Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is in Bhimashankar reserve, near Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is also the source of the River Bhima. A holy dip in the river is believed to wash all the sins of a person.

Bhimashankar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Bhimashankar (Lord Shiva)
Location	50 km North-West of Khed, near Pune, Maharashtra
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings	4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhisek, Laghurudra
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	June to August
Festivals	Mahashivratri, Karthik Poornima, Ganesh Chaturthi
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra	Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar, Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Parli Vaijnath

Bhimashankar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

• Sri Vaidyanath (in Parli)
• Sri Nageshwar (in Aundha)
• Trimbakeshwar (near Nasik)
• Sri Grishneshwar (near Aurangabad)

What are the timings of Bhimashankar Temple?

The temple opens at 4:30 AM in the morning and closes at 9:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Bhimashankar Temple are as follows:

Rituals	Timings
Darshan	4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Morning Aarti	4:30 AM – 5:00 AM
Morning Darshan	4:30 AM – 3:15 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Nijarupa Darshan	5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
Shringar Darshan	4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Evening Aarti	7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

What is the significance of Bhimashankar Temple?

The Linga of Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. These Jyotirlingas are self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva, unlike the Lingas that are instated by humans. It is said that these Jyotirlingas are when Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. The Bhimashankar Linga occurs at a lower level compared to the ground in the main sanctum.

The top of the Linga is divided by a narrow groove in the Linga. Each half of the Linga signifies Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Lord appears as “Ardhanareeshwara” in the Bhimashankar temple.

According to beliefs, water flows continuously from the Linga since time immemorial.

The River Bhima is considered sacred by the people because it is believed that the river is actually the perspiration of Lord Shankara (Shiva) after he defeated the demon Tripurasura.

The Mokshakund, located behind the Bhimashankar temple is believed to be the place where the Maharishi Kaushik (also known as Brahmarishi Vishwamitra) performed penance or Tapasya to please the Gods.

The temple administration allows pilgrims to conduct Abhishekam and Poojas to the Jyotirlinga by themselves with marigold and Bilva leaves.

What is the history of Bhimashankar Temple?

The history of the original sanctum dates back to the 13th century. Various renovations were done on the complex during different time periods. According to beliefs, in the 13th century, a woodcutter named, Bhatirao Lakhadhara, discovered the Jyotirlinga when his axe hit the tree, the ground started bleeding.

The villagers gathered there and offered milk to the tree which stopped the bleeding. The people of the village built a small temple at the site and named it the Bhimashankar Temple.

Several notable figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, and Raghunath Peshwa also regularly visited the shrine and carried out poojas and renovations. The Diwan of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis built the Shikhar of the Bhimashankar temple.

Legend of Tripurasura

As per one legend mentioned in the Matsya Puranam and the Shiva Puranam, there were three demons by the names of Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana, and together they were known as the Tripurasura. They performed Tapasya and obtained a boon from Lord Brahma. The boon was that the Gods will construct three beautiful cities, each made of gold, iron, and silver for the Asuras. All three forts together will be called Tripura. However, the prophecy said that only a single arrow can destroy the city.

Demons from all over the world came and resided at the palaces. After the initial self-enjoyment, they eventually started troubling the people of the realm. They even misbehaved with Rishis and Maharishis, terrorized the common folk and eventually challenged the Gods. Therefore, Lord Indra accompanied by other Gods went to Lord Brahma to put an end to the Tripura, but Lord Brahma could not help and asked them to request Lord Shiva. Shiva obliged and the war between the Devas and the Asuras began. He also requested the help of Goddess Parvati and both of them took the form of “Ardha-Narya-Nateshwar” and descended to the Earth.

To destroy the Tripura, Lord Shiva asked Vishwakarma to build a chariot. The chariot had special features. The Goddess Earth (Prithvi) became the chariot, Sun and Moon became the wheels, Lord Brahma became the Sarathi, Mount Meru became the bow, Serpent Vasuki was the bow-string and Lord Vishnu became the arrow. Just as the three cities aligned, Lord Shiva burned them to the ground. Then the Gods requested Lord Shiva to take rest there and make the place his home. Lord Shiva turned himself into a Linga and made the Bhimashankar mountains his home.

What is the architecture of the Bhimashankar Temple like?

The Bhimashankar temple complex is small and has a simple structure with numerous sculptures depicting different Gods and Goddesses. The architecture of the temple follows the Nagara style and the Hemadpanthi style of construction. The temple consists of Garbhagriha, Sabhamandap, and the Kurmamandap.

The main door of the Bhimashankar temple is made of solid wood with figures of several gods and goddesses. A huge bell is there at the entrance of the temple. Chimaji Appa, brother of Bajirao Peshwa I gifted this bell. Two large Nandis are also there in the Temple. The one in front of the sanctum is very old and the other one is new. One can also visit the shrines of Lord Shani, Nandi, Lord Ram, and Dutta.

