Maharashtra, a state known for its great culture, rich history, and deep spiritual roots, is home to some of the wealthiest and most revered temples in India. These temples are not just places of worship but also treasure troves of art, history, and devotion. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra, delving into their significance, wealth, and the stories behind their grandeur. Whether you’re a devotee or a history enthusiast, this guide will take you on a spiritual journey through Maharashtra’s most opulent temples.
Top 10 Richest Temples in Maharashtra
| Temple Name | Location | Darshan Timings | Wealth (INR) |
| 1. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple | Prabhadevi, Mumbai | Tuesday: 3:15 AM – 12:15 PM, 12:30 PM – 8:45 PMWed-Mon: 5:30 AM – 9:50 PM | ₹1,400 crore (annual income) 15 |
| 2. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple | Trimbak, Nashik District | Daily: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Undisclosed (significant donations and gold offerings) |
| 3. Shri Mahalakshmi Temple | Kolhapur | Daily: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM | ₹2,500 crore (total assets) |
| 4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple | Shirdi | Daily: 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM | ₹3,000 crore (includes gold, silver, and donations) |
| 5. Bhimashankar Temple | Bhimashankar, Pune District | Daily: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Undisclosed (significant donations and land holdings) |
| 6. Tulja Bhavani Temple | Tuljapur, Osmanabad District | Daily: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Undisclosed (gold ornaments and donations) |
| 7. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple | Verul, Aurangabad District | Daily: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Undisclosed (donations and offerings) |
| 8. Kailash Temple | Ellora Caves, Aurangabad District | Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Undisclosed (UNESCO Heritage Site, donations) |
| 9. Vitthal Rukmini Temple | Pandharpur, Solapur District | Daily: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Undisclosed (donations during festivals) |
| 10. Ganpatipule Temple | Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri District | Daily: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Undisclosed (donations and offerings) |
1. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is undoubtedly one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra. Located in Mumbai, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It attracts millions of devotees every year, including celebrities and politicians.
The temple’s wealth is evident in its gold-plated doors, diamond-studded idols, and the countless offerings made by devotees. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Lord Ganesha, adorned with precious jewels. The temple’s annual income from donations and offerings runs into crores, making it one of the wealthiest temples in India.
- Location: Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Tuesday: 3:15 AM – 12:15 PM and 12:30 PM – 8:45 PM.
- Wednesday to Monday: 5:30 AM – 9:50 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (5:30 AM), Naivedhya (12:15 PM), Evening Aarti (7:30 PM), Shejaarti (9:50 PM) .
2. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nashik
The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple in Nashik is another gem among the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and holds immense spiritual significance.
The temple’s architecture is a blend of ancient and modern styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures. Devotees offer gold, silver, and precious stones to the deity, contributing to the temple’s wealth. The temple also receives significant donations during the Kumbh Mela, which is held in Nashik every 12 years.
- Location: Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Special Pooja Timings: 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM.
- Abhishek Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (outside temple).
3. Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is a symbol of prosperity and devotion. Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of wealth, this temple is one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra.
The temple’s idol is adorned with gold and precious stones, and the sanctum is surrounded by intricate carvings. The temple receives a steady stream of donations and offerings, especially during the Navaratri festival. The wealth of the temple is also reflected in its vast land holdings and investments.
- Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (4:30 AM), Madhyan Aarti (11:30 AM), Dhoop Aarti (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM), Shej Aarti (10:00 PM).
4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi is not just a spiritual hub but also one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra. Dedicated to Sai Baba, a saint revered by people of all faiths, this temple attracts millions of devotees from across the globe.
The temple’s wealth comes from the donations and offerings made by devotees. The trust managing the temple also runs several charitable activities, including hospitals, schools, and free meal services. The temple’s annual income is estimated to be in hundreds of crores, making it one of the wealthiest temples in India.
