Credit: Aanup Bhansali
About Sri Vaijnath Temple
Located in the heart of Parli Vaijnath in the Beed district, Sri Vaijnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple . It hholdsan esteemed place among Maharashtra’s top pilgrimage sites, also known as Aundha Nahgnath Temple. With its deep historical significance and spiritual allure, devotees and explorers from all corners of the world are drawn to its sacred grounds.
Nestled in the enchanting landscape of Maharashtra, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its among the twelve revered Jyotirilnga shrines in India. It is believed that jyotirlingas are self-manifested lingams representing the divine form energy of Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the epic Mahabharat and Ramayana.
History
With its unique architectural styles and cultural influences, many historians speculate the exact origin of the temple around the 12th or 13th century CE, back to the Yadava period. In 1706, the temple was renovated by Ahalyadevi Holkar.
Legends and Myths
In one of the fabled stories, the temple is associated with Satyavan and Savitri. In another story, Ravana was travelling to Lanka with the sacred Shivlinga. He halted at Parli and sought the help of a herdsman to hold the Shivlinga temporarily. However, the herdsman could not bear the weight for long and thus established the Jyotirlingas at the sacred spot.
Architecture of Sri Vaijnath Temple
Perched upon a hill, the temple is built from Shaligram stone. It’s a unique and revered material, often associated with the Lord Vishnu.
The temple is designed in such a way that, facing eastward, it exudes a sense of harmony and alignment with cosmic forces. While the entrance in the north and south directions symbolizes a welcoming of energies from all corners of the world.
The Auspicious Occasions
During festivals such as Ekdashi, Vijaydashami, and Maha Shivaratri, temples come alive with a vibrant tapestry of devotees flocking to the temple.
Timings and Beyond
Sri Vaijnath Temple’s gates are open to visitors from 5 AM to 3.30 PM and again from 6 PM to 9 PM.