What are the festivals celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhimshankar Temple are:

1. Mahashivaratri: A huge fair is organized for five days in late February or early March as a mark of their respect for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. The day is famous for rigorous poojas, bhajans, and abhishekams. Thousands of people descend on the small town to visit the glorious festival. Pradosham is also said to be celebrated here.
2. Karthik Poornima: The day falls anytime in-between November or December. On this day, Lord Shiva actually destroyed the demon kingdom of Tripura in all three realms.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi: The festival comes in August or September with great enthusiasm and cheers. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
4. Deepawali: The festival comes in October – November. People decorate the whole temple with Deepams (lamps) and priests perform special poojas for Lord Shiva throughout the day.

What are the Sevas and Poojas performed at Bhimashankar Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Bhimashankar Temple are:

• Rudrabhishek: The pooja is for Lord Shiva who the devotees worship as fire or Rudra. The pooja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences. Mondays of the month, as well as the Pradosham days, are ideal for performing the pooja.
• Laghurudra Pooja: This Abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the bad effects of planets in the horoscope.

The yearly poojas or sevas include:

1. Prati Somvar
2. Prati Pradosh
3. Prati Shivaratri
4. Prati Amavasya
5. Mahashivaratri

Besides the above poojas, a Shashvat Pooja can also be performed at the temple. One can perform these poojas for 1 day every year for a period of 20 years. The poojas are:

1. Rudrabhishek
2. Mahapuja
3. Mahapuja with Mahanaivedyam
4. Laghurudra
5. Shravan Somvar and Mahashivaratri
6. Laghurudra with Brahman Bhojan.

How to reach Bhimashankar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Bhimshankar temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is Pune Airport.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Pune, 120 km away from the temple.
• Road: Regular buses are available from Pune from 5:30 AM to 4 PM. A bus also from Kalyan starts at 9 AM and one from Ghatkopar or Kurla at 11 AM

Where to stay nearby?

Limited options are available for staying near the Bhimashankar temple. The temple administration runs a guesthouse named Jeevan Guest House that provides the basic facilities. However, nearby towns have options like the Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort, Ecogreens Sankalp Farms, and Holiday Maiyaan Karjat.

Where to eat nearby?

Several small restaurants are present near the temple premises such as Shivshakti and Shankar Vishranti where the visitors can eat. The cuisine available is a mix of both North Indian and South Indian food items. Moreover, the food items available here are primarily vegetarian.

What are some temples near Bhimshankar Temple?

Some of the temples near Bhimshankar temple are:

• Gupt Bhimashankar: A small trekking path from the Bhimashankar temple will lead you to the place of discovery of the Jyotirlinga. The Linga is on the banks of a waterfall and has greenery around.
• Sakshi Ganapati Temple: The temple is 2 km away from the Bhimashankar temple. The Ganapati here is “Sakshi” because he is the witness to the visit of the pilgrims to the Jyotirlinga. He keeps the attendance of whoever visits the Bhimashankar shrine. The pilgrims visit the temple to show their respects to the Lord Ganapati and Lord Shiva.
• Kamalaja Devi Temple: The temple is for Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. She helped the Lord in his battle against the demons. Also, She sits on a lotus in this temple.

Some other famous temples in Maharashtra are:

• Ozar Ganapati Temple: It is a Ganesha Vinayak temple. The idol form worshipped here is called Vigneshwara. It is associated with the legend of Ganesha defeating Vignasura, the demon of obstacles. The temple is one of the Ashtavinayak Temples, the eight holy shrines of Ganesha in Maharashtra, India.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bhimshankar Temple

Parli Vaijnath Temple or Parli Vaidyanath Temple is located in Parli, in the state of Maharashtra and belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The Vaijnath Temple Linga is also popular as Dhanavantari and Amriteshwari. The Linga consists of the Saligram stone and has a very smooth surface.

Parli Vaijnath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Vaijnath (Lord Shiva)
Location	Parli, Maharashtra
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings	5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhisek
Entry Fee	General Darshan – Free VIP Darshan – Rs. 150/- per person
Best Time to Visit	June to August
Festivals	Shravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Nearest Airport	Nanded
Nearest Railway Station	Parli
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra	Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar, Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar

Parli Vaijnath Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

• Sri Nageshwar (in Aundha)
• Trimbakeshwar (near Nasik)
• Sri Grishneshwar (near Aurangabad)
• Bhimashankar Temple (near Pune)

What are the timings of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

The timings of the Parli Vaijnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals	Timings
Darshan	5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Abhishek	5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja	1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Bhasma Pooja	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

What is the significance of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

People believe that since Lord Vishnu hid both the Amrit and the Dhanavantari in the Linga,  anyone who touches the Linga can receive the power of Amrit. Parli is also a meeting place of Hari Hara. Festivals of both Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are celebrated here.