- Location: Shirdi, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (4:00 AM), Noon Aarti (10:30 AM), Dhoop Aarti (7:00 PM), Shej Aarti (10:30 PM) .
5. Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
Nestled in the Sahyadri Hills, the Bhimashankar Temple is a Jyotirlinga shrine and one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a serene spiritual destination.
The temple’s wealth is derived from the offerings made by devotees, including gold, silver, and precious stones. The temple also receives significant donations during the Maha Shivaratri festival. The serene surroundings and the spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.
- Location: Bhimashankar, Pune District, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM.
- Abhishek Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 12:20 PM – 2:45 PM.
- Aarti Timings: 7:30 PM.
6. Tulja Bhavani Temple, Tuljapur
The Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhavani. It is one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra, known for its gold ornaments and the immense wealth accumulated over centuries.
The temple’s idol is adorned with gold and precious stones, and the sanctum is surrounded by intricate carvings. The temple receives a steady stream of donations and offerings, especially during the Navaratri festival. The wealth of the temple is also reflected in its vast land holdings and investments.
- Location: Tuljapur, Osmanabad District, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (5:30 AM), Madhyan Aarti (12:00 PM), Dhoop Aarti (7:00 PM), Shej Aarti (9:00 PM).
7. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Aurangabad
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Aurangabad is the smallest yet one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and holds immense spiritual significance.
The temple’s architecture is a blend of ancient and modern styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures. Devotees offer gold, silver, and precious stones to the deity, contributing to the temple’s wealth. The temple also receives significant donations during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
- Location: Verul, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (5:30 AM), Madhyan Aarti (12:00 PM), Dhoop Aarti (7:00 PM), Shej Aarti (9:00 PM).
8. Kailash Temple, Ellora
The Kailash Temple in Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra. Carved out of a single rock, this temple is a marvel of ancient architecture and spiritual wealth.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple’s wealth is derived from the offerings made by devotees, including gold, silver, and precious stones. The serene surroundings and the spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.
- Location: Ellora Caves, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Note: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and timings may vary during festivals.
9. Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur
The Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur is a symbol of devotion and love. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, this temple is one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra.
The temple’s idol is adorned with gold and precious stones, and the sanctum is surrounded by intricate carvings. The temple receives a steady stream of donations and offerings, especially during the annual Ashadhi Ekadashi festival. The wealth of the temple is also reflected in its vast land holdings and investments.
Location: Pandharpur, Solapur District, Maharashtra.
Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (4:30 AM), Madhyan Aarti (12:00 PM), Dhoop Aarti (7:00 PM), Shej Aarti (10:00 PM).
10. Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri
The Ganpatipule Temple is a serene beachside shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra, known for its peaceful ambiance and the wealth of offerings from devotees.
The temple’s idol is adorned with gold and precious stones, and the sanctum is surrounded by intricate carvings. The temple receives a steady stream of donations and offerings, especially during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The serene surroundings and the spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.
- Location: Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra.
- Darshan Timings:
- Daily: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Kakad Aarti (5:30 AM), Madhyan Aarti (12:00 PM), Dhoop Aarti (7:00 PM), Shej Aarti (9:00 PM).
Conclusion
The top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra are not just places of worship but also repositories of history, culture, and wealth. Each temple has a unique story and significance, making them must-visit destinations for devotees and travelers. Whether you seek spiritual solace or wish to explore Maharashtra’s rich heritage, these temples offer an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
1. Which is the richest temple in Maharashtra?
The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is considered one of the richest temples in Maharashtra.
2. Why are these temples among the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra?
These temples accumulate wealth through donations, offerings, and precious ornaments from devotees.
3. Can tourists visit these temples?
Yes, all the top 10 richest temples in Maharashtra are open to tourists and devotees.
4. What is the best time to visit these temples?
The best time to visit is during festivals or early mornings to avoid crowds.
5. Are there any entry fees for these temples?
Most temples do not charge entry fees, but special darshan tickets may be available for a fee.
