The twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are considered to be the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Each Jyotirlinga is a center of spiritual energy, a site dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in the form of a ‘linga’.
These shrines are all over India, each with its mythology and architecture, and cultural significance.
But if you are planning a spiritual journey and are to find out how many of the Jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra, here is everything you need to know.
The Jyotirlingas of India – A Quick Overview
Three of the twelve Jyotirlingas are located in the state of Maharashtra:
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune district
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – near Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
So, if you think:
“Which of the three Jyolirlingas- Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, or Grishneshwar is NOT in Maharashtra?”
The answer is:
None. All three are in Maharashtra.
The shrines are an opportunity for not just spiritual fulfilment, but also passing through beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and entrenched mythology that makes the pilgrimage divine.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the famous Jyotirlingas in the Brahmagiri Hills near Nashik. Unlike the others, this has three lingas, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva)—the holy trinity.
Must-See:
The birthplace of the sacred Godavari River
Traditional Kund bathing ceremonies
Beautiful black stone carved temple architecture
Kalsarpa Dosh Nivaran Poojas
There is strong spiritual energy in this area and it is tranquil—combining nature and divinity seamlessly.
2. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune District, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Temple lies deep in the Sahyadri hills at a point where nature and spirituality come together. The temple recalls Lord Shiva’s fierce struggle against the demon Tripurasura, after which Shiva manifested here as a Jyotirlinga.
Attractions:
Quiet jungle trails and eco-tourism
Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary
Drive through the Western Ghats
Local folklore is colorful and lively and blended with spirituality
If you love trekking with foggy mornings and the call of the wild along with spirituality, make sure you don’t miss out on Bhimashankar.
3. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Ellora, Maharashtra
The Grishneshwar Temple – situated next to the world-renowned Ellora Caves – is seen as the last (12th) Jyotirlinga in the traditional listing. This temple is a monument to faith enduring through centuries of history, and the red stone structure greatly contrasts to the beauty of it.
Don’t miss:
Intricate carvings in South Indian style architecture
Nearby Ellora Cave temples (pick Cave 16, the Kailasa temple)
Peaceful darshan compared to more busy shrines.
It is a good opportunity to merge the historical learning with a true spiritual experience.
Why Visit All Three Together?
Pilgrims take the opportunity to see these three Jyotirlingas in one continuous travel experience through Maharashtra.
It is both:
A powerful spiritual circuit
Hills, forests, and UNESCO
Easily accessed by road and rail
Simplify Your Journey with a Group Tour
It can be done to independently plan each leg of the journey, but managing transport, temple timings, accommodation, and local travel can be complicated, especially when you don’t know the area.
This is why many pilgrims and travelers take organized tours that manage the logistics for you.
We recommend this lovely Trimbakeshwar Bhimashankar Grishneshwar Tour Package by Hikerwolf as it includes:
All three Jyotirlinga site visits
Comfortable accommodation
Expert navigation
Temple access and travel that is easy and organized
A group of fellow spiritual seekers
With the benefit of organized travel, you can pay attention to what is really important, the spiritual connection and peace it brings.
Travel Tips for Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage
Start Early – Early mornings provide the most peace, hence the best chance for uninterrupted darshan.
Dress Respectfully – Wear traditional, comfortable clothing styles.
Be Respectful of Local Customs – Observe silence inside temples; follow temple customs and practices.
Stay Hydrated – Some temples involve walking, or climbing.
Book Early – Accommodation near temples can fill quickly when festivals or on weekends.
Wrapping It Up
The Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar and Grishneshwar are not just locations; they symbolize a place for powerful spiritual introspection, mythological exuberance, and divinity. Together they represent a spiritual triangle of faith in the geographic center of Maharashtra.
So, if your spirit is calling for a journey within you, it may be time to walk this spiritual pathway, one walked by millions of devotees over the centuries.
