This page sets out the Sade Teen Shakti Peeth route in Maharashtra: the four temples in a workable order (Kolhapur, Tuljapur, Mahur, Saptashrungi), the road distance for each leg, and a 6 to 7 day plan. The full loop is about 1,250 km by road, not counting travel to your starting city. The longest single leg, Mahur to Saptashrungi, is about 640 km, so plan a night at Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in between.
Each temple section covers timings, passes and access, and the When to Go section covers Navratri 2026 (11 to 19 October).
Key Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Temples | Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) in Kolhapur, Tulja Bhavani in Tuljapur, Renuka Devi in Mahur, Saptashrungi Devi at Vani near Nashik |
| State | Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Dharashiv, Nanded and Nashik districts) |
| Suggested order | Kolhapur, Tuljapur, Mahur, Saptashrungi, or the same route in reverse |
| Route length | About 1,250 km by road (approximate), not counting travel to the start |
| Days needed | 6 to 7 days by road |
| Start cities | Pune or Mumbai for a Kolhapur start; Nashik or Mumbai for a Saptashrungi start |
| Best season | October to March; Navratri (11 to 19 October 2026) is crowded at all four temples |
| Public transport | MSRTC state buses serve all four towns; helpline 1800 22 1250 |
Sources: MSRTC: home page, Incredible India: Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, distancebetween2.com: Kolhapur to Tuljapur, distancebetween2.com: Nanded to Mahur, distancebetween2.com: Nanded to Nashik, StayVista Journal: Saptashrungi Devi Temple.
What Does Sade Teen Shakti Peeth Mean?
Sade teen is Marathi for three and a half. Maharashtra counts four of its great Devi temples as three full Shakti Peeths and one half (ardha) peeth. Most sources, including English and Marathi Wikipedia, name Kolhapur, Tuljapur and Mahur as the three full peeths and Saptashrungi at Vani, in Nashik district, as the half.
Accounts differ on which temple is the half, so you may hear another version locally; the Ministry of Tourism simply calls Kolhapur one of Maharashtra's four Shakti Peethas. For the wider tradition, see our 51 Shakti Peethas guide.
Sources: Incredible India: Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Wikipedia: Saptashrungi, Marathi Wikipedia: Sade Teen Shaktipeeth, Wikipedia: Tulja Bhavani Temple, Pilgrim Data Services: Renuka Devi Temple, Mahurgad.
The Route in Order
| Stop | Temple | From previous stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahalakshmi (Ambabai), Kolhapur | Start: about 225 km from Pune, about 370 km from Mumbai | Town temple; rail and air links at Kolhapur |
| 2 | Tulja Bhavani, Tuljapur | About 274 km, about 5 to 6 hours | Free queue or Rs 300 donation pass |
| 3 | Renuka Devi, Mahur | About 337 km via Latur and Nanded, about 6.5 to 7.5 hours | Hill temple reached by steps; road access only |
| 4 | Saptashrungi Devi, Vani | About 640 km via Nanded, Aurangabad and Nashik, about 12 to 13 hours | Break the drive at Aurangabad; funicular or steps to the temple |
The order runs roughly south to north-east to north-west, and works in reverse too. Mahur adds the longest drive, so the leg out of Mahur takes two days.
The two long legs are estimates added up from shorter sections: Tuljapur to Latur (about 77 km), Latur to Nanded (about 131 km) and Nanded to Mahur (about 129 km); then back to Nanded, Nanded to Nashik (about 450 km) and Nashik to Saptashrungi (about 65 km). A more direct road may be shorter, so check a map before you fix your night halts.
Sources: Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: How to get to the temple, distancebetween2.com: Kolhapur to Tuljapur, distancebetween2.com: Latur to Nanded, distancebetween2.com: Nanded to Mahur, distancebetween2.com: Nanded to Nashik, Wikipedia: Saptashrungi.
1. Mahalakshmi (Ambabai), Kolhapur
The goddess here is worshipped as Shree Karveer Niwasini Ambabai Mahalaxmi, in a temple on Mahadwar Road in the old city. It is the easiest of the four to reach: Kolhapur railway station is about 2.5 km away, the central ST bus stand about 3.5 km and the airport about 10 km. Auto rickshaws are the usual way to get around town.
