The Sahyadri Mountain Range, also known as home to some of India’s most powerful, ancient, and scenic temples of gods and goddesses. These temples are not only important pilgrimage destinations but also offer a blend of history, trekking, and natural beauty. From Jyotirlinga temples like Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar, to Shakti Peethas like Saptashrungi and Tulja Bhavani, and unique hill and cave shrines like Ghrijatmaj Ganesh at Lenyadri, the Sahyadris are a sacred treasure waiting to be explored.
In this blog, I present a quick overview of the top temples nestled in the Sahyadri ranges — sacred sites known for their deep historical roots and mythological significance.
1. Trimbakeshwar Temple (Nashik) - One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, Trimbakeshwar is a powerful Shiva temple with unique three-faced linga. Located near Nashik in the lush Sahyadris.
- Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
- Speciality: Unique linga with three faces of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Location: Trimbak town, Nashik district.
- Route: 30 km from Nashik, accessible via Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
- Best Time to Visit: July to February.
- Google Maps: Trimbakeshwar Temple
2. Bhimashankar Temple (Pune) - Deep in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, this is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Maharashtra, perfect for nature lovers and trekkers.
- Significance: Another Jyotirlinga, nestled in dense forest.
- Speciality: Rich biodiversity, a sacred and eco-tourist spot.
- Location: Khed Taluka, Pune district.
- Route: 110 km from Pune via Manchar.
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter.
- Google Maps: Bhimashankar Temple
3. Kedareshwar Cave Temple (Harishchandragad Fort) - Located in a remote cave at Harishchandragad Fort, this Shiva temple in Sahyadri hills is surrounded by freezing cold water and ancient legends.
- Significance: Hidden Shiva temple inside a cave, surrounded by cold water.
- Speciality: Mysterious, ancient architecture. Connected to legends.
- Location: Harishchandragad, Ahmednagar district.
- Route: Reach via Pachnai village and trek to the fort.
- Best Time: October to March (avoid peak monsoon).
- Google Maps: Harishchandragad Trek
4. Ghrijatmaj Ganesh Temple (Lenyadri Caves, Junnar) - A unique Ganesh temple inside Lenyadri caves, it's the only Ashtavinayak temple located on a hill and carved into rock.
- Significance: One of the Ashtavinayak Temples – representing the Ghrijatmaj form of Lord Ganesha (the only one set in a cave complex).
- Speciality: Built inside the ancient Buddhist rock-cut Lenyadri caves. A blend of Hindu devotion and Buddhist architecture.
- Location: Lenyadri Hills, near Junnar, Pune district.
- Route: 95 km from Pune via Narayangaon – Junnar road.
- Trek: 283 rock-cut steps lead up to the temple carved into the hill.
- Best Time to Visit: All year; avoid peak summer noon.
- Google Maps: Ghrijatmaj Ganesh Temple
5. Saptashrungi Temple (Nashik) - A revered Shakti Peeth temple in Maharashtra, located on a steep cliff with a ropeway. Popular among devotees of goddess Durga.
- Significance: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
- Speciality: Situated on a cliff with 510 steps or ropeway.
- Location: Vani, Nashik.
- Route: 60 km from Nashik, 250 km from Mumbai.
- Best Time: October to February.
- Google Maps: Saptashrungi Temple
6. Shree Ram Mandir, Chaphal (Satara) - Built by Samarth Ramdas Swami, this ancient temple of Lord Ram is surrounded by natural beauty and spiritual calmness.
- Significance: Established by Saint Samarth Ramdas.
- Speciality: Beautiful surroundings and spiritual history.
- Location: Chaphal village, near Satara.
- Route: Around 60 km from Satara city.
- Best Time: All year, Ram Navami is major festival.
- Google Maps: Ram Mandir, Chaphal
7. Amruteshwar Temple (Bhandardara) - A beautifully carved Hemadpanthi Shiva temple near Bhandardara Lake, offering peace, architecture, and a lakeside view.
- Significance: 1200-year-old Shiva temple from the Hemadpanti era.
- Speciality: Intricate black stone carvings.
- Location: Ratanwadi village, near Bhandardara Lake.
- Route: Accessible via boat from Arthur Lake or trek.
- Best Time: October to February.
- Google Maps: Amruteshwar Temple
8. Shivneri Temple (Shivneri Fort) - Inside the historic Shivneri Fort, this temple is dedicated to Shivai Devi, the goddess after whom Shivaji Maharaj was named.
- Significance: Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Speciality: Fort trek + temple of Shivai Devi.
- Location: Junnar, Pune district.
- Route: 90 km from Pune via NH60.
- Best Time: November to March.
- Google Maps: Shivneri Fort
9. Baneshwar Temple (near Pune) - A hidden Shiva temple in a forest, surrounded by nature trails, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity – perfect for monsoon visits.
- Significance: Ancient Shiva temple built in 18th century.
- Speciality: Surrounded by forests and waterfalls.
- Location: Nasrapur village, Pune district.
- Route: 35 km from Pune on Pune-Satara Highway.
- Best Time: Monsoon and winter.
- Google Maps: Baneshwar Temple
10. Tulja Bhavani Temple (Tuljapur) - A powerful temple of Goddess Bhavani, worshipped by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and one of the Sade Teen Shakti Peeths of Maharashtra.
- Significance: One of the Sade Teen Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra.
- Speciality: Worshipped by Shivaji Maharaj.
- Location: Tuljapur, Osmanabad district.
- Route: 45 km from Solapur, 300+ km from Pune.
- Best Time: Navratri and October to February.
- Google Maps: Tulja Bhavani Temple
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