Aundha Nagnath Temple, Hingoli

India is a country known for its vast culture and temples. Among most famous temples in India, Aundha Nagnath Temple is the ancient temple of Shiva. It is positioned in the district of Hingoli, Maharashtra, India and is considered as one of the prestigious Jyotirlingas of India.

The temple property is spread over an area of 60,000 sq. Ft., among which the temple covers an area of 7200 sq. Ft. with a height of 60 ft. for the tourists, there are many good things to witness apart from just its spiritual significance.

ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLE

The extraordinarily attractive carvings existing in this lord shiva temple are worth seeing. To name the style of architecture of this temple at present is Hemadpanti architecture style.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

The temple is very thoroughly connected with the lives of saints like

• Visoba Khechara,

• Namdev and

• Jnanesvar.

Once Namdev went to Jnanesvar temple where he was advised to visit Aundha Nagnath Temple to search for a suitable maharishi. When he reached in the temple, he saw Visoba Khechara taking resting while putting his feet on the lingam. By seeing Namdev got angry, scolded Visoba and told him that he has insulted Lord Shiva. Then Visoba did not say anything but asked him to put his feet somewhere else with a genuine smile. But wherever Namdev kept Visoba’s feet, a linga itself came up. In this way with the help of his yogic supremacies, Visoba filled the entire temple with Lord Shiva lingam. He also preached Namdev about the omnipresence of God.

There is yet another famous story related to the founding of the temple. Once Namdev was singing Bhajans along with his gurus, in front of the temple. Then he was asked to stop singing by the temple priest as he was disturbing the routine puja. The priest also insulted Namdev by calling him a shudra that belongs to a lower caste. Hence he was not allowed entering the temple. After being humiliated Namdev went behind the temple and started singing the bhajans over again. It is believed that God also wanted to see the devotee and to listen to the bhajans by facing them, so he revolved the entire temple to Namdev. This is the reason there is a Nandi always seen at the backside of the temple.

A famous name, who is known as the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak also visited this temple once, when travelled this area. He also saw the birthplace of Namdev, Narsi Bamani.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

Aundha Nagnath temple, located in Hingoli district of Maharashtra, India is said to be the eighth Jyotirlinga of the twelve Jyotirlinga present all across India. It is also known as one of the main places of pilgrimage in India. The temple is estimated to be built by the Yadava Dynasty dated back to the 13th century. It is also believed that the very first temple was set during the time of Mahabharata which was built by Yudhishthira. He was the eldest of the Pandavas and built the temple when all of the five Pandavas were sent into exile for 14 years from Hastinapur.

At the time of Mughals, Aurangzeb once attacked this temple. Before the attack, this temple was said to be a seven-storied building.

HOW TO REACH AUNDHA NAGNATH TEMPLE HINGOLI

The Aundha Nagnath Temple Hingoli Maharashtra witness a huge footfall every year and reason is reaching the temple is not a difficult task. One can easily find a bus and train to Hingoli from anywhere in Maharashtra. Numerous coaches are also available from main cities of Maharashtra such as Pune, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Nagpur.

The nearest railway station to this place is named Parbhani which is estimated 50 km away from the temple. The adjoining airport, Nanded, is 54 km away from the temple.

FESTIVALS CELEBRATED

Although the festival remains jam-packed all year long the pious occasion of Vijayadashami and Maha Shivaratri, it expects a significant number of visitors. A large number of pilgrims come to visit this place.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND

Every year in the Hindu month of Magha which is usually January/February according to English calendar a fair is held near this temple. During this period, this temple is visited by a number of pilgrims and devotees. The show lasts until the Hindu month of Phalguna. Other than these festivals, one can also attend various types of puja and occasions celebrated with great vigour every month.

OPENING/CLOSING TIMINGS AND DAYS

The temple opens at 04:00 AM and closes by 09:00PM every day, whereas in the month of Shravana the temple closes by 10:00PM.

ENTRY FEE

No entry fee is asked by anybody to enter the temple. However, one needs to pay Dakshina or Daan for doing the puja.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

A temple is open for the devotees every day but the best time to visit the temple is during the occasions of Ekadashi, Vijayadashami and Maha Shivaratri. During this period a large number of devotees come to visit this pilgrimage and hence make this place a celebration point. Furthermore, one can visit during the morning and evening aarti, which gives a peaceful and spiritual feeling.

Tourist Places to Visit in Hingoli

Apart from Aundha Nagnath temple, there are other famous places also a tourist can visit.

• Tulaja Devi Sansthan temple

• Mallinath Digambar Jain temple

• Siddheshwar Dam

• Bhagwan Shantinath Jinalaya

• Sant Namdev Sansthan