The temple is open from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Darshan runs from 4:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and the evening aarti is from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. General darshan is free and needs no ticket, but queues are long at weekends and festivals, especially the line into the inner sanctum. Timings can change on festival days, so check the temple website before you go.
Read the full Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple guide for Kiranotsav and the temple's history, and our Goddess Lakshmi guide for the deity herself.
Sources: Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Management Committee: Shree Karveer Niwasini Ambabai Mahalaxmi, Incredible India: Mahalaxmi Temple visiting hours, VipDarshanTickets: Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Darshan 2026.
2. Tulja Bhavani, Tuljapur
Tulja Bhavani is managed by a registered public trust, the Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan. The temple is 500 m west of the Tuljapur bus stand. Solapur, about 45 km away, is the main railhead and has the nearest airport (about 52 km), and Dharashiv station is about 22 km away.
The day begins with the charanamelika at 4:30 am, which can open as early as 1:00 am on busy days and festivals. Darshan usually runs from about 4:00 to 4:30 am until about 10:00 pm, with abhishek puja from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Worship timings may be adjusted in busy periods, so confirm locally.
The general queue is free. A Rs 300 donation darshan pass gives a faster queue; buy it in the basement of the administrative building or on the temple's online portal, which needs an account login. Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are usually the busiest days. For the 2026 Navratri crowds, new stairs have been built at the stadium area to separate entry and exit.
Read the full Tulja Bhavani temple guide for the puja price list, accommodation and the temple's festival calendar.
Sources: Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: Daily worship timings, Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: Ritual price list, Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: How to get to the temple, Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: Home, TemplesTalk: Tulja Bhavani Temple Darshan 2026, Lokrajya Live: Manchiki Nidra begins Saturday.
3. Renuka Devi, Mahur
Mahur, in Nanded district, is the most remote stop and is reached by road only. The town has three hills, with temples of Renuka, Dattatreya and Anasuya. The Renuka temple stands on a hill reached by steps, about 4 km from the Mahur bus stand; private vehicles can drive up to the temple parking area, and palanquin carriers (dolis) are usually available at the base for those who cannot climb.
Darshan is generally open from about 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, but timings vary by season and on festival days, so confirm locally. The betel leaf (vida) offering is distinctive here. Kinwat, about 50 km away, is the nearest station; Nanded, about 129 km away (about 2.5 to 3 hours), is the main railhead and has the nearest airport.
We did not find an official temple website, fee list or accommodation listing for Mahur, so ask at the temple for puja charges and arrange your night halt before you set out.
Sources: Nanded District: Mahur, Pilgrim Data Services: Renuka Devi Temple, Mahurgad, Wikipedia: Mahur, Maharashtra, distancebetween2.com: Nanded to Mahur.
4. Saptashrungi Devi, Vani
Saptashrungi, the half peeth in most accounts, sits on Saptashrungi Gad above the base village of Nanduri, about 60 to 65 km from Nashik (about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1.5 hours by road). Buses run from Nashik to Nanduri from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm. From the base, take the funicular trolley, which takes about 3 minutes, or climb about 510 to 517 steps, which takes about an hour. An elevator also reaches the temple.
The funicular runs from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm. Reported fares are Rs 90 for an adult round trip and Rs 45 for a child; fares change, so check at the counter. Darshan generally runs from about 5:00 or 6:00 am to about 9:00 pm, with kakad aarti at 5:30 am, panchamrit mahapuja from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, mahanaivedya aarti at 12:00 noon and evening aarti at 7:00 pm.
The Shri Saptashrung Nivasini Devi Trust offers general and VIP darshan passes, pooja and room booking on its online services portal. It runs 216 rooms; rates are not listed, so call the 24-hour office on 02592-253379 or 9422101118.
Sources: Shri Saptashrung Nivasini Devi Trust: Home, Shri Saptashrung Nivasini Devi Trust: How to reach the gad, Shri Saptashrung Nivasini Devi Trust: Bhaktaniwas accommodation, Yatradham: Saptashrungi timings and ropeway price, Tripsaffron: Saptashrungi Devi Darshan Guide, Wikipedia: Saptashrungi.
