1 / 11One of Maharashtra’s most beloved festivals, Gudi Padwa is observed by raising the Gudi, a decorated bamboo staff that represents prosperity, good fortune, and victory, outside homes. Here is a guide to 10 sacred temples in Maharashtra that one should visit this Gudi Padwa. (Image: Canva)
2 / 11Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai: The Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi neighbourhood of Mumbai is devoted to Lord Ganesha, the obstacle-remover, and is one of the most popular temples in India. Visiting the temple on Gudi Padwa is extremely fortunate since starting the year with Ganesh darshan is a cherished Maharashtrian custom. (Image: Canva)
3 / 11Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai: The Mahalakshmi Temple is devoted to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Situated along the picturesque Arabian Sea shoreline in Babulnath, it is a very appropriate location to seek blessings at the beginning of a new year. The temple attracts huge crowds on Gudi Padwa as worshippers offer prayers for prosperity and contentment at home.
4 / 11Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nashik: The Trimbakeshwar Temple, located close to Nashik, is one of India’s 12 famous Jyotirlingas and holds great religious significance for Hindus nationwide. The temple, located at the source of the Godavari River, has a deeply spiritual aura that is enhanced on holidays like Gudi Padwa.
5 / 11Shri Bhimashankar Temple, Pune District: The Bhimashankar Temple, another famed Jyotirlinga and the source of the Bhima River, is situated amid the verdant Sahyadri highlands. The temple is a well-liked destination for both pilgrims and hikers due to its beautiful location amid lush trees.
6 / 11Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur: One of the 51 Shakti Pithas, this ancient temple in the Osmanabad district is dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, the fierce and strong manifestation of Goddess Durga. As the family deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the goddess has a unique role in Maharashtrian history, making the temple a centre of both spiritual and cultural pride.
7 / 11Shri Khandoba Temple, Jejuri: This colourful temple of Lord Khandoba, a well-known deity regarded as Maharashtra’s protector, is located on a hilltop in Jejuri, near Pune. It is famous for its wonderful turmeric powder rituals. Devotees here celebrate Gudi Padwa with immense devotion, climbing the roughly 200 steps while making an offering of bhambar, or turmeric. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
8 / 11Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur: The Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur is one of the holiest places in Maharashtra and the spiritual centre of the Varkari tradition. It is situated on the banks of the Bhima River. Every year, millions of devotees visit the popular Wari pilgrimage to adore Lord Vitthal, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. (Image: Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Pandharpur)
9 / 11Shri Saibaba Temple, Shirdi: Gudi Padwa is just one of the many festivals when devotees from all over the world visit the famous Saibaba Temple in Shirdi every year. Seeking Baba’s blessings on the first day of the Marathi New Year, according to devotees, creates a protective and upbeat atmosphere for the days ahead. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
10 / 11Shri Renuka Devi Temple, Mahurgad: The Renuka Devi Temple is one of Maharashtra’s most significant Shakti Pithas and one of the state’s three and a half sacred goddess shrines. It is situated on the Mahur hills in the Nanded district. The temple has a spectacular view of the surroundings and is devoted to Goddess Renuka, the mother of the wise Parashurama. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
11 / 11Shri Chatushringi Devi Temple, Pune: Nestled in Pune’s Senapati Bapat Road neighbourhood, the Chatushringi Temple is devoted to Goddess Chatushringi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The temple is highly revered by the people of Pune, who visit it on auspicious occasions. Families offer coconuts, flowers, and prayers to seek the goddess’s grace during Gudi Padwa, which is regarded as a very auspicious time to visit. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
