Temples in Mumbai — Famous Temples & Complete Darshan Guide

Trimbakeshwar Temple, located in the town of Trimbak near Nashik, Maharashtra, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds the unique distinction of housing three separate lingams representing the Hindu Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). The temple is situated at the source of the holy river Godavari, making it doubly sacred. The temple is renowned for its black stone architecture and intricate carvings.

Bhimashankar Temple, located in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great significance in Hindu mythology. According to legend, this is where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Bhima, who was terrorizing the region. The temple is situated amidst dense forests and is part of a wildlife sanctuary, making it a unique combination of spiritual and natural beauty. The temple showcases ancient Maratha and Hemadpanthi architectural styles and is known for its intricate stone carvings. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity and is home to various species of flora and fauna, including the Indian Giant Squirrel.

The temple was consecrated on 19 November 1801 by Laxman Vithu, with funding from Deubai Patil, a wealthy, childless agriculturalist woman who hoped Lord Ganesha would bless other women with motherhood as he had comforted her. Originally a modest 3.6-metre brick structure with a small dome, the temple grew in stature over the 19th and 20th centuries. According to local legend, Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a follower of the saint Akkalkot Swami Samarth, buried two idols in front of the Ganesha shrine on his guru's instruction; 21 years later, as foretold, a Mandar tree grew at the spot bearing a naturally formed (Swayambhu) image of Ganesha on its branches. In 1952, during road-widening work, a Hanuman idol was unearthed nearby and a small shrine was added in his honor. The temple underwent a major renovation in 1990 (costing around ₹3 crore), transforming it into its present striking form, designed by architect Sharad Athale. The 2.5-foot black-stone idol of Siddhivinayak, flanked by Riddhi and Siddhi (goddesses of prosperity and accomplishment), sits beneath a gold-plated ceiling within an octagonal sanctum (Gabhara).