Aarti takes place between 7 PM to 7:30 PM. The Lord is offered with Naivedyam afterward as dinner.
  • Shej Aarti – The Night Aarti or the Shej Aarti is performed at 10 PM in the Pandharpur Temple. The ornaments are removed from the deity and milk and sugar is offered. The Lord is allowed to sleep amidst the chants of the priests.

How to reach Pandharpur Temple

  • By Air – The nearest airport to Pandharpur Temple is the Lohegaon airport in Pune which is situated at a distance of 205 km from the city. One can board a bus or hire a taxi from Pune to reach Pandharpur.
  • By Train – The Pandharpur railway station connects various cities and towns in Maharashtra like Pune, Nagpur, Solapur, Latur, and Kopergaon. The Kurduvadi station located about 50 km from Pandharpur caters to devotees from several major cities in India like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Mysore, Pune, and Jaipur.
  • By Road – The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation operates regular buses from cities like Mumbai, Bijapur, Belgaum, Pune, Solapur and Khandala. Private buses also operate on the route.

Pandharpur Temple Accommodation

Pandharpur offers a wide range of hotels and ashrams for a stay to the devotees. The prices are reasonable. The MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) has constructed a few lodges that can be booked for a stay.

Where to eat

A large number of private restaurants are available that serve delicious local cuisine as well as North Indian and South Indian cuisine.

Nearby Temples

  • Takpitya Vithoba – The small shrine dedicated to Takpitya Vithoba. As per a legend, a woman who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vitthal used to offer buttermilk (tak) and ground lahi (parched Jowar, wheat or rice) daily at the Temple. If unable to reach the Temple, she offered it to Lord Vitthala at home. The Lord was impressed with her devotion and would sometimes come to her home to relish the offerings. The shrine dedicated to the Lord and the woman was built by a widow named Radhabai in 1540 CE. The stone bowl can still be visited that was used to offer food to the Lord himself.
  • Pundalik Temple – The small Temple is situated beside the Chandrabhaga river, just a few kilometers away from the Vitthal Rukmini Temple. This Temple marks the resting place of Pundalik who is credited with the arrival of Lord Vitthal to Pandharpur.
  • Kaikadi Maharaj Math – The Math is situated just 2 km away from the Temple. The complex depicts several mythological occurrences in Hinduism and their significance. The concept of the place is that all the Gods in Hinduism are placed under one roof and their significance explained to the devotees.
  • Vishnupad Temple – The Temple is situated 5 km away from the city. It is believed that one can visit Lord Krishna’s footprints and hoof prints of a cow on a stone slab near the banks of the river. As per the local beliefs, Lord Krishna comes for lunch here every day.
  • Mangalwedha – The land of Mangalwedha is called the “Land of Saints”. The city is the birthplace of several saints like Saint Damaji, Saint Kanhopatra, Saint Basaveshwara, and Saint Chokhamela.

Ganpatipule Temple

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Ganpatipule Temple is located at a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai, in Ratnagiri district of the Kokan coast of Maharashtra. ‘Ganpatipule’ is the land of 400 years old “Swayambhoo” (a self-incarnated idol) Ganesha. Its origin can be imagined by its references in ancient literatures like Mudgal-puran etc, where it has been referred to as the “Paschim Dwar- Devata” or “Paschim Dwarpalak” (Western Sentinel God).

Ganpatipule Temple

What is the history of Ganpatipule Temple?

Various myths are prevalent about the temples and deities. Some 500 years back, during the reigns of Moguls, there used to be ‘Kevada’ (flower tree) forest at the foot of the hill where presently the “Swayambhoo” Ganpati is situated. Here lived a Brahmin named Balbhatji Bhide.

Once he came across a major personal calamity, but being a determined person he decided to give up food and water till he is relieved from his problem. Hence he stayed in the Kevada forest for penance and worshiping his tutelary diety “Mangalmurti” Lord Ganesha.

During this period, Bhide had a vision in his dream in which Lord Ganesha told him that he has come to Aagargule (Ganesh Gule) in his “nirakar” (void) form to relieve all my devotees of their difficulties. Hence, you worship and propitiate here.

During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide was not giving milk, for which reason, the cowherd kept a close watch on her. He was astonished to see that the milk was flowing from cow’s udder on the place where the idol of the God is placed at present.

The cowherd narrated the incident to Bhide, on cleaning up the entire area Bhide found the idol of Ganesh which he had seen in his vision. Therefore, he built a shrine on a grass top there and started performing his first rituals.

Front view of the temple Ganpatipule

Later, Secretary Annaji Datta, one of the eight trusted ministers of Shivaji Maharaj, erected a marvelous dome replacing the grass-top. The next construction was the auditorium built by Sardar Govindrap Bundele from Peshwa court.

