Primarily known for its endless number of viewpoints, hills that come alive during the rainy season, and strawberry farms, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Maharashtra. Visited by many as part of a weekend getaway from Pune as well as Mumbai, the hill town offers a much-needed respite from the heat of the country. Among the many places to visit in the town, are its three temples: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Krishnabai Temple and Panchganga Temple. Read ahead about these three immensely revered places in the hill station:
Temples in Mahabaleshwar:
1. Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar Temple | #1 of 3 Best Temples in Mahabaleshwar
Built by the Marathas in the 16th century, Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the most significant religious sites in and around this serene hill town. The shrine built in the Hemadant style of architecture is characterised by a rather unadorned exterior, topped by a pyramidal tower. Here, you would be able to see a Damru (Lord Shiva’s iconic drum), his Trishul (trident) as well as a bed. Earlier, it was said that the bed appeared crumbled every morning, hinting that the deity had slept on it. There is a square platform in the temple premises, on which Chhatrapati Shivaji is said to have conducted the Tuladaan, wherein he distributed gold, equal in weight to his mother, to the poor.
- Location: Old Mahabaleshwar, Mahabaleshwar
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Liking what you are reading? Here is our blog on all the amazing places to visit in Mahabaleshwar
2. Krishnabai Temple, Mahabaleshwar
Krishnabai Temple | #2 of 3 Best Temples in Mahabaleshwar
A ruining structure made with black stones and bricks, Krishnabai Temple stands majestically on a cliff, as if keeping watch over the town of Mahabaleshwar. From outside, it seems like a castle from yore, giving visitors a feeling of mystique. The plan of the shrine is rather simple, consisting of pillared walkways around a square pool with steps. It is said that this very pool, in which water flows perpetually from a snout shaped like a cow’s mouth, is the source of the mighty Krishna River.
After you are done paying homage at the temple and admiring its beauty, you can simply hang out in the lush, quiet area or just enjoy a picnic on the grass under a tree. Don’t forget to capture magnificent scenes of the valley from the viewpoint in front. You can easily reach the shrine by following the well-marked hiking trail behind Panchganga Temple. Visiting this temple is one of the best things to do in Mahabaleshwar during the rainy season as during this time, the surroundings are incredibly lush.
- Location: Old Mahabaleshwar, Mahabaleshwar
- Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
3. Panchganga Temple, Mahabaleshwar
Panchganga Temple | #3 of 3 Best Temples in Mahabaleshwar
Panchganga Temple is named so as the water of five rivers, i.e. Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri, are said to come together here. Its centrepiece, the square-shaped pond, is quite similar to that at Krishnabai Temple, as here too, the water flows out of a cow mouth-shaped snout. The shrine was constructed somewhere in the 13th century by Raja Singhandeo, who belonged to the Yadava dynasty. Later, Raja Chandrarao More renovated the shrine in the 16th century as did Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century.
- Location: Satara Road, Mahabaleshwar
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
After a day of all this sightseeing and hiking, you are bound to feel hungry. So, without thinking, head to any of these incredible restaurants in Mahabaleshwar for a filling and delicious meal.
