Maharashtra is one of the most spiritually rich states in India. For devotees of Lord Shiva, it holds a very special place, because it is home to five Jyotirlinga temples that are sacred shrines where the Supreme Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared as a fiery column of light. These temples are not just places of deep devotional importance but also beautiful cultural and historical sites with unique legends and traditions associated with each.
In this blog, I will cover each of the five Jyotirlinga temples in Maharashtra, their stories, how to reach them, temple timings, travel tips, nearby attractions, best times to visit, and everything else a traveller or pilgrim needs to plan a meaningful and smooth journey.
What is a Jyotirlinga?
A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of Lord Shiva that is believed to have manifested in the form of a radiant pillar of light.
Jyoti – light
Linga – symbol
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva showed himself in this powerful form to demonstrate his supremacy and infinite nature. There are 12 main Jyotirlingas in India, and five of them are in Maharashtra.
The five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra are:
- Shri Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik
- Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune district
- Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Aurangabad district
- Shri Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga – Hingoli district
- Shri Vaijnath (Parli Vaijnath) Jyotirlinga – Beed district
Below, you will find detailed travel information and tips for all five temples.
Shri Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik
Shri Trimbakeshwar is one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in India, located in the town of Trimbak, about 28 km from Nashik city in Maharashtra. This temple is extremely special because the sacred Godavari River originates nearby, which makes it both a spiritual and natural pilgrimage site.
The lingam here is unique. It has three faces, representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva together. This is symbolic of creation, preservation, and destruction, which are the core functions of the cosmos.
Temple Timings
- Typically, early morning till evening is the perfect time to visit this temple.
- Best to check locally for exact times before you plan your visit. Many pilgrims start very early to avoid crowds.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Nashik (Ozar Airport), about 30 to 40 km away.
- By Train: Nashik Road Railway Station is the closest major station.
- By Road: Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles connect Nashik to Trimbak. The roads are well maintained, and drive time is roughly one hour from Nashik city.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is a great time, as the weather is pleasant. Avoid peak summer and heavy monsoon months if you want a comfortable journey.
Nearby Attractions
- Brahmagiri Hills – These beautiful green hills are good for nature lovers.
- Sita Gufa (Cave) – It is a mythological site that is connected to the Ramayana.
- Pandavleni Caves – These are ancient Buddhist caves near Nashik.
- Godavari River Ghats – You can visit the Ghats for spiritual bathing and rituals.
Read More: Konark Sun Temple Mystery – Where History Meets Mystery
Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune District
Located deep in the lush Sahyadri Hills of Pune district, Shri Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a very powerful spiritual destination. The area is also rich in wildlife and greenery, part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Bhima River is believed to have risen from this place, and the temple sits amidst dense forest mountains to offer both spiritual peace and natural beauty.
How to Reach
- Nearest City: Pune (110 km away)
- By Road: Private cars, taxis, and tour buses are popular ways to reach the temple. Roads leading to Bhimashankar go through hilly terrain, so a bit of careful driving is needed.
Darshan Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid traffic and crowds.
Note: At times, there may be renovation or access restrictions, so check local updates before you plan your route.
Best Time to Visit : October to March is the best time to visit Shri Bhimashankar because the weather is clear and pleasant during this time.
Nearby Attractions
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – It is a good place for nature walks and bird watching.
- Hiking Trails – You can hike around beautiful hill treks around the temple.
- Local Villages – Explore cultural experiences and small local markets.
Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Aurangabad District
Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is often called the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is located in Verul village near the famous Ellora Caves in Aurangabad district. The temple is mentioned in many ancient scriptures and is known for its architectural beauty and deep spiritual energy.
Temple Timings
Temple is generally open from early morning to evening. Try to reach early for a peaceful darshan before the crowd grows.
How to Reach
- By Air: Aurangabad Airport is the closest airport.
- By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station connects to major Indian cities.
- By Road: Local buses, taxis, and hired cars run frequently from Aurangabad to Verul.
Best Time to Visit
- October to February are pleasant months to visit.
- Summers can be hot in this region.
Nearby Attractions
- Ellora Caves – It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock-cut temples.
- Daulatabad Fort – This historic hill fort is worth exploring.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara – It is a beautiful monument often compared to the Taj Mahal.
Shri Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga – Hingoli District
Located in Aundha Nagnath town of Hingoli district, this Jyotirlinga is lesser known than the others, but it is deeply revered. It is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in India with rich, historic roots.
Many devotees prefer to visit this Jyotirlinga as part of a longer spiritual tour, especially if they are completing all five in one journey.
How to Reach
- Nearest Railway Station: Hingoli
- Nearest Airports: Nanded or Aurangabad (both 120 to 150 km)
- By Road: Good road connections from nearby cities and towns. Buses and taxis are available for convenience.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is a comfortable time to visit. Avoid extreme heat in mid-summer.
Nearby Attractions
- Visit local markets and temples with regional art and culture.
- You can pair this destination with Parli Vaijnath since both are in southern Maharashtra.
Shri Vaijnath (Parli Vaijnath) Jyotirlinga – Beed District
The Vaijnath Temple in Parli Vaijnath is another of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra, nestled in Beed district. It is also locally known as Shri Vaidyanatha Temple and draws pilgrims, especially during the holy month of Shravan and Mahashivratri.
Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva manifested to give healing and spiritual solace to devotees.
How to Reach
- Nearest Railway Station: Parli Vaijnath Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Nanded Airport (130 km)
- By Road: It is well-connected via National Highway 161 and local state transport buses.
Temple Timings: The temple generally opens early morning and closes after evening rituals. Visiting early helps avoid the crowd and heat.
Best Time to Visit : October to March is the best time to visit; however, festivals like Mahashivratri bring large pilgrim crowds.
Tips for a Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage in Maharashtra
- Best Time to Plan: October to March is the most comfortable period for travel because summers can be hot and monsoons make road travel tricky in hilly areas like Bhimashankar.
- How Long Should You Plan: To visit all five temples, it is good to plan a 5 to 7 day trip by road. This allows enough time for travel, rest, and local sightseeing without rush.
- Local Stay & Facilities: Every temple town has a range of accommodation, from simple guest houses to comfortable hotels. Booking in advance during festival seasons is recommended.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting Shiva temples, many have specific dress codes or ritual practices. Always check the temple rules and follow them with respect.
- Rent a car : You can hire a car on rent to travel at your own pace without the hassle of waiting for local vehicles or worrying about security. A reliable car rental service provider will make sure that your journey goes as you have planned it to be.
The five Jyotirlinga temples of Maharashtra offer not just spiritual fulfilment, but also a chance to explore diverse landscapes, from the hills of Sahyadri to the historic plains of Marathwada. Each temple has its own story and aura, and together they give a deep, holistic spiritual experience to every pilgrim and traveller.
Whether you are a devoted pilgrim, a cultural traveller, or someone seeking inner peace through a journey, planning a Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra is a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.
