On the Godavari in the Panchavati area of Nashik, Ramkund is the sacred tank where Rama is believed to have bathed during his exile. Pilgrims come to bathe and to immerse the ashes of the dead, and it is the centre of the Kumbh Mela held in Nashik every twelve years.

Near the source of the Godavari, Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The present black stone temple was built by the Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the 18th century, and its linga has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Shani Shingnapur is known for its open-air shrine to Shani, a black stone standing on a platform, and for the village tradition of houses without doors or locks, in the belief that the god protects them from theft. Saturdays draw very large crowds.

Close to the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The present red stone temple was rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, and its walls are carved with scenes from the epics.

The Nagnath temple at Aundha is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The lower part, in richly carved Hemadpanti style, dates from the Yadava period of the 13th century, and the sanctum lies in a small chamber below ground level.

The temple of Tulja Bhavani at Tuljapur is one of the most important goddess shrines in Maharashtra and the family deity of the Bhosale rulers. Legend says the goddess gave Shivaji his sword. The Navaratri festival draws huge crowds.

On the banks of the Chandrabhaga, the temple of Vitthal at Pandharpur is the heart of the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk here in procession for the Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi festivals, singing the verses of the saints.