Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Satara district of the Indian state, Maharashtra, is popular among tourists for its lush green valleys and majestic mountains. Every year, plenty of leisure travellers and honeymooners explore many of the Mahabaleshwar tourist places during their vacation in this region. While touring such spots, they often get the feeling of visiting a place that has maintained its old-world charm, while making great efforts to keep pace with modern times. This becomes more evident while exploring the different places of worship in Mahabaleshwar. People would sense a touch of spirituality in the name itself, as 'Mahabaleshwar' translates as 'God of great power' in the Sanskrit language.
Among the religious places in this hill station is Panchganga Mandir, a temple built by a king known as Raja Singhandeo in the 13th century. Water from Krishna, Koyna, Savitri, Venna, and Gayatri rivers meet at this site. Panchganga Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. Located close to the Panchganga Mandir is Krishnabai Temple, which attracts many tourists despite being in ruins. It is believed to be the source of Krishna River. Shri Shankar Mandir is yet another fascinating Hindu temple, which has the 'Mahalinga', a great symbol that represents Lord Shiva. One can see the marks of five holy rivers on the head of this Mahalinga. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha king, had weighed his mother using gold, and all of it was distributed in charity after performing the ritual. Visit to the Mahabaleshwar Temple is something that tourists never miss during their tour of the hill station. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple, and it is surrounded by a 5-feet high stone wall. Rajapuri Caves are believed to have been used by Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, for penance and religious rituals. A temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya is also located at these caves in Panchgani, near Mahabaleshwar. This temple hosts the Thaipooyam festival, which is celebrated during the period between January and February with great zest. Holy Cross Church, located at Mahabaleshwar's western end, caters to one of the smallest Catholic parishes in the world. It is a small church in appearance, but is well-maintained and offers an unimaginable serenity to the ones who step into its interiors.
Tourists would need a good accommodation for enjoying a pleasant vacation in Mahabaleshwar and visiting all the religious places of this hill station. Popular resorts in Mahabaleshwar not only provide comfortable stays for these tourists, but also offer them great convenience in touring the popular attractions. Rooms and suites in these resorts are well-furnished and provided with latest facilities. Guests of the resorts can also benefit from additional amenities in them, such as, swimming pool and kids' play area. Some of these resorts have multi-cuisine restaurants in them, which include delicious varieties of local as well as other cuisines on their menu. Such restaurants also have an inviting ambience that sets the perfect mood for a great dining experience.
Among the religious places in this hill station is Panchganga Mandir, a temple built by a king known as Raja Singhandeo in the 13th century. Water from Krishna, Koyna, Savitri, Venna, and Gayatri rivers meet at this site. Panchganga Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. Located close to the Panchganga Mandir is Krishnabai Temple, which attracts many tourists despite being in ruins. It is believed to be the source of Krishna River. Shri Shankar Mandir is yet another fascinating Hindu temple, which has the 'Mahalinga', a great symbol that represents Lord Shiva. One can see the marks of five holy rivers on the head of this Mahalinga. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha king, had weighed his mother using gold, and all of it was distributed in charity after performing the ritual. Visit to the Mahabaleshwar Temple is something that tourists never miss during their tour of the hill station. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple, and it is surrounded by a 5-feet high stone wall. Rajapuri Caves are believed to have been used by Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, for penance and religious rituals. A temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya is also located at these caves in Panchgani, near Mahabaleshwar. This temple hosts the Thaipooyam festival, which is celebrated during the period between January and February with great zest. Holy Cross Church, located at Mahabaleshwar's western end, caters to one of the smallest Catholic parishes in the world. It is a small church in appearance, but is well-maintained and offers an unimaginable serenity to the ones who step into its interiors.
Tourists would need a good accommodation for enjoying a pleasant vacation in Mahabaleshwar and visiting all the religious places of this hill station. Popular resorts in Mahabaleshwar not only provide comfortable stays for these tourists, but also offer them great convenience in touring the popular attractions. Rooms and suites in these resorts are well-furnished and provided with latest facilities. Guests of the resorts can also benefit from additional amenities in them, such as, swimming pool and kids' play area. Some of these resorts have multi-cuisine restaurants in them, which include delicious varieties of local as well as other cuisines on their menu. Such restaurants also have an inviting ambience that sets the perfect mood for a great dining experience.
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