1 / 11Gudi Padwa, a cherished festival in Maharashtra, is celebrated by hoisting the Gudi, an ornate bamboo pole symbolizing prosperity, luck, and triumph, outside homes. Here’s a guide to ten revered temples in Maharashtra that are worth visiting this Gudi Padwa. (Image: Canva)
2 / 11Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai: Situated in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and one of India’s most popular temples. Visiting this temple on Gudi Padwa is considered very auspicious, as starting the year with a glimpse of Ganesh is a beloved tradition in Maharashtra. (Image: Canva)
3 / 11Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai: This temple, dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is set along the scenic Arabian Sea in Babulnath. It is an ideal place to seek blessings as the new year begins. On Gudi Padwa, the temple draws significant crowds as devotees pray for prosperity and happiness in their homes.
4 / 11Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nashik: Located near Nashik, the Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of India’s 12 revered Jyotirlingas and holds immense religious importance for Hindus across the country. Positioned at the origin of the Godavari River, its spiritual ambiance is particularly heightened during festivals like Gudi Padwa.
5 / 11Shri Bhimashankar Temple, Pune District: This renowned Jyotirlinga, located at the source of the Bhima River, is nestled within the lush Sahyadri mountains. Its scenic spot attracts numerous pilgrims and trekkers, offering both spiritual solace and natural beauty.
6 / 11Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur: This historical temple in Osmanabad district is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, a powerful aspect of Goddess Durga. As the family deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this temple holds a significant place in Maharashtrian heritage, making it a site of both religious and cultural pride.
7 / 11Shri Khandoba Temple, Jejuri: Perched on a hilltop near Pune, this vibrant temple of Lord Khandoba is a well-known protector deity of Maharashtra. Renowned for its unique turmeric powder rituals, devotees commemorate Gudi Padwa here with profound devotion, scaling about 200 steps while offering bhambar, a turmeric mix. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
8 / 11Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur: Considered one of the holiest sites in Maharashtra, the Vitthal Rukmini Temple serves as a spiritual hub for the Varkari sect, nestled along the banks of the Bhima River. Every year, millions of devotees partake in the Wari pilgrimage to pay homage to Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Vishnu. (Image: Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Pandharpur)
9 / 11Shri Saibaba Temple, Shirdi: During Gudi Padwa and throughout the year, this famed temple draws pilgrims from across the globe. Followers believe that seeking Baba’s blessings on the Marathi New Year’s first day imbues the following days with positivity and protection. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
10 / 11Shri Renuka Devi Temple, Mahurgad: This is one of the prominent Shakti Pithas in Maharashtra and ranks among the three and a half sacred shrines dedicated to goddesses. Situated on the Mahur hills in Nanded district, this temple offers breathtaking views and is dedicated to Goddess Renuka, the mother of the wise sage Parashurama. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
11 / 11Shri Chatushringi Devi Temple, Pune: Located along Senapati Bapat Road in Pune, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chatushringi, another form of Goddess Durga. It is highly cherished by the locals who make visits during auspicious times. On Gudi Padwa, families present coconuts, flowers, and prayers to seek the goddess’s blessings, making it a particularly favorable period for such visits. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
