On a spiritual journey: Exploring the five ‘Jyotirlinga’ temples in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is all about rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and spiritual depth. It is one of the special states in India which alone is home to 5 out of 12 sacred Jyotirlinga temples across India. These temples are the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and are said to be self-manifested forms of Shiva.
Visiting these five Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra is more than a pilgrimage; people who have undertaken this pilgrimage call it a transformative journey of divine energy as each temple holds special place in Hindu scriptures.
Shiva devotees from across the globe undertake ‘yatras’ to these sacred shrines to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment as each temple carries its own unique story, legend, and energy.

Bhimashankar is about 110 km from Pune and is set in the lush greenery of the Sahyadri Hills. The temple is enveloped by thick forests and unique wildlife adding to a mystical atmosphere. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here to kill the demon Tripurasura. You’ll be impressed by the temple’s Nagara-style architecture and silent surroundings that make it a favourite among both pilgrims and nature lovers. When here, don’t miss out on exploring the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

Trimbakeshwar is the source of the Godavari River, situated near Nashik. The temple holds a unique place among all the Jyotirlingas, as the Shiva linga here is not just one but three-faced — symbolising Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). It’s an extremely rare representation that makes it a must-visit temple for every Hindu. It is also the origin point of the sacred Godavari River, often called the ‘Ganga of the South’. Trimbakeshwar is especially vibrant during the Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every twelve years, drawing millions of devotees.

Grishneshwar is the ‘Last Jyotirlinga’ temple situated near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad. Grishneshwar is a perfect example of Maratha-style architecture, reconstructed in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar. The legend associated with the temple speaks of a devout woman named Kusuma, whose unwavering faith in Lord Shiva led to the manifestation of the linga. The temple is just a few kilometers from the famous Ellora Caves.

This ancient shrine of Shiva is in Hingoli district and it is said that it is the original Nageshwar Jyotirlinga mentioned in ancient scriptures. The temple is noted for its Hemadpanthi architecture, dating back over a thousand years. It is also considered to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in the region having connections to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. It is believed that they built the temple during their exile.

Also known as the temple of healing, Parli Vaijnath in Beed district is constructed with stone and features beautiful carvings. As per Hindu mythology, Ravana tried to take the linga to Lanka, but it got established here. The name “Vaijnath” is often linked with "Vaidya" (doctor), and devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva here can cure ailments and offer relief from suffering.