Devotees are allowed to touch the Parli Vaijnath Linga during worshipping and this helps in healing and reaping various health benefits. In fact, devotees themselves perform the Abhisheka here and they use the Bilva leaves purchased outside the Parli Vaijnath Temple precincts.

Devotees from all walks of life, castes, and religion are welcome to visit this sacred Parli Vaijnath Temple. There is absolutely no discrimination. According to Puranas, Lord Vaidhyanath blessed sage Markandeya and he became immortal.

Rani Ahilyabai brought in special stones from the Trishul Devi mountain range for the Parli Vaijnath renovation. A minaret outside the Parli Vaijnath has special Gwakshas (windows). When the sun’s rays pass through the windows, they fall directly on the Shiva Linga. at this time, the priests offer special prayers and poojas to the Sun God.

What is the history of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The history of Parli Vaijnath Temple is that it was built in the 1700s. It was renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom at that time. Two very popular legends are associated with this temple. One legend talks about the Amrit and the other talks about the demon king Ravana and his quest to own Shiva.

Legend of the Amrit

When the Gods and Demons were churning the ocean and competing for the Divine Nectar or Amrit, fourteen gems emerged from the process. It included Dhanavantari and Amrit.

Just as the demons were about to pounce on the Amrit, Lord Vishnu grabbed both Dhanwantri and Amrit and hid them inside a Shiva Linga. The angered demons tried to break the Linga, but when they touched it bright light emanated. This scared the demons and they fled from the place.

Since this is the place where the Devas successfully received the Amrit, the village became popular as Vaijayanthi and therefore the temple as Parli Vaijnath.

Legend of Ravana and Shiva Linga

The demon King Ravana did severe penance and even cut off his heads to please Lord Shiva. Moved by his sacrifice, Lord Shiva offered several boons, and Ravana requested that Lord Shiva come to Lanka. The Lord accepted and instructed Ravana to carry his Shiva Linga and warned him not to keep it down anywhere till he reached his destination.

During the journey, Ravana wanted to take a break and instructed a shepherd to carry the Linga for a while. Unaware of the Lord’s instruction, the shepherd put the heavy Linga down for a brief moment. The Lord thus stayed there at the place and became popular as Vaidhyanath.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Parli Vaijnath Temple are:

Pooja	Timings
Somvar Pooja	Every Monday
Shadopachar	5:00 AM
Shringar Pooja	6:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Mahashivaratri, Vaikunth Chaturdashi, Tripuri Pournima, Vijayadashami and Chaitra Padva are important festivals. There is a unique practice during these festivals – priests present Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, which is usually an offering to Shiva. Similarly, they offer the Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva, which is usually an offering to Vishnu.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath are:

• Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the entire village of Parli.
• Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
• Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to Reach Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Parli Vaijnath:

• Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded, 105 km from the Parli Vaijnath.
• Train: The nearest station is Parli and is 2 km from the Parli Vaijnath. Direct trains operate from Secunderabad, Kakinada, Manmad, Vishakapatnam, and Bangalore.
• Road: Several buses connect from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities.

Where to stay near Parli?

There are a number of budget accommodations available at Parli where one can stay. You can also find accommodation in the state-run MTDC cottages.

Where to eat nearby?

Most of the hotels that offer accommodation also have in-house restaurants where travelers can eat. Restaurants can be found at the Parli Vaijnath temple area. Travelers usually choose to eat in Ambajogai area, which is 20 km away from the Parli Vaijnath, as one can find more restaurant options in this area.

What are some temples nearby?

Some temples near Parli Vaijnath are:

1. Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai: The Yogeshwari Temple is for Goddess Yogeshwari who married Parli Vaijnath. Puranas say that by the time the wedding party arrived at Parli, the auspicious time had passed and the entire party turned into stone. The Yogeshwari temple is 25 km from Ambajogai.
2. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra is the first of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is 118 km from the Parli Vaidhyanath temple.  Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the temple during their exile. It is a part of the well known 5 Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra.
3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 387 km from Parli Vaijnath. The Linga here is self-manifested and is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
4. Grisheshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Temple is located in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. Grishneshwar temple is 246 km from Parli.
5. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 397 km from Vaijnath Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parli Vaijnath Temple

Aundha Nagnath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples) in Hingoli, Maharashtra is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Lord Nagnath in this region. The devotees praying to Lord Nagnath believe that the Lord will guide them to the correct path of life, just as he did with demons at Darukavane.

