Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. The temple is located in Parli, in the Beed district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is also known for its healing powers, as it is believed that Shiva hid the Amrit (nectar of immortality) and Dhanvantari (the god of medicine) in the lingam (an iconic symbol of Shiva). The temple is also a meeting place of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva), as both the deities are worshipped here.
Location of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is about 110 km (68 mi) from Nanded city, which is well connected by flights, trains and buses from various cities in India. The temple can also be reached by road from nearby towns such as Latur, Ambajogai and Parbhani. The temple is located on the banks of the Dudhna river and offers a serene and peaceful environment.
Timing of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is open for darshan (viewing) from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. The temple has five aartis (rituals) daily: at 5:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 10:30 pm. The temple also has a special aarti called Mangala Aarti, which is performed at 3:00 am using lamps and incense. This aarti is considered to be very sacred and auspicious, as it symbolizes the awakening of Shiva and Parvati. The temple charges a nominal fee for entry and photography.
Rituals of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli Temple
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple has various rituals and ceremonies that are performed by the priests and devotees throughout the year. Some of the main rituals are:
- Abhishek: This is the ritual of bathing the idol of Shiva with water, milk, honey, curd, ghee and other substances. This is done to express devotion and gratitude to Shiva and to seek his blessings. Devotees can perform abhishek by themselves or by booking online through the temple website.
- Rudrabhishek: This is a special abhishek that involves chanting the Rudram, a hymn from the Vedas that praises Shiva as the destroyer of evil and the source of all creation. This is done to invoke Shiva’s grace and protection from all kinds of troubles and calamities. Devotees can perform rudrabhishek by themselves or by booking online through the temple website.
- Mahapuja: This is a grand puja (worship) that involves offering various items such as flowers, fruits, sweets, clothes and ornaments to Shiva. This is done to express love and reverence to Shiva and to seek his fulfillment of all desires. Devotees can perform mahapuja by themselves or by booking online through the temple website.
- Pradakshina: This is the ritual of circumambulating (walking around) the temple in a clockwise direction. This is done to show respect and devotion to Shiva and to imbibe his positive energy and vibrations. Devotees can do pradakshina as many times as they wish.
Importance of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli Temple
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, especially for Shaivites (followers of Shiva). The temple has a long and rich history, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient times. The temple has been visited and praised by many saints, poets and kings, such as Adi Shankara, Nayanars, Alvars, Kabir, Tulsidas and Akbar.
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is believed to be the place where Shiva manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga, a pillar of light, to prove his supremacy over other gods. The temple is also believed to be the place where Shiva hid the Amrit (nectar of immortality) and Dhanvantari (the god of medicine) in the lingam, to bless his devotees with health and longevity. The temple is also believed to be the place where Shiva granted his devotee Markandeya with a boon of immortality after he defied death.
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is a symbol of faith, power and devotion for millions of Hindus across the world. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, who come to seek the blessings of Shiva and to witness the beauty and history of the temple.
Significance of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli Temple
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple has a great significance for Hindus, as it represents one of the aspects of Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism. Shiva is known by many names and forms, such as Mahadev (the great god), Nataraj (the lord of dance), Rudra (the fierce one), Neelkanth (the blue-throated one), Bholenath (the simple one) and many more. Shiva is also known as Vaidyanath, which means “the lord of medicine” or “the lord of healing”.
Vaidyanath is the aspect of Shiva that symbolizes healing and wellness. He is the lord who cures all diseases and ailments of his devotees, who pray to him with faith and sincerity. He is the lord who bestows health and happiness to his devotees, who worship him with gratitude and joy. He is the lord who rules over the medicine and herbs, who creates, sustains and destroys everything.
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath, who is worshipped as the giver of health, happiness and prosperity. The temple is also dedicated to Shiva as Jyotirlinga, which means “the linga (symbol) of light”. A Jyotirlinga is a representation of Shiva’s infinite power and presence, which can be seen and felt by his devotees. A Jyotirlinga is also a manifestation of Shiva’s grace and compassion, which can heal and transform his devotees.
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, which are considered to be the most sacred shrines of Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga has a different name and story associated with it, which reveals a different aspect of Shiva’s personality and attributes. By visiting and worshipping these Jyotirlingas, devotees can experience the various facets of Shiva’s glory and benevolence.
FAQ’s
How to reach Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple?
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple can be reached by road, rail or air. The nearest airport is Nanded airport, which is about 110 km (68 mi) away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Parli railway station, which is about 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the temple. The temple can also be reached by road from nearby towns such as Latur, Ambajogai and Parbhani.
When is the best time to visit Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple?
The best time to visit Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temple can also be visited during festivals such as Mahashivaratri, Shravan Maas, Navratri and Diwali, when the temple is decorated and celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.
What are the other attractions near Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple?
There are many other attractions near Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple that can be explored by the visitors. Some of them are:
Yogeshwari Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Goddess Yogeshwari, who is considered to be an incarnation of Parvati. It is located in Ambajogai town, about 25 km (16 mi) from Parli.
Dharashiv Caves: These are ancient Buddhist caves that date back to the 5th century AD. They are located in Osmanabad district, about 75 km (47 mi) from Parli.
Naldurg Fort: This is a historic fort that was built by Nalaraja in the 14th century AD. It is located in Osmanabad district, about 100 km (62 mi) from Parli.
Conclusion
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is a healing and holy temple that showcases the power and devotion of Hinduism. The temple is a testimony of the faith and courage of the Hindus, who have preserved and maintained the temple despite several challenges and calamities.
The temple is a source of inspiration and solace for millions of pilgrims and tourists, who come to seek the blessings of Shiva and to witness the beauty and history of the temple. The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Parli temple is not just a temple, but a living legend that embodies the spirit and essence of Hinduism.
