Thane also known as “Shri Sthanak”, meaning residence of Ganesh or Ganapati is supposed to be the cultural cradle of Maharashtra with many historic temples, centres of pilgrimage and ancient places of worship spread across its boundaries. This region has many temples with a historic background where devotees flock in large numbers.
The ancient Ganesh Mandir in Titwala is easily accessible from Mumbai and Thane. While constructing lake in this place Peshwa sardar Ramchandra Mehendale identified this historic idol and Madhavrao Peshwe preserved the idol. A strong faith among the Ganesh devotees assumes that if someone is worshiping this Mahaganapati all his wishes will be fulfilled. Hoards of devotees visit this temple throughout the year but it is mostly bustled on Tuesday’s and Ganesh Chaturthis. The premises of temple are best preserved and decorated with a small lake and a garden at backyards of the temple. Temples of Lord Shiva and Goddess Laxmi are located in the vicinity of Ganesh Mandir. This temple is the most popular Ganesh temples of this region. It can be accessed from Titwala railway station from where one can hire the Tongas or horse carts which will take you to the temple. These horse cart ride is special attraction of the place which is rarely seen in cities nowadays. Lodging and boarding facilities are available near temple. Nearby places to visit include shiva temple in vasundry village, satis memorial and Jaypal maharaj’s Samadhi.
The Shiva temple of Ambernath which is well known as Ambreshwar Shiva temple is located at just two km from Ambernath railway station. The temple built approximately thousand years back is the best example of architectural marvel of those days. According to historical records Shilhara king Chittaraja constructed it and his son Mummuni renovated it. The temple built in most popular Hemadpanthi style of those days is carved out of stones. Another legend says that it was built by the Pandvas in a single night. The inner portion called Gabhara can be reached by stepping down where a shivling is placed at the center. The temple is bustled with devotees during Mondays and on yearly occasion of Mahashivaratri. Two days prior to Mahashivaratri a fair starts at temple premises which continue one day after Shivaratri. Best time to visit this temple is Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan which is supposed to be best time to worship lord Shiva.
Ganeshpuri temple in Thane is the prime place of worship which is just thirty km by road from Vasai or Virar. It can also be reached easily from Mumbai, Pune and Bhiwandi by road and by state transport busses. It is said that the founders of this temple were Swami Nityananda and Swami Muktananda who were much helpful to the Adivasis and local tribes of the region. It is spread into huge acres of land.This most popular pilgrimage centre of Maharashtra is visited by devotees from many distant places. It is superbly located on the backdrop of a valley on the banks of Tansa River offering fascinating views of countryside landscapes. The hilly region and dense forests offer a serene atmosphere to the visitors. Prime attraction of this place is ashram of Swami Nityanand Maharaj located on tranquil banks of Tansa River. Gurudev Siddha Peeth was founded by Swami Niravanand in 1949. Swami Muktanand named it Shree Gurudev Ashram to remember his Guru. Ganeshpuri was more popular for its hot water springs since the days before the ashram was established in this region. Even today many people visit this place for taking a dip in the hot water springs of Ganeshpuri. Nearby places to visit are Vajreshwari temple and Jivdani temple.