Aundha Nagnath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Nagnath (Lord Shiva)
Location	Hingoli, Maharashtra
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings	4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhishek
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	June to August
Festivals	Shravan Maas, Mahashivratri, Vijayadashami
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra	Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar, Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar

Aundha Nagnath Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

• Parli Vaidyanath Temple (in Parli)
• Trimbakeshwar Temple (near Nasik)
• Grishneshwar Temple (in Aurangabad)
• Bhimashankar Temple (near Pune)

What are the timings of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The temple opens at 4:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Aundha Nagnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals	Timings
Darshan	4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas	4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja	1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja	4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

What is the significance of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

It is a popular belief that the Nagesh Linga or the Jyotirlinga is the Adhya or the first Jyotirlinga on Earth. Devotees believe that by praying at this temple, one can protect themselves against all kinds of poisons.

Since this form of Shiva is Nagnath since he has a snake around his neck. This association with snakes has led to a belief that this Linga is very powerful and potent against negating the harmful effects of all poisons. Devotees have often sighted snakes with open hoods guarding the Linga.

What is the history of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The history of Aundha Nagnath Temple dates back to the period of Pandavas. Yudhistra, the eldest among the Pandavas, first built this majestic temple during his exile. It is also believed that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to raze down the Aundha Nagnath temple. But it is said that a swarm of bees attacked his men and Aurangzeb gave up and left the temple.

However, damages were made, to a certain extent, to this sacred Jyotirlinga. Later, Rani Ahalyabai Holkar, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, repaired and renovated the temple.

Sant Namdev Maharaj was a well-known saint and poet. He is also considered as one of the Gurus in Sikhism and his writings are a part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs.

It is believed that he used to sing praises of Lord Shiva every day at the temple. But the priests objected to this saying that it disturbed their routines. They drove him away. Since he was such a staunch devotee, the Lord turned the temple to face him and the priests were left facing the back of the temple. Thus, the entire temple stands rotated and directions of the Linga and Nandi are different from other temples.

What is the legend of the Jyotirlinga?

During their exile, the Pandavas built their hermitage in a forest in this region of Hingoli. The cows from their hermitage drank the water from the nearby river and released milk into the river. Bhima noticed this one day and informed Yudhistra.

The Pandavas felt the presence of a great God residing in the river. Thus, they began to remove the water. Beyond a certain point, the water was boiling hot. Bhima struck the river thrice with his mace. Blood started oozing from the spot and a Linga emerged. Yudhistra then built a temple and instated the Jyotirlinga.

What is the legend of Nageshwar Darukavane?

The Aundha region was lush with thick forests in which serpents lived. It was popular as Darukavane, named after the Asuras – Daruk and Daruka. The demons harassed the hermits living in the area and imprisoned them. This angered the Gods who fought the demons and drove them away.

But Daruka was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was blessed by a boon from Goddess Parvati.

The boon gave them the power to shift the entire forest into an island. And the demons continued to harass the hermits from the island. Among the imprisoned hermits was an ardent devotee Lord Shiva named, Supriya. She invoked the powerful Rudra Mantra along with the priests. Lord Shiva then appeared and destroyed the demons.

Daruka repented for their sins and asked for Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. He requested that he stay in the forest. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati accepted his request and assumed the form of a Jyotirlinga. They stayed in Darukavane as Lord Nageshwar and Nageshwari.

What is the structure of Aundha Nagnath Temple like?

The Aundha Nagnath Temple structure is strong as it consists of stones from the Pandava period. Therefore, the temple is nearly 3000 years old.

The Garbhagriha and Linga are in the basement level and devotees have to climb down to worship the main deity. The Linga faces the South and the Gomukha faces the East. The corridors of this temple are huge and are supported by eight pillars in an oval shape. The Garbhagriha consists of the Nagesha Lingamurthi inside.

One of the shrines inside the Aundha Nagnath Temple complex houses the Runomochan Teerth as is also famous as Saas Teerth and Bahu Teerth (Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law). Interestingly, the Saas Teerth has brackish water while the Bahu Teerth has sweet water. Once every 12 years during Kapila Shashti, the water from Kashi Ganga is offered here and the water of the teerth would turn crystal clear.

