A Sacred Journey to the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra

Among the many sacred places, the Jyotirlingas are very special for devotees of Lord Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas across India, and five of them are located in Maharashtra. These five temples are not just holy spots—they are places where history, devotion, and peace come together.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit these 5 Jyotirlingas by booking one of the 5 Jyotirlinga tour packages, and it turned out to be a peaceful and unforgettable journey. The tour was well-organized and made it easy for me to travel across Maharashtra and visit all the temples without stress.

Let me share my experience of this divine journey and also give you a clear idea of these five special places.

Jyotirlingas are holy shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a fiery column of light. The word “Jyoti” means light and “linga” means Shiva. These places are considered extremely sacred, and visiting them is said to bring blessings, peace, and liberation.

Our first stop was Trimbakeshwar, located about 30 km from Nashik. This temple is near the origin of the Godavari River. What makes this temple unique is that the linga here has three faces—representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

The temple is built in old-style black stone and is surrounded by lush green hills. We reached in the early morning and joined the aarti. The sound of bells and the holy river nearby made it feel very peaceful.

Trimbakeshwar is also known for rituals related to moksha (freedom from the cycle of rebirth). Many people come here to perform special pujas for their ancestors.

Next, we traveled to Bhimashankar, which is located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune. This was my favorite part of the trip because of the natural beauty. The temple is deep inside a forest, which is also a wildlife sanctuary.

The temple is built in the Nagara style and has a calm, peaceful feeling. According to legend, this is where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. The temple is less crowded compared to others, and it felt like a perfect place to sit and meditate.

The journey to Bhimashankar included scenic views and fresh air. I felt refreshed both spiritually and physically.

Our third stop was Grishneshwar, located near the famous Ellora Caves. This Jyotirlinga is the smallest in size but holds great importance. The temple is made of red stone and has beautiful carvings.

We reached early and took part in the morning aarti. The temple is not very large, so you can feel close to the linga. What made this visit extra special was visiting the Ellora Caves after the temple. The ancient rock-cut caves show India’s rich culture and history.

Grishneshwar is believed to bless couples with children, and many people come here with hopes and prayers.

Next, we visited Aundha Nagnath, located in the Hingoli district of Marathwada. This is believed by some to be the oldest Jyotirlinga. The temple has a deep connection with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

The temple is built in Hemadpanthi style with carvings of elephants, gods, and flowers on the walls. The atmosphere here was very quiet and full of spiritual energy. Locals believe that visiting this temple helps in removing negative energies and fear.

This place is not very crowded, and the simplicity made it even more powerful.

Our final destination was Parli Vaijnath, located in Beed district. This temple is famous for its healing powers. People come here to pray for health, strength, and mental peace.

The temple is well-maintained and sits in a small town with friendly locals. We attended the evening aarti, which was full of light, music, and devotion. The priest said that this is the Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva lives with Goddess Parvati, making it very special for married couples.

Taking one of the 5 Jyotirlinga tour packages was the best decision I made for this trip. Here's why:

• Well-planned travel: The roads to some temples are remote, but the tour package took care of everything—cars, hotels, and temple timings.

• Spiritual guide: The guide shared interesting stories and helped us perform rituals at the right time.

• Comfortable stay: All the hotels were neat and close to the temples.

• Time-saving: The tour covered all five temples in a smooth and timely manner, without any stress.

If you are looking for a peaceful trip filled with devotion and nature, these packages are a great option.

Visiting the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra was one of the most special journeys of my life. Each temple had its own charm and energy. I met kind people, saw beautiful places, and felt closer to Lord Shiva.

If you are someone who loves spiritual travel or is simply looking for peace of mind, I highly recommend booking one of the 5 Jyotirlinga tour packages. It's more than just a tour—it’s a journey within.

You don’t need to be a religious person to enjoy this trip. Just keep your heart open, and you will return with a mind full of peace and a soul full of joy.