After that the Kolhapur Sansthan Secretary Vasudeorao Barve, made a gold plated dome-summit. His Highness Nanasaheb Peshwa arranged for the continuous lamp-lit “Nandadeep” and Ramabai Peshwa created a permanent hard-stone construction for the pilgrims. Madhavrao Peshwa built the “Sabhamandap”.

What is the significance of Ganpatipule Temple?

Ganpatipule Temple is one of its kind and holds an important place in the Hindu culture as it is one of the ‘Astha-Ganapatis’ (eight Ganpatis).

Another most unique characteristic of this temple is that the abode of Ganesha  is ‘Swayambhoo’ (Self-incarnated). This very concept of being self-embodied is suitable only to the ‘Aadhya-Devatas’ (Initial deities). All these ‘Swayambhoo’ deities are the parts of this eternal nature. Hence, they do not need any further carving or sculpturing. They are nature in itself.

The Swayambhoo Ganpati

Unlike the deities in other Indian temples who faces the east, the ‘Swayambhoo Ganpati’ faces the west direction, also making him known as the “Paschim-Dwar-Devata” or the “Paschim-Dwarpalak” i.e. Western Sentinel God. It is believed that he faces the west so as to protect the Western Ghats of India.

The mesmerizing glimpse of the fountain spurring from the naval of Lord Ganesha on a typical monsoon day, fills every devotee witnessing it with utmost divinity and purity.

The present form of the temple was built between 1998 and 2003. To give it an impression of being carved out of a single rock, construction has taken place with a special kind of stone called the Agra Red Stone.

Ganpatipule Temple Pradakshina

The Ganpatipule temple is situated at the foot of a small hill along the seashore. Therefore, pilgrims visiting here believe in taking a “Pradakshina” around the hill instead of just the temple. The “Pradakshina” is usually done to show ones’ obeisance to the Lord and devotion towards Him.

The northern front gate of Ganpatipule Temple

At the front gate, to the north, is a huge main gate with two elephants with raised trunks, standing on both sides of the gate. There is also one large bronze “Mushak” (mouse) situated near the gate. The “Mushak” is the “Vahana” (carrier) of Sri Ganesh, typically found in all His temples, is very sacred to the Hindus.

It is believed that if anyone has a wish to get fulfilled by Lord Ganesha then he or she can whisper the wish into the ears of the Mushak and pray for its fulfillment.

The Mushak Vahana
The Mushak Vahana

What are the timings of Ganpatipule Temple?

The Darshan timings of Ganpatipule Temple are as follows:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan5 AM9 PM
Morning Aarti5 AM5:30 AM
Noon Aarti12 PM12:30 PM
Evening Aarti7 PM7:30 PM
Khichdi Prasad Time12 PM2 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Ganpatipule Temple?

Various festivals and celebrations are carried out ardently throughout the year, those are:

Bhadrapad Celebration

Bhadrapad shuddha pratipada to panchami.
Aarati, Mantrapushpa and Keertan every night.
Mahaprasad on the auspicious day of Waman Dwadashi.

Magh Celebrations

Magh Suddha 1 to Magh Suddha 5.
Aarati, Mantrapushpa and Keertan every night.
Magh Shuddh 6 – Cultural Programmes at night.
Magh Shuddha 7 – Mahaprasa at noon and cultural Programms at night.

Dasara

On this day, at early morning a pooja takes place at the ‘Samadhi’ (Holy Tomb) of Bhatji Bhilde and 2100 Boondi Ladus are distributed among the devotees. In the evening, the palanquin procession for ‘Simollanghan’ (Symbolic crossing of the out skirts) takes place.

The palanquin halts at the Shamee Tree on the Pradakshina path. The leaves of the Shamee tree are taken as a symbol of gold and are hence offered to Lord Ganesha during the pooja and like this the palanquin celebration comes to an end.

Deepotsav (Festival of Lights)

Kojagiri full-moon-night to Tripuri full-moon-night.
Every evening between Ashwin Shuddha 15 to Kartik Shuddha 15 lamps are lit at the time of Aarati.

Vasant Puja

Chaitra Shuddh 1 to Vaishakh Shuddh 3 (Gudhipadava to Akshayytritiya).

Palanquin Procession of the Lord

On every Sankanshti (i.e. 12 time a year), on Gudhipadwa, Dasara, Deepawali (First Day) Ganesh Chaturthee (Bhadrapad Suddha 4), Maghi Chaturthee (Magh shuddha 4) are the specific SEVENTEEN times, on which the Lord Ganesh is worshipped with this procession.

The Palanquin

How to reach Ganpatipule Temple?

