Top 10 temples of Maharashtra

This is edition 3 of the top 10 temple series aimed at providing a concise view of the most popular live temples of majority of Indian states. After covering the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan the following article illustrates the most popular temples of the state of Maharashtra. As the write-up only throws light on live temples, i.e. where Pujas are regularly performed hence there are notable exclusions such as Ellora , Elephanta and the likes

1. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai :- One of the most glamorous temples of the country, it is very frequently visited by celebrities who pray for a stroke of luck or chance. It is also the numero-uno temple of Lord Ganesha in the country when it comes to popularity index. One can visit www.siddhivinayak.org for more information and Live darshan.

Siddhivinayak: PC- sindhudurginitiative.blogspot.com

2. Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi :- The undoubtedly most venerated temple dedicated to Sri Sai Baba, it is a site of pilgrimage for devotees across India and is one of the most visited and rich temples in the country. One can look at www.saibaba.org and www.shrisaibabasansthan.org for Live Darshan and other related info

Shirdi: PC- 99godwallpapers.blogspot.com

3. Triyambakeshwar Temple, Nashik :- The holy city of Nashik, situated on the banks of river Godavari is a site for one of the four Kumbh Melas organized once every twelve years and Triyambakeshwar temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva is at its centerstage.  One can follow www.trambakeshwar.com, templenet.com and trimbakeshwar.net for further reading.

Triyambakeshwar: PC- populartemplesofindia.blogspot.com

4. Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur :- The temple located in the district of Sholapur is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini. Located on the banks of river Chandrabhaga, it is of quite antiquity and is held in extremely high regard across India and is known for its progressive nature where women are allowed to rule as high priestesses.

Pandharpur: blogmad123.blogspot.com

5. Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar :- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva situated in the lap of Sahyadris near Pune and hence commands spectacular views and doubles up as a non-religious tourist destination too. To know more about this Shivteertha one can look at www.bhimashankar.net.in

Bhimashankar: PC- bhimashankar.in

6.  Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur :- This revered pilgrimage center is also referred to as Karvira Kshetra . This Shaktipeetha is believed to be one of the six places where one can obtain salvation. The temple structurally belongs to Kannada Chalukya style and more information about the deity, legends and route plans can be gather at mahalaxmikolhapur.com.

Mahalaxmi: PC- alltouristattractions.org

7. Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur :- This temple is the tutelary deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is situated in Osmanabad district and is considered one of the 51 Shaktipeethas of India.It also serves as the royal deity or Kuldevi of Bhosle royal family. If one is searching for Live Darshan one can log in at the official site of www.tuljabhavani.in

Bhavani Temple: PC- panoramio.com

8. Ghrishneshvar Temple, Daulatabad :- The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of the country dedicated to Lord Shiva.It is also believed to be the last Jyotirlinga on earth and lies very close to the town of Aurangabad (30 kms) in the vicinity of Ellora caves. One can look here for more information about the temple.

Ghrishneshvar: PC- aurangabad-hotels-packages.com

9. Dagadusheth Temple, Pune:- The Dagdoo Sheth Halwai temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is the primary deity of Pune. Bright gold and silver inlay work decorates and adorns the temple premises which is located in the old town area of the city. The official website of the temple is www.dagdushethganpati.com

Dagadusheth: PC- gotuwecreate.blogspot.com

10:  Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai :- The Mahalaxmi temple resides in area of Mumbai which derives its name from the shrine in the Southern district of Mumbai. The temple is venerated across the state and is one of the most visited temples in India. The arrangements and festivities during the two Navratri season are a sight to behold. The official website of the temple is mahalakshmi-temple.com

Mahalaxmi: PC- magnolia2mumbai.com