1 / 10Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur across India each year. In 2025, the festival will be observed on February 26. Considered one of the most auspicious occasions, devotees observe a day-long fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, with rituals performed throughout the night. The fast is traditionally broken the following morning. On this sacred day, worshippers gather at temples in large numbers to offer ‘Panchamrit’ to Lord Shiva before concluding their fast. (Image: Shutterstock)
2 / 10Maharashtra, like many other states, is home to several revered and historic Shiva temples. Here’s a list of historic Shiva temples in and around Mumbai you can visit in Mumbai for Mahashivratri: (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 101. Babulnath Temple (Malabar Hill) | Babulnath Temple, perched atop a small hill near Girgaum Chowpatty, is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Mumbai, dating back to the 12th century. This temple is a haven of peace amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, offering breathtaking views of Marine Drive. Devotees flock here in large numbers on Mahashivratri, participating in special pujas, abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shivling), and night-long prayers, seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. (Image: Shutterstock)
4 / 102. Walkeshwar Temple (Banganga, Malabar Hill) | Walkeshwar Temple, located near the historic Banganga Tank, is deeply rooted in mythology. It is believed that Lord Rama himself built the original Shivalinga here while searching for Sita. The temple is a must-visit on Mahashivratri, when devotees gather for special rituals, bhajans, and a divine atmosphere enhanced by oil lamps illuminating the temple complex. The serene surroundings make it a perfect place for meditation and spiritual reflection. (Image: Shutterstock)
5 / 103. Shiv Temple, Ambernath (Shiv Mandir, Ambernath) | The Ambernath Shiv Temple, located on the banks of the Waldhuni River, is an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 11th century. Built in the Hemadpanthi style, this temple is adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting Hindu mythology. During Mahashivratri, thousands of devotees visit this temple to perform Rudrabhishek, chant Vedic hymns, and experience the spiritual energy of this ancient shrine. (Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 104. Tungareshwar Shiva Temple (Vasai, near Mumbai) | Nestled within the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary near Vasai, this ancient Shiva temple offers a sacred and scenic experience for devotees. On Mahashivratri, the temple transforms into a vibrant spiritual hub with thousands of devotees chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”, performing Abhishekam on the Shivalinga, and participating in night-long prayers. (Image: Wiki Commons)
7 / 105. Kopineshwar Mandir (Thane, near Mumbai) | Located in the heart of Thane City, Kopineshwar Mandir is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Maharashtra, dating back to the 8th century. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is often called the Kashi of Thane due to its spiritual significance. On Mahashivratri, the temple comes alive with grand celebrations, including special Abhishekam rituals, chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya”, and night-long prayers. Devotees from all over Mumbai and Thane gather to seek blessings and offer milk, water, and Bilva leaves to the massive Shivalinga, one of the biggest in Maharashtra.
8 / 106. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (Nashik, near Mumbai) | If you are willing to travel a bit, Trimbakeshwar Temple, about 170 km from Mumbai, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it an extremely auspicious place for Mahashivratri. The temple is unique because the Shivlinga here represents the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh). On Mahashivratri, thousands of pilgrims perform holy dips in the Godavari River, followed by special pujas and Shivratri night vigils to seek divine blessings. (Image: Shutterstock)
9 / 107. Bhimashankar Temple (Pune, near Mumbai) | Nestled amidst the Sahyadri Hills, the Bhimashankar Temple is another one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located about 200 km from Mumbai. On Mahashivratri, the temple hosts grand celebrations, including special Maha Abhishekam, devotional music, and an unforgettable spiritual experience for thousands of devotees who gather to pay homage to Lord Shiva. (Image: Shutterstock)
10 / 108. Kedareshwar Cave Temple (Ahmednagar, near Mumbai) | Hidden in the Sahyadri Hills, 200 km away from Mumbai, the Kedareshwar Cave Temple at Harishchandragad Fort, is a sacred Shiva shrine with a Shivalinga submerged in freezing water. Legend says it once had four pillars symbolising the four Yugas, but only one remains—its fall is believed to mark the end of Kali Yuga. On Mahashivratri, the cave echoes with Om Namah Shivaya, Abhishekam rituals, and divine energy, drawing devotees and trekkers to this mystical site. (Image: Wiki Commons)
