A small town called Pandharpur in the district of Solapur in Maharashtra is one of the most respected Vitthala (Krishna) pilgrimage sites of the country. Pandharpur is the abode of the famous Lord Vitthala also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vithoba enshrined in the Vithoba temple. This temple is the greatest center of attraction in Pandharpur for the masses as far as the spiritual field goes. This temple has a total of six gates and covers a large area.

Triambakeshwar

Tryambakeshwar is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, located at a distance of about 30 kms from Nasik, Maharashtra. It is said that Tryambakeshwar is the source of the river Godavari. It is also known by other names like Trimbak or Trimbakeshwar or Triambakeshwar or Triyambakeshwar.

The Tryambakeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is that it has three faces embodying the images of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture. This place is also famous for lots of religious "vidhis" (rituals) like Narayan-Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, Tripindi vidhi etc. Narayan-Nagbalipuja is performed at this temple only. It is a sacred puja to fulfill all your desires and is performed in three days. Trimabakeshwar also has good number of Brahmin houses and is also a center for Vedic Gurukuls. It also has Ashrams and Muths devoted to "Ashtanga Yoga" (the Hindu art of Living). The place is well-known for its scenic beauty in rainy season and is surrounded by unpolluted lush green hills.

A small town in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is an important place for every religion. It is said that Sri Sai Baba, a personification of spiritual perfection and an epitome of compassion, lived in Shirdi for 60 years. Pilgrims belonging to all faiths throng to this holy place all the year around. There are many religious spots in and around Shirdi, all dedicated to Sai Baba. The Shirdi Saibaba Temple attracts millions of devotees of all religions, castes and creed who come to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba. The famous Samadhi Mandir is a beautiful shrine that was built over the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba.

Bhimashankar::
Bhimashankar is situated near Pune City. A holiest place having one of the twelve Jyotirlings in India, situated at the mouth of river Bhima amidst dense forest. This hemadpanthi exquisitely carved temple has been renovated by Nana Phadnis, the renowned statesman of the Peshwas. The climate at Bhimashankar is generally quite pleasant

Siddhivinayak Temple is in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Siddhivinayak Lord Ganapati/Ganesh is worshipped in the temple. The temple dates back to 18th Century. Vinayak is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

The present form of the temple was re-constructed five years ago. The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500 kg and plated in gold. So, it facilitates the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities.

Mahalaxmi Temple

This beautifully architect temple attracts huge devotees from in and around Kolhapur. Goddess Mahalaxmi also known, as Amba Bai is the presiding deity of this temple. Images of Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak, Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram are also there inside the temple complex. Chalukya ruler, Karandev started the construction of this temple in the 7th century AD and later beautified by Shilahara Yadavas in the ninth century. The sanctum sanctorum has revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kg. The idol has not been fashioned by any human being but exists in its natural form - a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones.

Ballaleshwar Vinayak Temple

Palicha Shree Ballaleshwar Vinayak temple at Pali, which is located 110 km away from Pune in Maharashtra. The temple, which was built by Nana Phadnis in 1770, was named after Ballal of Pali. The presiding deity is Lord Ballaleshwar (Ganapati). Ganapati is known as Ballaleshwar here.

The Ganesh idol in the temple is 3 ft tall. His consorts Siddhi and Riddhi flank Ganesha's image. The eyes of the Ganapati are studded with diamonds. There is also another Ganesh Temple, known as Dhundi Vinayak just behind the temple. The Peshwas in the temple installed a big Portuguese made bell.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati

Ballaleshwar Vinayak Temple, Maharashtra The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust, based in Pune was established in the year 1893 and has thus been in the service of devotees since 108 years. It was in 1893 when Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak gave a public form to the celebration of the festival of Ganpati and made it a genuinely people's festival.
The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati trust exists from the year of the inception of the sarvajanik (public) Ganpati festival and is the fulcrum of all sarvajanik(public) celebrations in Maharashtra.

History:

A festival of the Masses:

The community Ganesh Festival, first introduced by Lokmanya Tilak has undergone a sea change since its inception. This once strictly homely festival has gained enormous popularity and following. This is evident in the enthusiasm and religious fervor with which it is celebrated. This Festival is distinguished by its diverse novelty drama as well as its links with historic and mythological incidents. This festival brings with it pomp, birght lights, a glimpse into the diverse cultures of India, famous sculptures and palaces.

The decorations depict varied contemporary topics such as ban on dowry, de-addiction, corruption, school, admissions, superstitions etc.This festival has become a medium to bring to the foremost a wide range of topics and issues that touch and change our lives today. A way to fight against injustice, progress in education and science are just some of the topics highlighted by this festival.The festival encompasses in its arms unity, vastness, comradeship and patriotism and forwards the cause if the same. The 107 year old Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Festival is the jewel in the crown of Maharashtra’s long history of community Ganesh festival. It is distinguished by its endeavour to uphold Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. The vastness and splendour with which it is celebrated and its concerted efforts to keep the torch that Lokmanya Tilak lighted, burning bright.

The Ganesh festival acts as an inspiration to scores of youth and is homeground of social work. It acts as the wheel that moulds fresh minds and gives them