What are the poojas and rituals of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The poojas that take place at Aundha Nagnath Temple are:

Pooja	Timing
Rudrabhishek Pooja	4:05 AM
Aarti Pooja	12:00 PM
Shrisnan Pooja	4:00 PM
Shejaarti Pooja	11:00 AM
Sayarakchai Pooja	8:30 PM

The rituals that take place at Aundha Nagnath are:

Rituals
Rudrabhishek
Dudhabhishek
Rudrabhishek with Bhog
Char Somvar (four Mondays) Ek Ammavasya Rudrabhishek
Ek Shravan Maas Akhand Jyot
Rudrabhishek for one year every Somvar
Ek Somvar 1008 Bilva Patra Abhishek
Laghurudra by 11 Brahmins
Ek Shravan Maas Jalabhishek
Ek Shravan Maas Doodh and Bilva Patra Abhishek
Char Somvar Ek Ammavasya Rudrabhishek with Doodh
Ek Somvar 1008 Mahamrityunjaya Jaap

What are the festivals celebrated at Aundha Nagnath?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Aundha Nagnath Temple are:

• Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
• Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
• Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to reach Aundha Nagnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Aundha Nagnath Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded which is 54 km from Aundha Nagnath.
• Rail: The nearest stations Parbhani is 50 km from the temple. One can also find connecting trains to the Hingoli junction.
• Road: There are buses connecting from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities of Maharashtra.

Where to stay nearby?

There few accommodation options at Aundha Nagnath Temple. Travelers mostly stay at Nanded or Parbhani.

Where to eat nearby?

Restaurant options at Aundha Nagnath Temple are very few. Travelers eat at Dhabbas which one can find on the highway or at the hotels in Nanded and Parbhani.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Aundha Nagnath are:

• Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple: The Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple is in Shirad Shahapur Village and is for Lord Mallinath. This 300-year-old temple is 15 km from Aundha.
• Parli Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga Temple: This temple is in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 118 km from the Aundha. Devotees believe that praying at this temple improves health conditions.
• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 465 km from Aundha Nagnath Temple.
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: This Jyotirlinga is in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. The Grishneshwar temple is 227 km from Aundha.
• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 286 km from Aundha Nagnath Temple and the Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aundha Nagnath Temple

Grishneshwar Temple is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This temple is nearly 3000 years old and the Linga faces east. The sanctum sanctorum includes Lord Grishneshwar and his consort Grishneshwari.

Grishneshwar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Grishneshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location	Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings	5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhishek
Entry Fee	Free
Dress Code	Men: Dhoti, No shirt; Women: Saree, Churidar
Best Time to Visit	June to August
Festivals	Shravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra	Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar, Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Bhimashankar

The Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

• Parli Vaidyanath Temple (in Parli)
• Trimbakeshwar Temple (near Nasik)
• Aundha Nagnath Temple (in Hingoli)
• Bhimashankar Temple (near Pune)

Grishneshwar Temple Timings

Grishneshwar temple opens at 05:30 am in the morning and closes at 09:30 pm in the evening. During the month of Shravan, the temple remains open between 03:00 am to 11:00 pm. The time required for Darshan: 1 to 2 hours depending on the crowd.

The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Grishneshwar Temple are as follows:

Rituals	Timings
Darshan	5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas	3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja	1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja	4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

What are the sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar Temple?

The sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar temple are:

Timings	From
Mangal Arati	4 AM
Jalhari Sanghan	8 AM
Maha Prashad	12 PM
Jalhari Sagan	4 PM
Evening Aarti	7:30 PM
Night Aarti	10 PM

What is the significance of Grishneshwar Temple?

The significance of the temple is that the pilgrims believe that by paying a visit to the Grishneshwar temple, one can reap the benefits of worshiping all the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is also said that the Grishneshwar temple is a classic example of the pre-historic style of architecture and has beautiful carvings.

Devotees can see the marriage scene of the Lord and his consort in the temple murals and carving. The Grishneshwar temple also houses a well that springs holy water.

What is the history of Grishneshwar Temple?

The history of Grishneshwar temple speaks of Maloji Bhosle, an ardent devotee and chief of the Verul village. He built the temple in the 16^th century after he found a treasure hidden inside an anthill. Rani Ahilyabai Holker, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, renovated the temple in the 17^th century.

According to the Shiva Purana, several legends are associated with this ancient place of worship:

Legend of Shivalay

The legend of Shivalay states that during his hunting expeditions, the king of Verul killed animals living in the hermitage of Rishis. This angered the Rishis who cursed the king and insects swarmed over his body. The king wandered in the forest and came across a hole with water flowing from it.

The moment he started drinking the water, the insects miraculously vanished from his body. The overwhelmed king did severe penance in that place. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma blessed the king and created a lake that came to be known as Shivalay.

Legend of Kumkumeshwar

Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi were residing in the Sahyadri range, near Shivalay. One day, when the Goddess was about to apply vermilion, she mixed it with the Shivalay water. The vermilion then transformed into a Linga, emitting a radiant ray of light.

Since the Linga emerged from the vermilion, this Jyotirlinga was initially called Kumkumeshwar. But the Goddess named it Grishneshwar since she believed the Linga came from the rubbing action, and the word Grish means friction.