Suggested Itinerary
This 7-day plan follows the Kolhapur to Saptashrungi order. It is a planning suggestion based on the leg times above, not a fixed schedule. Six days works if you take darshan on the day you arrive at two of the temples.
Day 1: Pune or Mumbai to Kolhapur
Kolhapur is about 225 km from Pune (about 4 to 5 hours) and about 370 km from Mumbai (about 6 to 7 hours). Take darshan in the afternoon or evening; it runs until 8:30 pm.
Day 2: Kolhapur to Tuljapur
Take early darshan if you missed it (the temple opens at 4:00 am), then drive about 274 km (about 5 to 6 hours) to Tuljapur. Stay at one of the listed dharamshalas, such as the trust's Tulja Bhavani Vishramdham, or the MTDC guesthouse.
Day 3: Tuljapur to Mahur
Take darshan at Tuljapur in the early morning, when the temple opens at about 4:00 to 4:30 am. Then drive about 337 km via Latur and Nanded, about 6.5 to 7.5 hours. Book your night halt in advance.
Day 4: Mahur to Aurangabad
Morning darshan at Mahur, then about 390 km via Nanded to Aurangabad: about 2.5 to 3 hours back to Nanded and about 5 hours on to Aurangabad. This is the longest driving day, so start early.
Day 5: Aurangabad to Nashik or Nanduri
Nashik is about 178 km from Aurangabad, about 3 hours, and Saptashrungi is about 240 km from Aurangabad in all. Staying near Nanduri or in one of the trust's rooms puts you close for an early start.
Day 6: Saptashrungi darshan
The funicular starts at 6:00 am. If you want the 5:30 am kakad aarti, you will need to climb the steps or already be at the top. Allow about an hour if you walk up.
Day 7: Return to Nashik, Mumbai or Pune
Nashik is about 60 to 65 km away. Mumbai is about 230 to 250 km (about 5 to 6 hours) and Pune about 275 km (about 5.5 to 6.5 hours).
Sources: Zingbus: Kolhapur to Pune, Yatra.com: Kolhapur to Mumbai, Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: Services and facilities, distancebetween2.com: Nanded to Aurangabad, Zingbus: Aurangabad to Nashik, distancebetween2.com: Mumbai to Nashik, distancebetween2.com: Pune to Nashik.
Getting There and Getting Around
Pick your start city by the direction you want to travel. All road figures are approximate.
- Pune: Kolhapur about 225 km, Tuljapur about 294 km, Saptashrungi about 275 km. The Mahalaxmi, Koyna and Sahyadri Express and a Vande Bharat (since September 2024; check running days) link Pune and Kolhapur.
- Mumbai: works for either end. Kolhapur is about 370 km (Mahalaxmi and Sahyadri Express from CSMT); Saptashrungi about 230 to 250 km, or by train to Nashik Road.
- Nashik: best for a north to south trip. Saptashrungi is about 60 to 65 km away; Ozar airport is about 50 to 70 km from the temple.
- Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): roughly mid-circuit; Nashik about 178 km, Nanded about 259 km.
- Nanded: airport; Mahur about 129 km, Tuljapur about 210 km via Latur.
- Hyderabad: Tuljapur about 300 km (about 5.5 to 6.5 hours), Mahur about 420 km via Nanded.
MSRTC buses serve all four towns. Tuljapur has buses about every half hour from Latur, Solapur, Dharashiv and Naldurg; Mahur has buses from Nanded, Yavatmal and Pusad; Saptashrungi is reached by bus from Nashik to Nanduri. Kolhapur is a major bus and rail hub. For direct buses between the temples, check the MSRTC website, where you can also book tickets, or call the toll-free helpline on 1800 22 1250.
Temple costs are small: the optional Tuljapur pass is Rs 300 and the Saptashrungi funicular about Rs 90 for an adult round trip (approximate). We did not find reliable car or bus fares for the circuit, so get quotes before you book.
