Parli Vaijnath Temple or Parli Vaidyanath Temple is in Parli, Maharashtra, one of the famous 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Lingam is also known as Dhanavantari and Amruteshwari. The Parli Vaijnath temple timings are from 5 AM to 9 PM.
Parli Vaijnath Temple
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The lingam consists of saligram stone and has a very smooth surface. The temple was built with stones on the hill. The temple is about 75-80 feet above ground level.
Parli Vaijnath mandir’s main entrance is from the east, and the magnificent door is brass plated. Surrounded by four strong walls, the temple has corridors and a courtyard.
The main entrance to the temple is also known as the “Mahadwar“, and near it is a mini called Prachi or Gawaksha, which means window. There are spacious stairs to enter the temple. The temple was renovated in 1706 by Shiva devotee Ahilya Devi Holkar.
History of Vaijnath Mandir
History of Parli Vaijnath Temple, built in the 1700s. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Malwa kingdom restored it.
There are two famous myths associated with this temple. One myth talks about the elixir, and the other is about the demon king Ravana and his quest to own Shiva.
Legend of the Amrit
Samudra Manthan The churned off the ocean of milk, and the 14 gems came out, including Vish and Amrita.
Fourteen gems emerged from the process when the gods and devils churned the sea and competed for the divine elixir. That includes Dhanavantari and Amrit.
As the devils were about to attack the nectar, Lord Vishnu grabbed Dhanvanti and the nectar and hid them in the Shivalingam.
The enraged monsters tried to break the penis, but a bright light came out when they touched it. The demons were frightened and fled.
Since this is where the gods successfully received the nectar, the village became known as Vyjayanthi, and the temple became Parli Vaijnath.
Ravana and the Shivalinga Purana
The demon king Ravana performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva and beheaded him. Shiva, moved by his sacrifice, gave him many blessings, and Ravana requested that Shiva come to Lanka.
The Lord agreed, ordered Ravana to take his Shivalinga, and warned him not to keep it anywhere until he reached his destination.
Ravana wanted to rest on the journey and ordered a shepherd to carry the linga to the shepherd. Unaware of God’s command, the shepherd lowered his heavy penis for a moment. Thus, God stayed in that place and became known as Vaidyanath.
Festivals Celebrated
Mahashivaratri, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, Tripuri Full Moon, Vijayadashami and Chaitra Padva are important festivals.
There is a special ritual during these festivals – the priests present the biwa papers to Vishnu, which is usually an offering to Lord Shiva. Similarly, they offer basil leaves to Shiva, which is usually an offering to Vishnu.
Some of the festivals celebrated in Parli Vaijnath are:
Shravan month falls in the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, beginning in July and ending in the third week of August. The chanting of Rudra during the month of Shravan resonates throughout the village of Parli.
Mahashivaratri: The day on which Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. This festival usually happens from late February to early March.
Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated nine days after Navratri.
Parli Vaijnath Temple Timings
Parli Vaijnath temple’s timings are as follows: The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. During this time, the temple also conducts various pujas. Devotees may be part of these rituals, such as harati and pujas
The Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple timings are as follows:
| Rituals | Timings |
| Darshan | 5:30 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 are the poojas and sevas performed at Parli Vaijnath Temple?
| POOJA | TIMINGS |
| Somvar Pooja | Every Monday |
| Shadopachar | 5:00 AM |
| Shringar Pooja | 6:00 PM |
Where to stay near Parli?
There are several budget accommodation options available in Parli. You can also find accommodation in government-run MTDC cottages.
Where to eat nearby?
Most hotels that offer accommodation also have in-house restaurants where travellers can dine.
Restaurants can be found in the Parli Vaijnath Temple area. Travellers generally prefer Ambajogai, located 20 km from Parli Vaijnath, as there are more restaurant options.
Nearby Temples to visit
Apart from the Parli Vaijnatha Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, four other Jyotirlingas exist. Some temples near Parli Vaijnath:
Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai:
Yogeshwari Temple for Yogeshwari Devi married Parli Vaijnath. Legend has it that by the time the bridal party arrived in Parli, the auspicious moment had passed, and the whole party had become a stepping stone. Yogeshwari Temple is located at a distance of 25 km from Ambajogai.
Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple:
The Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra is the first of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is located at a distance of 118 km from the Parli Vaidyanath Temple.
Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, built the temple during their exile. It is a part of the famous 5 Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra.
Bhimashankara Jyotirlinga Temple:
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is located near Pune and 387 km from Parli Vaijnath. The lingam here is a self-replica and one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
Grisheshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
This temple is located in Verul, Beed district in Maharashtra. The temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas, and for the Jyotirlinga pilgrims, a visit to this temple completes their journey. Grishneshwar Temple is located at a distance of 246 km from Parli.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
Trimbakeshwar Temple is located in Trimbak, Nashik District in Maharashtra. The temple is located 397 km from the Vaijnath Temple. The linga has three faces symbolising Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
How to reach Vaijnath Jyotirlinga
By Air:
The nearest airport is at Nanded, located at a distance of 105 km from Parli Vaijnath.
By Train:
The nearest station is Parli, which is 2 km from Vaijnath. Direct trains are from Secunderabad, Kakinada, Manmad, Visakhapatnam and Bangalore.
By Road:
Several buses are available from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and nearby cities.