• Shiva

Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Overview


The Aundha Nagnath Temple is located in Aundha Nagnath, in Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Jyotirlingas. This place is about 100 km from Aurangabad.


About the Temple


The temple was built in the 13th Century in the Yadava regime. It was initially a seven-storied structure. But owing to attacks from the Mughal Army during Aurangzeb's regime had destroyed most parts of this temple. The temple is carved out of stone per the Hemadpanti design. The walls and ceilings are covered with carvings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The entrance and the crowning have been renovated and painted white. The sanctum is inside a narrow cave. This cave is almost at the basement and very few people can fit inside it at one time. In such a narrow space, the sounds of the chants and hymns reverberate and create a mystical atmosphere. The main temple premises also house twelve smaller temples for the other deities like Maharsi Veda Vyasa, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Nilakanteshwar, Pandavas, Lord Dattatreya and Dashavatara. There is also a Shani (saturn) temple nearby with two water tanks named - Sash Kund and Bahu Kund.There is also a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar (Queen of Maratha) who was a great Shiv devotee, at the entrance of the temple.


About The Deity


Lord Shiva here is present in his Linga form. This temple is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country Each Jyotirlinga temples takes different manifestation of Lord Shiva and the idol of Lingam is considered as a presiding deity in every Jyotirlinga temples. Lingam represents the beginning less and endless, which symbolizes the infinite nature of Lord Shiva.


Legend and Stories


According to legend, this temple has been built by Yudhistir (eldest Pandav) while on their Vanvas (forest journey) for 14 years. This temple is revered by the Varkari sect (Vithoba worshippers) of hindu's in Maharashtra. It is said that one the great saints like - Namdev, Visoba Khechara and Gyaneshwar were singing devotional hymns to the lord. The priest however, was annoyed by their singing and asked them to go and sing at the back of the temple. The saints did so. However, the Lord, loved the devotion so much that once the saints were at the back of the temple, the entire temple rotated. Till date, the statue of Nandi is at the back of this temple unlike other Shiva temples. Surprisingly, unlike other Hindu temples, this temple faces West instead of East.


Festivals


Mahashivtrati and Dussehra are the major festivals here. During the Hindu months of Magha to Falgun, a huge fair is held at the temple premises.


Pooja Timing


Rudrabhishek Pooja – 04.05 am
Aarti Pooja – 12.00 pm
Shrisnan Pooja – 04.00 pm
Shejaarti Pooja – 08.30 pm

Prasad & offering


The main offering given to the Lord is Panchamrut - made out of milk,honey,ghee,curd and sugar.


Nearby Place To Visit


Such Khand Huzur Sahib Gurudwara - Nanded
Tulajadevi Sansthan

Accessibility


The nearest airport is Aurangabad airport, and the nearest railways are in Chondi. This place is well connected by roads from cities like Mumbai, Nagpur and Aurangabad. Maharashtra State Transport buses ply from Nanded, Parbhani, Chondi and Hingoli.


Temple Address


Aundha Nagnath Jyothirlinga Temple,
Maharashtra
Aundha Nagnath,
Hingoli District
Maharashtra
Pincode - 431705

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • Salvation
  • Wealth
  • Relief from diseases
  • Purchase of vehicles
  • Gain Knowledge
Shlokas

Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree

Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.

Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat

Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.

Timings

The temple is open from 04.00 am to and from 09.00 pm.

Weather in Aundha Nagnath
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