5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra – Travel & Darshan Guide

Maharashtra, a land of spiritual richness and deep-rooted devotion, is home to five of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas in India. Each Jyotirlinga represents a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva, drawing lakhs of devotees every year. If you’re planning a pilgrimage, understanding the history, significance, and travel details of these 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra is essential.

Famous Five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra

Explore the five revered Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra with this detailed travel guide.

1. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Nashik

Located in the holy town of Trimbak near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is one of the most important Jyotirlingas in India. The temple holds a unique feature—three lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara in a single sanctum.

Significance: It is said to be the origin of the Godavari River and is highly significant in Hindu mythology. The temple also has great importance for those performing the Narayan Nagbali and Kalsarpa Shanti pujas.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Temple Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (with multiple Aarti sessions)

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road Railway Station (approx. 28 km)
• Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport (31 km) or Mumbai Airport (200 km)
• By Road: Well-connected by road from Nashik, Mumbai, and Pune

Things to Do: Visit Kushavarta Kund (Godavari origin), take a holy dip, and explore nearby Anjaneri Hills, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

Attractions in and around: Brahmagiri Hill | Shri Navshya Ganpati | Sita Gufa | Kalaram Temple |Dugarwadi Waterfalls | Ramkund | Pandavleni Caves | Saptashrungi Temple | Panchvati | Harihar Fort

2. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Pune

Nestled in the Sahyadri hills of Pune district, Bhimashankar is surrounded by dense forest and serene landscapes. The temple’s architecture reflects the Nagara style with beautiful carvings.

Significance: According to legends, Lord Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar to defeat the demon Tripurasura. The temple is also the origin of the Bhima River.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Temple Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 110 km)
• Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
• By Road: Direct buses and cabs available from Pune and Mumbai

Things to Do: Explore Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy trekking routes, and witness mist-covered mountains during monsoon.

Attractions in and around: Datta Mandir | Ram Mandir | Hanuman Lake | Ahupe Waterfalls | Bhimashankar Trek

3. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Aurangabad

Located just 1 km from Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual value.

Significance: The temple is a symbol of devotion and love, as it is said to have been restored by a devout woman named Kusuma who worshipped Lord Shiva despite hardships.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Temple Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Aarti at regular intervals)

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km)
• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (29 km)
• By Road: Easily accessible from Aurangabad city

Things to Do: Visit Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Attractions in and around: Ellora Caves | Ajanta Caves | Bhadra Maruti Temple | Bibi Ka Maqbara | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Caves |Devgiri Fort

4. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga, Hingoli

Believed to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Aundha Nagnath is located in the Hingoli district. The temple’s architecture dates back to the Hemadpanthi era.

Significance: It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here in the form of Nagnath during the Dwapar Yuga and that the Pandavas built this temple during their exile.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Temple Timings: 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Hingoli Railway Station (approx. 50 km)
• Nearest Airport: Nanded Airport (135 km)
• By Road: Buses and taxis available from Nanded and Aurangabad

Things to Do: Explore the temple’s intricate carvings, attend local fairs, and experience rural Maharashtra’s spiritual vibe.

Attractions in and around: Tulaja Devi Sansthan Temple | Siddheshwar Dam | Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple

5. Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga, Beed

Located in Parli town of Beed district, this temple is considered a combination of both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth.

Significance: It is believed that Lord Vishnu once meditated here to heal himself from poison. Devotees visit to seek blessings for health and vitality.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Temple Timings: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Parli Vaijnath Railway Station
• Nearest Airport: Nanded Airport (110 km)
• By Road: Good road connectivity with Latur, Beed, and Nanded

Things to Do: Visit nearby waterfalls and hot springs, attend morning aarti, and explore Parli’s peaceful town life.

Attractions in and around: Dakshin Mukhi Ganesh Temple | Shri Someshwar Mahadev Temple | Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple | Harihar Pilgrimage

FAQs about Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra

Q1: How many Jyotirlingas are there in Maharashtra?
A: Maharashtra is home to 5 Jyotirlingas: Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), Bhimashankar (Pune), Grishneshwar (Aurangabad), Aundha Nagnath (Hingoli), and Parli Vaijnath (Beed). Each temple holds deep spiritual and mythological significance for Lord Shiva devotees.

Q2: Which is the most visited Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra?
A: Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar are among the most visited due to their accessibility and scenic surroundings.

Q3: Can I visit all 5 Jyotirlingas in a single trip?
A: Yes, but it may take 7–10 days. It’s advisable to plan based on distances and available transportation.

Q4: Are there accommodations near these temples?
A: Yes, all five temple towns have hotels, lodges, and dharamshalas ranging from budget to premium.

Q5: Is there a specific order to visit the Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra?
A: There is no fixed order, but many start with Trimbakeshwar or Bhimashankar due to proximity to major cities.

Conclusion

The 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra are not just religious destinations—they are spiritual powerhouses where faith, nature, and history converge. Each temple offers a unique experience, from the tranquil forests of Bhimashankar to the ancient carvings of Aundha Nagnath. Whether you’re a devout follower of Lord Shiva or a curious traveler, this sacred journey will leave your soul enriched.

So, plan your visit, follow temple etiquette, and let these holy shrines transform your spiritual path. For more divine destinations, explore our guide to famous temples in India.