Introduction:
Embarking on a spiritual journey can be a transformative experience, providing deep insights and enriching the soul. For me, the journey to the ancient Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra was an opportunity to delve into the rich history of these sacred shrines and seek divine blessings. My son's curiosity about the Jyotirlingas motivated me to undertake this pilgrimage. The first two stops on our itinerary were the revered Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga and the Naganath Temple in Aundh. Let me take you through our spiritual adventure.
Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga:
Temple Front
Inner temple complex
Located in the Beed district of Maharashtra, Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga holds significant historical and religious importance. This ancient temple is believed to have been built by the Yadava dynasty in the 14th century. The temple's architecture showcases exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs, reflecting the skill of the artisans from that era.
Legend has it that this sacred shrine is the place where Lord Vishnu in the form of Vaijnath defeated the demon Parlika, who had been tormenting the people. As per the mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here as Vaijnath, the Lord of Snakes, to protect the devotees from harm and grant their wishes.
Upon reaching the temple, we encountered a small hurdle as Google Maps struggled to locate the exact position. However, with the help of a local resident, we found our way to the temple premises. The devout ambiance of the temple and the divine presence of Lord Vaijnath filled us with a sense of tranquility and inner peace.
Aundh Naganath Temple:
Temple
Our next destination was the Naganath Temple in Aundh, Maharashtra. This temple houses the Naganath Jyotirlinga, another one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple's architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
The Naganath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a Nageshwar or the Lord of Snakes, to bestow blessings and protection upon his devotees. The temple's serene atmosphere and the spiritual aura around the deity made the journey truly special.
Continuation of the Journey and Lodging at Parli:
Our spiritual journey from Hyderabad to Parli was filled with excitement and anticipation. On a beautiful Friday afternoon, we set out from Miyapur, ready to explore the divine wonders that lay ahead. Following a well-chosen path, we embarked on the route that took us through the heart of Maharashtra.
Sri Veera Bhadra Swamy in Temple Premises
Family Blessed by Lord Shiva
Gopuram
Front view of Temple premises
Front view of Temple premises
After an exhilarating spiritual experience at the Vaijnath Jyotirlinga in Parli, we set out to find a comfortable lodging option near the temple premises. Exploring the Bhakt Nivas around the temple, we found that the rooms were not up to our expectations in terms of hygiene and comfort. However, with the help of a kind local person associated with a shop, we were directed to "Halge Garden," a nearby lodging facility.
At "Halge Garden," we were pleased to find a clean and well-maintained room. The rates were reasonable, and we were able to secure a room for two with an extra bed for just Rs. 1300. Though there was no internet booking option, the convenience and quality of the accommodation made up for it.
The next day, which was Sunday, 30th July 2023, we started early with a visit to the Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga once again to seek His blessings. After our spiritual rendezvous, we started our drive towards the sacred Naganath Temple in Aundh.
Leaving Parli at 10.15 AM, we embarked on a scenic drive, savoring the picturesque landscapes that Maharashtra had to offer. Opting for the Diathana-Parbhani-Hingoli road, we enjoyed a scenic drive of approximately 119 kilometers, which took us around 2.5 hours to cover at an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour.
Reaching Aundh at 12.45 PM, we were greeted by the spiritual ambiance surrounding the Naganath Temple. Given the heavy crowd, we decided to opt for the special Darshana tickets. Though this option had an additional cost of Rs. 200 per person, we knew that it would allow us to experience the divine presence of Lord Naganath without the long wait in queues.
Temple
The temple's entrance revealed a narrow path leading to the underground cave, which housed the sacred Jyotirlinga. This distinctive feature added an air of mystique to the entire experience, and we couldn't help but marvel at the ancient engineering that went into creating this spiritual haven.
As we descended into the cave, the spiritual aura grew stronger. The dimly lit passages and the rhythmic chants of the devotees created an atmosphere of devotion and reverence. The cave's interior was adorned with intricate carvings, depicting stories from Hindu mythology, further immersing us in the sacredness of the place.
Within the bunker-like cave, we stood in the presence of the resplendent Naganath Jyotirlinga, where Lord Shiva was believed to have manifested himself as the Lord of Snakes. The divine energy within the cave was palpable, and we offered our prayers with deep devotion.
After a spiritually fulfilling experience at the Naganath Temple, we began our journey back to Hyderabad. Along the way, we noticed that the river Godavari lacked water, a stark reminder of the water scarcity that the region might be facing.
As we entered Telangana, the roads greeted us with smooth and well-maintained stretches. The absence of potholes allowed us to drive effortlessly, making the journey back to Hyderabad a comfortable one.
To satiate our hunger during the return journey, we stopped at the Hotel Kanahiya Restaurant in Basmat. The food was delicious, and we highly recommend it to anyone interested in experiencing the local cuisine.
Conclusion:
Our journey from Hyderabad to Parli and Aundh was not merely a physical expedition but an immersive experience that connected us to the rich history and spiritual significance of these ancient Jyotirlingas. The moments of tranquility, the challenges we overcame, and the blessings we received along the way shaped this pilgrimage into an unforgettable adventure.
As we returned home to Hyderabad, we carried with us not only cherished memories but also a deeper understanding of the spiritual essence that binds us all. This journey reaffirmed our faith and strengthened our resolve to continue exploring the divine in all its manifestations, wherever our spiritual path may lead us next.
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