Legend of Ghushmeswar

A great Brahmin scholar, Brahmavetta Sudharm and his wife, Sudeha, lived in the southern mountain of Devagiri (later known as Daulatabad). They were childless, and an agonized Sudeha persuaded her sister Ghushma to marry Sudharm so that they could have a child together.

Eventually, Ghushma and Sudharm had a son much to the envy of Sudeha. The boy grew up to be a handsome young man and eventually got married. Unable to cope with jealous feelings, Sudeha killed the boy when he was asleep and threw the body into a lake.

A deeply grieving Gushma continued with her routine. During her morning ritual of visiting the lake where she usually made and worshipped a hundred Lingas, she saw her son emerging from the lake. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her and said that Sudeha had killed her son.

Pleased with Gushma’s devotion, he gave back her son and also granted her a boon. Then Ghushma requested the Lord to forgive her sister and also to remain in the place. The Lord accepted her request and continued to reside there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Hence, he took the name Ghushmeswar in Gushma’s honor.

What is the architecture of Grishneshwar Temple like?

History lovers would find the temple engrossing as several rock carvings of Maratha heroes are preserved beautifully in the temple. Devotees and visitors find the brilliant five-tiered Shikhara (temple tower) amazing.

The Shikara also includes intricate carvings of the Dasavathar, which appear resplendent in the red volcanic rock. Devotees also marvel at the statue of Nandikeshwara that adorns the court hall.

What are the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple are:

• Mahashivaratri: Like all important Shiva temples, the Maha Shivaratri festival is a grand event at Grishneshwar temple. It is the main festival here. Crores of devotees make a trip to this town to catch a glimpse of the Lord on this auspicious day that falls in February/March every year.
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this festival is celebrated in August / September
• Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri is celebrated across India for nine days. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Grishneshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Grishneshwar Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, and there are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
• Train: Aurangabad is the nearest railway station. Manmad is also closer and better connected.
• Road: From Pune: 256 km/4.5 hours. From Nasik: 187 km/3 hours. From Shirdi: 122 km/2.5 hours.

Where to stay nearby?

Grishneshwar Temple is situated in a small village called Verul and there aren’t many accommodation options available nearby. Devotees usually stay either in Daulatabad or Aurangabad, with the latter offering more choices of accommodation. You can expect mostly budget accommodations in Daulatabad.

Where to eat in Grishneshwar?

Several devotees partake the free lunch provided at the temple. There are not many restaurant options in Verul. However, one can find several good standalone restaurants in Aurangabad.

What are some temples near Grishneshwar Temple?

Some of the temples near Grishneshwar are:

• Ellora Caves: The Ellora Caves is a collection of Hindu caves, Buddhist caves, and Jain caves and is an excellent example of religious harmony during the ancient period. The Ellora Caves are within a 1 km distance from Grishneshwar Temple.
• Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. The Bhadra Maruti Temple also enjoys the reputation of being the only Hanuman temple with the deity in reclining or sleeping position. The temple is just 6 km away from the Grishneswar Temple.
• Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra, is the first of the Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is 227 km from the Grishneshwar temple. According to beliefs, Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the Temple during their exile.
• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 201 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga here is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
• Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 246 km from the Grishneshwar Temple. Moreover, devotees believe that health conditions improve by praying at this temple.
• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 214 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grishneshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar Temple is located in Nasik, Maharashtra. It is a part of the holy Jyotirlinga pilgrimage. It is also one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar Temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva and like all the Jyotirlingas, it is worshipped as Swayambhu. The temple is also the source of the holy river Godavari. Our guide explains Trimbakeshwar Darshan Timings, Importance, Poojas, History, How to Reach Trimbakeshwar and Best Time to Visit.

Trimbakeshwar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Trimbakeshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location	Nasik, Maharashtra
Tour	5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Poojas	Maharudrabhishek, Narayan Nagbali
Best Time to Visit	June to August
Festivals	Shravan Maas, Mahashivratri

https://youtu.be/DjBv-Ua8L10

The Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

• Parli Vaidyanath Temple (in Parli)
• Grishneshwar Temple (in Aurangabad)
• Aundha Nagnath Temple (in Hingoli)
• Bhimashankar Temple (near Pune)

What are the timings of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Trimbakeshwar temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. Rudrabhishek timings are from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. General darshan is allowed from a distance of 5 meters. Only men who perform special poojas are permitted to enter the inner sanctum.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan Timings	5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Rudrabhisek Timings	7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Special Pooja Timings	7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM
Afternoon Pooja	1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Shiva Golden Crown	4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

On every Monday of the month, a procession is carried out in a Palki, which carries the silver Panch Mukhi Mukhota from the Trimbakeshwar temple to the Kushavarta tank and back.

