If you are looking for a soulful spiritual journey that combines divine blessings, scenic landscapes, and cultural richness, the Best of 5 Jyotirlinga Tour in Maharashtra is the perfect pilgrimage. Maharashtra, a land of faith and devotion, is home to five of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. These holy shrines hold immense religious significance for Hindus and attract devotees from all over India and the world.
This divine tour takes you through Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Bhimashankar near Pune, Grishneshwar near Ellora Caves, Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli, and Parli Vaijnath in Beed district. Each temple carries its own legend, spiritual energy, and architectural beauty that tells the story of Lord Shiva’s eternal presence.
Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a traveler with a passion for heritage and history, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore this Best of 5 Jyotirlinga Tour with Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra and discover what makes it one of the most revered pilgrimages in India.
What is a Jyotirlinga?
Before diving into the journey, it’s important to understand what a Jyotirlinga means. In Sanskrit, Jyoti means “light” and Linga means “symbol of Shiva.” Together, Jyotirlinga represents the “radiant sign of Lord Shiva.”
According to the Shiva Purana, there are twelve Jyotirlingas across India, each believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva in a self-emerged (Swayambhu) form. These sacred spots are said to have appeared when Shiva revealed himself as a massive pillar of light, symbolizing his infinite nature.
The five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra hold immense importance among devotees who believe that visiting them cleanses sins and leads to spiritual liberation (moksha).
1. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – The Origin of the Godavari River
Location: Trimbak, near Nashik
Nearest City: Nashik (about 30 km)
Your sacred journey begins with Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, located at the foothills of the Brahmagiri Mountains. It is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India and marks the origin of the holy Godavari River, also called the Dakshin Ganga or the Ganges of the South.
Spiritual Significance:
Trimbakeshwar represents the unity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). The temple houses a unique linga with three faces, symbolizing these three supreme deities. Devotees believe that performing rituals here can free them from ancestral curses (Pitru Dosh) and help attain spiritual peace.
Temple Architecture:
The temple is built in black stone and showcases the classic Nagara style of architecture. The intricate carvings, beautiful spires, and spiritual atmosphere make this temple a must-visit.
Nearby Attractions:
- Brahmagiri Hill (origin of Godavari)
- Anjaneri Fort (birthplace of Lord Hanuman)
- Panchavati (famous site from Ramayana)
- Saptashrungi Devi Temple
2. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – The Abode Amidst Nature
Location: Bhorgiri, near Pune
Nearest City: Pune (around 110 km)
Next on the journey is Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Surrounded by lush forests and scenic beauty, this temple is not only a spiritual center but also a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.
Spiritual Significance:
Legend has it that Lord Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar to defeat the demon Tripurasura. After the battle, Shiva rested here, and the sweat that fell from his body is said to have formed the Bhimarathi River.
Temple Architecture:
Built in the Nagara architectural style, the temple is simple yet elegant, with stone carvings depicting mythological scenes. The temple complex exudes a serene vibe that makes it ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection.
What Makes It Special:
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding the temple is home to rare species like the Giant Indian Squirrel (Shekru), which is also the state animal of Maharashtra. The mix of spirituality and natural beauty makes Bhimashankar an unforgettable stop on your Jyotirlinga tour.
Nearby Attractions:
- Hanuman Lake
- Bhimashankar Trek routes
- Nagphani Point
- Gupt Bhimashankar (hidden Shiva shrine)
3. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – The Eternal Flame of Devotion
Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad
Nearest City: Aurangabad (around 30 km)
Next, you arrive at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located near the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is believed to be the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas mentioned in the Shiva Purana.
Spiritual Significance:
The legend of Grishneshwar revolves around a devout woman named Kusuma, whose unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva brought her husband back to life. Impressed by her faith, Shiva manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga here, symbolizing divine love and devotion.
Temple Architecture:
Constructed in red volcanic rock, this temple showcases beautiful carvings, tall spires, and intricate sculptures depicting Hindu mythology. The temple’s beauty lies in its simplicity and spiritual depth.
