Describe major sanctuaries in India and Maharashtra?

India is home to numerous major sanctuaries that are dedicated to various deities and are considered sacred by millions of people. Some of the major sanctuaries in India include:

1. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: Located in the Trikuta Mountains, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.

2. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh: This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the richest and most visited temples in India.

3. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab: Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, this Sikh gurdwara is considered the holiest shrine in Sikhism. It is known for its golden dome and the sacred pool of water surrounding it.

4. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River.

5. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha: This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is known for its annual Rath Yatra festival.

In Maharashtra, some of the major sanctuaries include:

1. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai: This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most popular temples in Mumbai. It is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees who visit it.

2. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi: This temple is dedicated to the revered saint Sai Baba and is visited by millions of devotees every year. It is known for its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

3. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located near the source of the Godavari River.

4. Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur: This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mahalakshmi and is one of the Shakti Peethas in India. It is known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.

5. Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located near the famous Ellora Caves.

Major Sanctuaries in India

- Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka: Known for its tiger population and vast forests.
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: India's first national park, famous for its tiger sightings.
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its one-horned rhinos.
- Manas National Park, Assam: Another UNESCO site, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including golden langurs.
- Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala: Located in the Western Ghats, home to tigers, elephants, and various bird species.
- Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal: The largest mangrove forest in the world, home to the Royal Bengal tiger.

Major Sanctuaries in Maharashtra

- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: Located in the Vidarbha region, known for its tiger population and scenic landscapes.
- Melghat Tiger Reserve: Situated in the Satpura Hills, home to tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai: An urban forest within Mumbai, providing a habitat for leopards, langurs, and other animals.
- Chandoli National Park: Located in the Konkan region, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards and tigers.
- Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its bird watching opportunities, with over 200 bird species recorded.