What are the Poojas and Rituals at Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Here’s the list of poojas and sevas at Trimbakeshwar temple:

1. Kaalsarpa Pooja: The pooja is performed for people facing planetary disturbances in their life. The devotee should first take a bath in the holy Kushavarta and ask forgiveness for any sin that he committed knowingly or unknowingly. Donations like sesame, ghee, butter, milk, cow, gold and other such items are made to God. Devotees also worship Naag (cobra) in this pooja. Therefore, performing this pooja on the day of Naag Panchami is highly auspicious.
2. Narayan Nagbali Pooja: This pooja removes the ancestral curses on the family also known as the Pitru-Dosh. It also calms down souls who had unfinished desires before they departed. The Nagbali Pooja further seeks forgiveness for killing a Naag (cobra). The priest creates an artificial body of wheat flour on which he performs all the rites for the dead. He then chants mantras that free the souls from the Earth. The pooja is unique to the Trimbakeshwar temple and lasts for three days. Pitru Paksha is a good time to perform this pooja.
3. The Tripindi Shraddha Pooja: This pooja is for the departed, angry souls angry. It is also for problems like hurdles in childbirth, bad luck, ancestral Moksha, and for removing Gau Hatya dosha.
4. Mahamrityunjaya Pooja: The Mahamritunjay Jaap is for long and healthy life and to get rid of prolonged sickness. This pooja is one of the most powerful methods of worshipping Lord Shiva.
5. Rudrabhishek: This abhishek is performed with Panchamrit (Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar) amongst the recital of several mantras and shlokas.

Poojas like the Ganga Pooja, Ganga Bhet, and Tarpan Shraddha are also performed at the Trimbakeshwar temple so that the souls of the ancestors can rest in peace.

What is the significance of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The Linga present here is called as Trimbaka or Trayambaka. It is named so because it contains three Lingas (small thumb-sized) representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Some people also believe that it is because Lord Shiva has three eyes.

The Trimbakeshwar temple is the only Jyotirlinga where the actual Linga is present in a depression or a cavity.

Devotees also believe that the eyes of the three Lingas are representations of Sun, Moon, and Fire each facing in different directions. It is said that the one who worships this Linga, worships all the three Gods at once and attains salvation.

The three Lingas of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are usually covered with a silver crown depicting their faces. However, on special occasions like Mahashivaratri, Karthik Purnima and Dussehra, a golden crown studded with diamonds and rubies is kept over the three Lingas. It is believed that the Peshwas donated the crown to the temple and that the crown actually belonged to the Pandavas.

Other significant mentions:

The famous saint Sri Nivruttinath, who initiated the Nath community attained his Samadhi here at Trimbakeshwar. A temple dedicated to his mass knowledge of Shastras can be visited here.

As per the Skanda Puran, Padma Puran and the Dharma Sindhu, the unique ceremony of Narayan Nagbali (to remove Pitru Dosh) can only be performed at the Trimbakeshwar temple in India.

The beautiful and popular Nassak Diamond often counted among the 24 great diamonds in world history has its origin in the temple of Trimbakeshwar. The British East India Company captured the diamond and sold it to jewelers in Britain. It has changed hands since and is currently a property of Edward J. Hand from Connecticut.

A dip in the Kushavarta pond, the source of River Godavari is believed to wipe off sins from human’s life. The pond is the starting point for Kumbh Mela, which takes place every twelve years. The venue of Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy cities of Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik, and Ujjain. In Nasik, the Kumbh Mela is called the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

According to the legend, Nasik is one of the places where Lord Vishnu dropped four drops of Amrit that he was carrying in a Kumbh (pot). Hence, taking a dip in these places is considered extremely sacred and spiritual.

What is the history of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The history of the Trimbakeshwar temple relates to a legend of Rishi Gautam. According to beliefs, the land was a Tapobhoomi in the Satya Yuga, when many Rishis and Munis (Sages) lived here, including Gautam Rishi.  He lived at Trimbak with his wife Ahilya.

Once, there was a massive drought and the world was suffering from the lack of water. Gautam Rishi offered prayers to God Varuna (God of water). God Varuna accepted his prayers and offered him a tank that provided a never-ending supply of water. Using this water, the Rishi grew agricultural crops like rice, wheat, and other vegetables. Then he fed them to the other Rishis residing there.

After a period of time, some of the other Rishis grew jealous and wanted to interrupt Gautam Rishi. So, they prayed to Lord Ganesha asking him to send a cow to the Rishi’s field which would later die. However, Lord Ganesha warned the Rishis that this will not end well for them. But he still sent a cow into the field. Gautam Rishi saw it and then threw the Darbha grass to frighten it. But the cow died on the field.