Why Visit:
Apart from the temple’s religious importance, its proximity to Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara makes it a perfect destination for both pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions:
- Ellora Caves (Cave 16, Kailash Temple)
- Daulatabad Fort
- Aurangabad City Tour
- Bibi Ka Maqbara (“Mini Taj Mahal”)
4. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga – The Ancient Shiva Shrine
Location: Hingoli District, Marathwada
Nearest City: Nanded (around 64 km)
The next sacred site on the 5 Jyotirlinga Tour is Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga, considered the first or original Nagnath temple among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is said to have been constructed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, during their exile.
Spiritual Significance:
According to mythology, Lord Shiva here is worshiped as Nagnath, the Lord of the Serpents. It is believed that devotees who worship here are protected from snakebites and negative energies. This temple also holds importance for followers of the Nath Sampradaya, as it is linked with Lord Dattatreya.
Temple Architecture:
Aundha Nagnath is built in Hemadpanti architectural style, made of solid black stone with carved pillars and beautiful sculptures. The main sanctum lies below ground level, giving it a mystical aura.
Nearby Attractions:
- Nanded Gurudwara (Takht Hazur Sahib)
- Hingoli Fort
- Siddheshwar Temple
5. Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga – The Temple of Healing Energy
Location: Beed District, Marathwada
Nearest City: Parli (about 2 km from the railway station)
The final stop on this divine journey is Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga, also known as Vaidyanath, the “Lord of Physicians.” It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a healer to relieve the sufferings of humanity.
Spiritual Significance:
According to legend, Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva here to gain the Atma Linga. However, due to divine intervention, he could not carry it to Lanka, and it stayed at Parli, making it a sacred Shiva site.
Devotees believe that worshipping at Parli Vaijnath cures ailments and brings physical as well as spiritual healing.
Temple Architecture:
Built in black stone with intricate carvings, the temple showcases stunning Hemadpanti design. The sanctum’s peaceful ambiance, along with the chanting of mantras, fills visitors with positive energy.
Nearby Attractions:
- Balaji Temple, Parli
- Khandoba Temple
- Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai
Ideal Route for the 5 Jyotirlinga Tour in Maharashtra
Here’s the most common route taken by devotees:
Mumbai / Pune → Bhimashankar → Trimbakeshwar → Grishneshwar → Aundha Nagnath → Parli Vaijnath
This route covers about 1,100 km and usually takes 6 to 8 days depending on travel pace and stay durations. Many travel operators, like Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, offer well-organized tour packages covering accommodation, transport, temple darshans, and local sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit the 5 Jyotirlingas
The temples are open throughout the year, but the ideal time to plan your journey is:
- October to March: Pleasant weather and clear skies
- Shravan Month (July–August): Highly auspicious for Shiva devotees
- Maha Shivratri Festival: Grand celebrations at all temples
Avoid heavy monsoon months if you prefer easy road travel, especially in the hilly areas like Bhimashankar and Trimbakeshwar.
Travel Tips for Jyotirlinga Pilgrims
- Dress modestly: Respect temple traditions and wear traditional attire if possible.
- Carry essentials: Keep a small bag with water, snacks, and necessary medicines.
- Book in advance: Especially during festivals like Maha Shivratri and Shravan.
- Local guides: Hire certified local guides to learn about the temple history and legends.
- Stay options: Many budget and luxury hotels are available near major Jyotirlingas.
Why Choose “Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra” for Your Spiritual Journey?
Planning a spiritual trip across Maharashtra can be challenging, especially if you’re traveling for the first time. That’s where Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, a trusted travel agency, makes your journey smooth and memorable.
Our Services Include:
- Comfortable AC transportation across all Jyotirlinga routes
- Verified temple guides and local assistance
- Clean and safe accommodation near temple sites
- Personalized itineraries (3-day, 5-day, or 8-day tours)
- Assistance with rituals and abhishekam bookings
With our expertise and local experience, we ensure that every moment of your 5 Jyotirlinga Tour is filled with peace, devotion, and unforgettable memories.
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