Mainly known for its waterfalls and sunset points, Mahabaleshwar has many beautiful attractions in the city which are great for a weekend visit. Among these, the magnificent century-old temples located in the picturesque hills of Mahabaleshwar definitely count as an essential attraction in the list. Yes, that’s right! There are numerous temples in Mahabaleshwar and visiting these sacred places in the hill town will not only reverberate your soul with positivity but also provide the much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, if you want to visit the temples in this incredible city and have already started packing, then make your booking to one of the best hotels in Mahabaleshwar in advance for a hassle-free stay and now go through the list of some of the popular temples in Mahabaleshwar that you must visit on your trip.
Panchganga Temple
Built in the 13th century by Yadava King Singhandeo, Panchganga Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city. It is situated in Satara at the meeting point of five rivers Gayatri, Krishna, Koyna, Savitri and Veena and hence the name, Panchgaga Temple. Being a place of spiritual significance, the temple remains crowded with the likes of devotees and visitors throughout the year. The vicinity of the temple is filled with handicraft shops which are ideal for travellers who want to buy handmade items and souvenirs. All in all, you should visit this sacred and peaceful destination on your journey to Mahabaleshwar.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
One of the sacred religious sites in Maharastra, Mahabaleshwar Temple is considered the epitome that reflects the rich heritage and glory of the 16th century Maratha Empire. Also known as Mahabali Temple, it is located 6 kilometres away from the main Mahabaleshwar city. This place is built by the Chanda Rao Dynasty to worship Shiva. The temple is designed beautifully by carving a 5 feet tall wall that is divided into two sections. In the inner part of the temple, lies the sanctum sanctorum where the idol of Lord Shiva is worshipped. However, the main attraction of the temple is the 6-feet tall Shiva lingam that is situated here.
Shankar Temple
Popularly known as the Trigunatmaka, Shankar Temple is among one of the holiest temples in Mahabaleshwar. The temple is mostly visited by the Hindu devotees and followers to worship the Shiva Lingam which is considered the sacred thing here. Besides worshipping shiva, the deities of Brahma and Vishnu are also venerated in this temple. Another important attraction of this temple is the Mahalinga which resembles the symbol of Rudraksha. In addition to that, the Shiva Linga in this temple has the carvings of the Panchaganga Rivers.
Krishnabai Temple
Located in Old Mahabaleshwar, Krishnabai Temple is dedicated to the veneration of Lord Krishna. It is situated on the hilltop of Mahabaleshwar and offers a picturesque view of the beautiful Krishna Valley. To visit this temple, you will have to do a little trekking through the enchanting forest to reach the top of the hill. Its picturesque charm is what makes it a major attraction to travellers. Known for its scenic beauty, the temple is mostly visited during the rainy season when the dripping water of the rain refreshes the surrounding of the temple. Moving on to the interior, you will be mesmerised by the interesting designs carved inside the temples which look magnificent. Besides, the craved Gomukh through which the temple’s water flows into the connected water tank is also another major attraction of this temple.
Utteshwar Temple
Set amidst dense green surroundings, Utteshwar Temple near Satara in Mahabaleshwar is a hidden jewel that you must visit on your vacation. This not-so-popular temple has a legend about it that a cow used to pour milk on the Shiva Lingam every day. The miracle thing about this place is what makes the people decide to build a temple around the shiva lingam and worship it. Visiting this place during January will allow you to see their annual festival which is celebrated here in a grandeur way. Also, don’t forget to try the water of the Kund river located near this temple because it tastes delicious.
Shri Uttar Chidambaram Nataraj Mandir
Situated near Satara, Shri Uttar Chidambaram Nataraj Mandir is built in 1980 by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji. Among all other temples in Mahabaleshwar, this is the only temple that is made after Independence. It was Chandrasekarendra’s wish to build a temple in Chidambaram which was later developed with the help of the state government of Maharastra, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The strategic location of this temple made it easier to reach it from other places like Lonavla and Pune.
Now that you know which are the best temples in Mahabaleshwar, then do wait any longer. Pack your bags and head to this remarkable place and purify yourself from sins at these abode of gods and goddesses.