There are multiple ways to reach the Ganpatipule temple, those are as follows:

By Road:

Kolhapur – Ganpatipule, 144 kms.

Belgaum – Ganpatipule, 299 kms.

Pune – Ganpatipule (via Satara), 331 kms.

Mumbai – Ganpatipule (via Mahad), 375 kms.

By Rail:

Konkan Railway station is around 65 kms away from the temple.

By Flight:

The nearest airport to the temple is Mumbai Airport which is around 375 kms away from the temple.

By Bus:

The MSRTC State Buses are also available for transportation from Ratnagiri Bus Station.

Where to stay nearby?

There are several modern accommodation available near Ganpatipule temple and also in the Ratnagiri city. Apart from this, the charitable endowments like Bhaktinivas also provide lodging at a very nominal tariff.

Where to eat nearby?

All kinds of food options are available in the Ratnagiri city. Although near the temple mostly vegetarian restaurants are found. But it is worth mentioning that the local people of this place are very generous and kind. It is for them only that such an old heritage of the Hindus looks so serene and blissful even now. It is highly recommended to drink clean water only.

What are some temples nearby?

Karhateshwar Temple: It is a Lord Shiva Temple and can be reached by taking a left road from the Jaigad Fort.

Shri Laxmi- Keshav Temple: It is located in the Kolisare village, the temple is surrounded by dense forest and holds a very ancient idol of Laxmi and Keshav. The 5 feet idol is sculpted on a reddish black Shaligram stone from the Gandaki river in Nepal and is an excellent example of the finest form of ancient art.

Shri Laxmi- Keshava Temple

Shri Uma-Maheshwar Mandir- Hedvi: The pretty mandir of Shri Uma and Maheshwar was built at the end of the 18th century with the help of Ahilyabai Holkar’s Charity. The temple has the heritage of solemn peace.

Shri Walneshwar Mandir: It is 5 kms from Hedvi. This temple too has a history of 400 years, hence, is a point of tourist attraction.

Shrikshetra Parshuram: Lord Parshuram is the 6th incarnation of Lord Shri Vishnu. This temple has a significance of its own and has many myths and legends related to it. The sculptural beauty of the temple is a fine blend of western, Muslim and Hindu architecture.

Shri Swami Swaroopananda Shrine temple (Samadhi Mandir): Swami Swaroopananda was a great saint, poet and spiritual Guru. His full name was Ramachandra Vishnu Godbole. He was fortunate enough to see Lord Vishnu in person. The place where he gave away his elements of existence (accepted Samadhi), has been transformed into a huge, beautiful and extremely clean temple.

Shri Zari Vinayak Mandir: On the Ratnagiri-Pavas road runs a crystal clear brook through the mountains. at the upper side of the brook (Zari in Marathi) you can see a carved rock symbolizing Lord Ganesha, hence the name Zari Vinayak.

Ganeshgule (Agargule): This temple of Ganpati is a famous 400 years on the Pavas-Poorngad road, 4 km from the main road. There is a popular story realted to this temple which says that Lord Ganesha transferred Himself from Ganesgule to Ganpatipule, which also led to the creation of a Marathi saying- “ Gulyacha Ganapati Pulyala Gela” (The Ganesh of Gule went to Pule).

Dhoot papeshwar Temple: It is located just 5 km from the main market area of Rajapur. One can see a very beautiful Ganesh idol carved out of a black stone. The temple traditionally celebrates Mahashivratri from Magh vadhya 10 to Falgun suddha 1.

Hot Water Spring – Unhaale: On the Mumbai- Goa highway comes a village called Unhaale. It is well known for the sulfur smelling hot springs which serves for many medicinal benefits to its visitors, especially people with skin diseases. There is a small Shiva temple too.

Ganga- Teerth- Rajapur: Located on the Mumbai- Goa highway this spot has a similar significance as that of the previous one. It has 14 Kunds (Earthen tanks borderd with Jambha rocks with hot spring waters over flowing through it. The place is worshipped due to its mysterious and beneficial properties.

Shri Kankaditya Mandir: The Kankaditya temple is a beautiful architectural piece. The Lord’s statue is splendidly carved out of a black stone. The temple also has a special silver chariot fot the Lord. The Rath (chariot) Saptami festival is celebrated in this temple between Magh suddha 7 to Magh suddha 11.

Shri Mahakali Mandir: The temple is located in the Adiware village on the Ratnagiri-Rajapur vai Pavas road. There are 5 idols in the temple namely Shri Yogeshwari, Shri Mahakali, Shri Mahalaxmi, Shri Mahasaraswati and Shri Ravalnath. The festival of Navaratri is celebrated in the temple very enthusiastically every year.