Gautam Rishi and his wife Ahilya did penance to Lord Shiva. Shiva, happy with their devotion, ordered Ganga to come down to the Earth.

The River Ganga flowed down on Earth from the Brahmagiri hill and Gautam Rishi trapped it in a Kund (pond) called Kushavarta in the present day. He took a bath in it for purification. The River was Dakshin Ganga and is now famous as Godavari and Gauthami.

Then Gautam Rishi along with other Gods and the Godavari requested Lord Shiva to take abode here. Lord Shiva acknowledged them and turned into a Linga to stay there.

The Maratha ruler Nana Saheb Peshwa constructed the current Trimbakeshwar temple in the 18th century. Later, Shreemant Rao Saheb extended the Trimbakeshwar temple around the Kushavarta Kund and improved the approach to the tank.

Lingodbhava Formation

Devotees believe that after Lord Brahma lied to Lord Shiva on finding the end of the endless pillar of fire emanating from Lord Shiva, He cursed Lord Brahma that devotees will not worship him. This angered Lord Brahma and in turn, he cursed Lord Shiva. This pushed Lord Shiva under the ground. As a result, Lord Shiva’s Linga in Trimbakeshwar is under the ground level.

What are the festivals celebrated at Trimbakehswar Temple?

How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple:

• Road: Buses are connecting from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and other nearby cities of Maharashtra.
• Rail: The nearest stations Nasik is 29.5 km from the temple.
• Air: The nearest airport is in Nasik which is 54 km from Trimbakeshwar.

Where to stay nearby?

The Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Holiday Resort offers a variety of rooms ranging from standard, AC, and Non AC. The town is host to a variety of small private hotels and lodges — also, Nasik city, is just 25 km away from the Trimbakeshwar Temple. One can stay there too.

Where to eat near the temple?

A few small vegetarian restaurants serve good quality food at reasonable rates. One must not consume alcohol near the Trimbakeshwar temple premises. The town does not serve non-vegetarian food. The cuisine mainly includes traditional Maharashtrian as well as North Indian and South Indian dishes.

What are some temples nearby?

Some temples near Trimbakeshwar temple are:

• Kedareshwar Temple: The temple is on the South-East corner of the Kushavarta pond. The presiding deity is Sri Kedareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva who appeared as Kedarbhatta and forgave the sins of Saint Gauthama. People believe that dead human bones disappear from the Temple.
• Nivruttinath Temple: The Sage Nivruttinath, who started the Nath community and had immense knowledge of the Shastras, took Samadhi here. The temple is dedicated to him and is near Gangadwar.
• Kushavarta: The holy pond is just 5 minutes from the Trimbakeshwar temple. This is the place where River Dakshin Ganga (Godavari) collects and distributes itself to the rest of India. The pond is the starting point for Kumbh Mela that occurs every twelve years. As per the Government rules, the Sadhus who follow Vaishnavism take a bath in the Godavari at Ram Kund and those who follow Shaivism take a dip in this pond.
• Shri Nilambika Temple /Dattatreya Temple: The temple is at the top of the Neel Parbat peak on the eastern side of the Brahmagiri hill. Devotees believe that all the three Goddesses Parvati, Renuka (Lakshmi) and Manananba (Saraswati) came to visit during his penance. After the penance, he requested them to stay at the place.
• Anjaneri Temple: The temple is for Lord Anjaneya or Lord Hanuman. According to beliefs, the hill is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

Besides these temples, there are several holy places of importance near the Trimbakeshwar temple. Some of them are:

• The Brahmagiri Hill: The hill is the origin of River Godavari, which flows from the hill on three sides. The east-flowing stream is the Godavari. The one to the south is Vaitarna and the one facing west is Ganga. One has to climb 500 steps to reach the peak. The five peaks of this mountain are Sadyo-Jata, Vamdev, Aghora, Ishana, and Tat-Purusha.
• The Indra Teertha: This teertha is in the east of the Kushavarta Kund. Devotees believe that Lord Indra took bath in this tank to wipe off the curse given by Rishi Gautam for misbehaving with the Rishi’s wife, Ahilya. A temple for Lord Indra depicts Indra sitting on an Airavat, the elephant.
• Ahilya Sangam Teertha: Legend says that during the deep penance performed by Rishi Gautam, a friend of Ganga. by the name of Jatila, took the form of Ahilya, his wife. But Rishi Gautam recognized the imposter and cursed her that she will turn into a river. However, Jatila begged for forgiveness. Then Saint Gautam said that the curse will lift only when she joins the River Godavari. The Ahilya Sangam Teertha is the place where the river of Jatila joins the River Godavari.

Some other famous temples in Maharashtra are:

• Shani Shingnapur Temple
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Frequently Asked Questions about Trimbakeshwar Temple