5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra

India is a land of spirituality where we see millions of temples big and small being visited by thousands of devotees daily. This culture is soaked in the staunch belief of God and his heavenly miracles. The abode of Lord Shiva is the holy Kailash Mountain but the Adi Yogi is said to appear in stone-form in 12 places around this religious country and these places are called ‘Jyotirlingas’. Today we will tell you about 5 Jyotirlingas that are in Maharashtra and they see a huge influx of active Shiv-bhakts each year, especially during the grand celebrations of Mahashivratri Festival. So let this divine yatra begin.

1)      BHIMASHAKAR JYOTIRLINGA, PUNE: Surrounded by natural beauty of Sahyadri hills, is this ancient temple of Shiva that totally engulfs your senses. This wonderful structure is located 127 kms from Shvajinagar in Pune. The beautiful surroundings are enhanced by the serenity of River Bhima which flows nearby. Many devotees take a holy bath in it and find peace of mind and soul. It has Nagara style of architecture and its shikhra was built by Nana Phadnavis and donations were made to the temple by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaja. Nearby places to visit are Hanuman Lake,  Bhorgiri Fort, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, Manmaad Hills, Amba-Ambika carvings, etc.

2)      TRIMBAKESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, NASHIK:  Carved in black stone this temple is a sight to behold. You have to drive 30 kms from Nashik to reach there. Located in the town of Trimbak in Trimbakeshwar tehsil in Nashik district, it is near Brahmagiri Mountains. The beauty of the temple’s natural surrounding are leveled up by the flow of River Gautami nearby. The unique feature of this temple is that it has 3 lingams of Shiva representing Vishnu, Brahma and of course Shiva. The temple tank is called ‘Amritavarsgini’.

3)      AUNDHA NAGNATH JYOTIRLINGA: It is situated in Hingoli district of Maharashtra built by Seuna/Yadava dynasty and said to belong to the time of Mahabharata era. Pandits and devotees do regular abhisheka of the shivlinga and chant mantras to spread positive energy around. In the month of Magha of Hindu Calender, a fair is held here which many people attend. It is believed that if you worship this deity you will be saved from every king of poison.

4)      GRISHNESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, AURANGABAD:  Stand tall on the bank of the ancient pond of ‘Shivalay’ is this beautiful temple in the village called Verul. Verul is a 20 kms drive from Daulatabad in Aurangabad. Grishneshwara means ‘God of Compassion’. Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 1 kms of walking distance from this temple. It was renovated bt the donation given by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Dashavataras of Lord Vishnu are carved in red stone on the temple.

5)      PARLI VAIJNATH JYOTIRLINGA, BEED: The blessed and unique thing about this temple is that it is surrounded by a jungle of medicinal plants. It is also known as Bada Dham. The tranquility of the atmosphere heals your tired soul and lightens your mind of the stress.

There are 12 JYOTIRLINGS in India with their unique features but all having a powerful holy vibe. Do visit as much as you can for inner peace and purity of soul. Har Har Mahadev!