The state of Maharashtra has many Hindu pilgrimage centres,
the eight Ashta Vinayak shrines, three of the twelve Jyotirlinga
shrines, two of the Shakti Peethas, and the revered Vitthala
shrine at Pandharpur - glorified by the saints of Maharashtra.
Shirdi, a small village in Ahmadnagar district has become
famous all over India on account of its association with
the renowned Saint Shri Sai Baba. Nashik, the city of
temples is one of the important religious centres of Maharashtra,
located on the bank of the river Godavari. Takhat Sachkhand
Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Nanded is one of the four
High seats of Authority of the Sikhs.
 MAHAGANPATI TEMPLE
According to the legend it is believed that a demon called
Tripurasur pleased the Lord with years of penance. Lord
pleased with the penance granted him in return, a boon
of protection and amulets of iron, silver and gold. Tripurasura
built three powerful citadels (the evil Tripuram forts);
with a boon of invincibility granted to him by Shivaa.
The demon started harassing the Gods and the rishis (sages).
He could be killed only with a single arrow from Lord
Shivaa's quiver.
The Gods obviously had to turn to Shivaa. A war between
Mahadev and the demon ensued on the mountains. Mahadev
finally defeated Tripurasur with a single arrow demolishing
his three amulets. The indebted Lord Shivaa built a
"Mahaganapati" temple in honour of Ganesha.
The Temple
Madhavrao Peshwa built the temple's shrine, while the
General of Indore built the hall. The idol is placed
in a lotus its trunk is turned towards the left. The
images of Ganapati's wives - Riddhi and Siddhi- rest
on his two sides. There is a smaller idol placed in
the basement. He is also known as Tripurarivade Mahaganpati.
Shiridi
Shiridi is a small village in Kopargam taluk, in Ahmadnagar
district of the Maharastra State. Shirdi is a very sacred,
powerful and important place of pilgrimage in India.
Shirdi is about 285-km and 6 hours drive from Mumbai
(Bombay).
Shirdi was a sleepy little village, tucked away in
the interiors of Maharashtra. An old sage called Sai
Baba lived in the village who was their mentor and prophet.
Even today the last few surviving elders of the village
vividly recall the miraculous wonders of the sage. He
died in 1918 leaving behind grieving villagers.
After his death Sai Baba's fame has spread far and
wide. His devotees are scattered all over the world.
They regularly visit Shirdi to pay their homage to this
great Saint. Sai Baba's shrine has been incorporated
as one of the holy places in the world's map of pilgrimage.
Sai Baba preached no particular religion. In fact, he
believed in and respected all religions.
Others pilgrimage destination
are :-
- Adasa
- Alandi
- Asthavinak Darshan
- Bhavani Temple
- Ballaleshwar Vinayak Temple
- Bhimashankar
- Chintamani Ganesh Temple
- Dehu
- Ganpatipule
- Gharishneshwar Temple
- Girijaatmaja Vinayak Harihareshwar
- Jejuri
- Mahaganpati Temple
- Moreshwar Morgaon
- Narsobawadi or Narsinhwadi
- Nashik
- zarcha Shri Vigneshwar Temple
- Paithan/Jayakwadi
- Pandhgarpur
- Parli Vaijnath
- Pedhe
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