Home > Travel > Hill Stations in India > Pilgrimage Tourism in Mahabaleshwar
Pilgrimage Tourism in Mahabaleshwar
Pilgrimage tourism in Mahabaleshwar offers the pilgrims and devotees a visit to some of the most ancient and sacred temples of the country. The exquisite architecture and magnificent landscape surrounding the temples also attract a number of tourists.

Share this Article:

Pilgrimage Tourism in MahabaleshwarPilgrimage tourism in Mahabaleshwar is famed for its beautiful temples. These temples attract a number of pilgrims from far off places owing to their sanctity. Built in ancient times, the temples still stand as impressive monuments of the past. Apart from being the sacred places, the temples are also famous for their magnificent architecture amidst the captivating landscape. Owing to this, they also allure numerous tourists.

Mahabaleshwar Temple
Mahabaleshwar temple is a significant pilgrimage site situated in old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar which is about 6 kilometres away from the main city. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the temple. It is an ancient temple constructed by the Chanda Rao More dynasty in 16th century. The temple is a testament the Hemadant architectural style, prevalent in south India. The temple is encircled by a 5 feet high wall of stone. Mahabaleshwar temple is divided into two parts viz. the central hall and sanctum sanctorum. In the sanctum sanctorum there is a self originated lingam of black stone which is about 500 years old.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Mahabaleshwar
Panchganga Temple
Panchganga temple is another prominent pilgrimage site in Mahabaleshwar. Near the temple the water of five rivers namely Krishna River, Savitri River, Koyna River, Venna River and Gayatri River meet. The temple exhibits exquisite architecture housing an idol of Nandi. A Shiva lingam is enshrined in the temple. This ancient temple was established by Raja Singhandeo in 13th century. Shivaji, the Maratha Emperor renovated it in 16th century.

Krishnabai Temple
Krishnabai temple is located near the Panchganga temple at a distance of a few hundred metres. This old temple has ruined to some extent, over time. Goddess Krishnabai is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple bears exquisite stone carvings on the columns and ceilings. The picturesque location of the temple makes it further more popular. The temple also offers a beautiful view of Krishna valley.

Shankar Temple
Shankar temple is another important temple of Mahabaleshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A `Mahalinga` is enshrined in the temple which resembles the shape of a Rudraksha. It is believed to be the most superior among the twelve Jyothir Lingams. It is also known as Trigunatmaka which means Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh are always on it. Marks of five sacred rivers can also be observed on its head. The mother of Shivaji, Jeejabai, was weighed by gold in this temple after which the gold was distributed as charity.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Hill Stations in India


Tourism in East Khasi Hills District
Tourism in East Khasi Hills District offers a pleasurable experience to the travellers. Magnificent lakes, waterfalls, parks and caves are some of the tourist attractions offered by East Khasi Hills District.
Jaintia Hills District
Jaintia Hills District is an administrative district of Meghalaya and its headquarters are located at Jowai. Economy of Jaintia Hills District is mainly agrarian in character as most of the people are engaged in agriculture.
Ananthagiri Hills
Ananthagiri Hills is an important tourist destination in Telangana. It serves as the pilgrimage tourism site and the leisure tourism site in this state.
Mahendragiri Hill
Mahendragiri is a place of great scenic beauty. The place is surrounded on three sides by hills and thick growth of wild trees.
Agumbe Hill Station
Agumbe Hill Station in Karnataka is a well-known tourist spot for its sunsets, waterfalls research unit on king cobras.
Yercaud Hill station
Yercaud is a fascinating hill station of Tamil Nadu, situated about 8 kms from Salem.
Langudi Hill
Langudi Hill, Odisha is a significant Buddhist archaeological site containing ruins of Pushpagiri University, rock-cut caves, Buddhist stupas and numerous other Buddhist relics.
Tendong Hill
Tendong Hill in South Sikkim is located at an altitude of 8530 ft. The hill is deeply revered by the local villagers.
Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills is a small mountain range located in Tamil Nadu. It is a part of the Eastern Ghats and serves as a great tourist spot.
Netarhat
Netarhat is a well known town, known as the ‘Queen of Chotanagpur’ region. This is one of the major hill stations which attract the tourists for its exquisite natural beauty on the plateau regions.
Male Mahadeshwara Hills
The Male Mahadeshwara Hills is one of the popular sites of tourism in the state of Karnataka and is known for the sacred Male Mahadeshwara Hills Temple that attracts tourists from all around.
Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a town in Nashik District of Maharashtra. This town in Maharashtra is famous for Vipassana International Academy.
Javadhu Hills
Javadhu Hills is a prominent tourist attraction in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu. This place attracts the people who come to visit Ooty and its adjacent sites.
Thakurani Hill
Thakurani Hill is a residual sedimentary hill in Odisha and it is the place of attraction in Keonjhar District.
Nilagiri
Nilagiri is a hill town and it is now called as the hill station in the Eastern Ghats Mountain Range in India, now the major attraction to the tourists for its natural beauty.
Khandala
Khandala is one of the popular hill stations in Maharashtra. A famous getaway spot for people from Mumbai and Pune, it is known for Tiger`s Leap, Bedsa Caves, Karla Caves Duke`s Nose etc.
Hill Stations in Chattisgarh
Hill Stations of Chhattisgarh is offering with the caves, archaeological ruins, waterfalls, national parks, lakes and rich wildlife and tribal cultural heritages.
Lambasingi
Also known as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, the small village of Lambasingi is a popular tourist destination.
Khonsa
Khonsa is a hill station in Arunachal Pradesh. This hill station offers the national and international tourists as a famous nature and leisure tourism sites.
Nallamala Hills
Nallamala Hills is an Indian hill station located in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The region also houses some tourist spots among which Srisailam Dam and Cumbum Lake are the most popular ones.