Sources: MSRTC: home page, Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: How to get to the temple, Nanded District: Mahur, Shri Saptashrung Nivasini Devi Trust: How to reach the gad, Wikipedia: Kolhapur to Pune Vande Bharat Express, Zingbus: Pune to Tuljapur, distancebetween2.com: Hyderabad to Nanded, Yatra.com: Hyderabad to Tuljapur, Yatradham: Saptashrungi timings and ropeway price.
When to Go
October to March is the most comfortable period for this route. At Saptashrungi it also gives clearer views; in the monsoon the hill is cloudy and the steps can be slippery.
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from 11 to 19 October, with Vijayadashami on 20 October, and all four temples are crowded through this period. Kolhapur has a different alankar each day and a palanquin procession, which goes to Temblai hill on Lalit Panchami. Mahur holds its biggest fair on Vijayadashami. For Saptashrungi timings, call the trust office on 02592-253351. Our Navratri 2026 Devi temples page covers the festival at other major shrines.
At Tuljapur, the goddess's Manchiki Nidra (ritual sleep) begins on the evening of Saturday 3 October 2026, according to Lokrajya Live. In 2025 it lasted 8 days before Navratri, and a 5-day Shramnidra rest followed Vijayadashami. Ask the temple how darshan is arranged on those days.
Outside Navratri, expect heavy crowds at Kolhapur on Shravan Mondays and during Kiranotsav (usually around 31 January to 2 February and 9 to 11 November; dates shift slightly), at Tuljapur during Shakambhari Navratri (Paush, December to January), and at Saptashrungi during the Chaitra Navratri fair from Ram Navami to Chaitra Purnima, when about 250,000 people are reported on the last day.
Sources: Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir Sansthan: Festival list, Nanded District: Mahur, Incredible India: Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Lokrajya Live: Manchiki Nidra begins Saturday, Pune Pulse: Tuljabhavani's Manchaki Nidra begins, Wikipedia: Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Hindupad: Kiran Utsav at Kolhapur, Wikipedia: Mahur, Maharashtra, Wikipedia: Saptashrungi, Tripsaffron: Saptashrungi Devi Darshan Guide.
Practical Tips
- Dress: modest, traditional clothing is advised at Kolhapur, and is a sensible choice at all four temples.
- Queues: Kolhapur queues are longest at weekends; at Tuljapur, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are usually the busiest days.
- Elderly visitors: at Mahur, cars can reach the temple parking area and dolis are usually available at the base of the steps. At Saptashrungi, use the funicular (about 3 minutes) or the elevator instead of the 510 or so steps.
Sources: VipDarshanTickets: Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Darshan 2026, TemplesTalk: Tulja Bhavani Temple Darshan 2026, Pilgrim Data Services: Renuka Devi Temple, Mahurgad, Wikipedia: Saptashrungi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sade Teen Shakti Peeth of Maharashtra?
Sade teen means three and a half. The four temples are Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur, Tulja Bhavani in Tuljapur, Renuka Devi in Mahur and Saptashrungi near Nashik, which most accounts count as the half.
Which temple is the half Shakti Peeth?
Most sources, including English and Marathi Wikipedia, name Saptashrungi at Vani in Nashik district as the half (ardha) peeth. Some accounts differ on which temple is the half, so you may hear another version locally.
How many days does the Sade Teen Shakti Peeth yatra take?
Allow 6 to 7 days by road for about 1,250 km, with a night at Aurangabad between Mahur and Saptashrungi. Six days works if you take darshan on arrival at two of the temples.
Which city is the best starting point?
Pune or Mumbai for a Kolhapur start, about 225 km and about 370 km away. To travel north to south, start at Nashik, about 60 to 65 km from Saptashrungi.
Is darshan free, or do I need a pass?
General darshan is free at Kolhapur, and Tuljapur has a free queue plus an optional Rs 300 donation pass for a faster line. The Saptashrungi trust offers general and VIP passes online. Amounts can change.
Is Navratri a good time for this yatra?
Navratri runs from 11 to 19 October 2026, with Vijayadashami on 20 October, and all four temples are crowded then. Tuljapur also has ritual rest periods before and after Navratri, so check darshan arrangements first.
Related reading: the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple guide, the Tulja Bhavani temple guide, our 51 Shakti Peethas guide, Navratri 2026 at major Devi temples and the full list of Musinara temple guides.
