Information About Aundha Nagnath Temple

  Date: 11 January 2025

Aundha Nagnath Temple

Address: Nanded - Aundha Rd, Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra 431705

Architectural style: Hemadpanti architecture

District: Hingoli

Festivals: Mahashivratri

Geographic coordinates: 19°32′14″N 77°02′29″E / 19.537087°N 77.041508°E

The Aundha Nagnath Temple is a timeless statement of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India. Devoted to Lord Shiva, it stands at the privileged position of being one among the 12 Jyotirlingas, a title bestowed upon the country's most sacred shrines for Shiva worship across the country.

This ancient temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile and reverberates with historical and mythological significance. It is not only reverberated with divine energy but also with magnificent Hemadpanthi architectural style that fascinates devotees as well as historians.

It is a temple built in the serene town of Aundha in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. The devotees from all states in the country visit it seeking their blessings. Nestled among the peaceful sights of Marathwada region, the temple can be termed as a centre for spiritual solace for several pilgrims. Several individuals are eager to have an opportunity to visit it and seek the blessings from Lord Shiva.

A visit to Aundha Nagnath temple has the perfect blend of reverence, history, and great architectural marvel. It remains on the list of attractions anyone visiting the Jyotirlingas in the State of Maharashtra.

Historical Significance

Aundha Nagnath Temple is very old in terms of history and myths, as it originated at the time of Mahabharata. This legend has it that Pandavas built this temple in the time of their exile and performed Lord Shiva Puja, seeking strength from his divine power and lightening for guidance. Therefore, the temple holds tremendous significance, both historically and spiritually, as it has roots with one of the Indian epics.

Over the ages, the temple has stood there as a symbol of uncompromising devotion and persistence. Through its long-standing history, the temple went through invasions and natural wear but remained a hub of faith and worship. Several dynasties and rulers played a crucial role in preserving and renovating the temple to ensure the enduring legacy.

This architectural style, characterized by black stone and intricate carvings, reflects the artistic and cultural advancements of that period. Contributions from later dynasties and patrons ensured that the temple remained not only a site of worship but also a monument of historical and architectural significance.

The temple architecture reflects the Hemadpanthi style, a hallmark of Yadava dynasty influence in Maharashtra.

The temple has remained the test of time combined with the stories of ancient origin, making it an integral part of India's religious and historical landscape. This is a testament to the zeal of devotees and rulers alike who recognized its importance as one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.

Religious Importance

With stories of its ancient origin still standing by time, thus remaining the most precious part of the India spiritual and historical landscape, it stands witness to the proof that people and rulers who had shown wisdom recognized its importance relating to one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.

Mythological Background

The temple is said to have a story of extreme love and divine revelation as cited in Hindu mythology. According to this, there was a demon named Daruka, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva but was causing much unrest for the sages and other people. When the tyrant behavior of Daruka reached its peak, sages prayed to Lord Shiva, who then manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga at Aundha to save the sages and bring them peace. This form of Shiva is worshipped as Nagnath, thus pointing out his role as a protector and destroyer of evil forces.

Another legend says Lord Shiva appeared here for his benevolence for Pandavas during their period of exile, and because of it, the shrine has both spiritual significance as well as Mahabharata associated with it.

Deity Worshipped

The presiding deity at Aundha Nagnath Temple is none other than Lord Shiva, in his manifestation form Nagnath, giving his deep connotation along with serpents with natural forces power. Therefore, the devotional philosophy considers that all types of fear, ailments, or diseases can be eradicated once the prayee approaches here considering Nagnath's identification of being called a destructor.

Rituals and Practices

The devotees perform a series of rituals in the temple to receive blessings and pay their obeisance:

1. Abhishekam (Sacred Bath): Holy water, milk, honey, etc are used to bathe the Jyotirlinga for purification and reverence.

2. Rudrabhishek: It is an exclusive ceremony where the Lord Shiva's blessings are invoked through Vedic mantras.

3. Maha Aarti: It is done in the morning and evening also, with devotional songs and prayers that evoke spiritual fervor.

4. Offering of Bel Leaves: It is believed that the offering of bel leaves, flowers, and fruits pleases Lord Shiva and helps fulfill one's wishes.

During the major festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, the temple becomes a hotbed of devotion, where thousands of devotees visit to participate in special rituals and night-long prayers. These deeply rooted traditional practices make Aundha Nagnath Temple a very important spiritual destination for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Architecture and Design

The architecture of the temple is an excellent example of the Hemadpanthi style of architecture, which is named after Hemadpant, the minister of the Yadava dynasty of Maharashtra. The Hemadpanthi style is one in which the black stone and lime, readily available locally, were used without mortar, as it had developed an advanced locking system for holding the stones together.

Intricate carvings and sculptures:

The temple is also carved and sculpted with intricate work showing several deities, mythological scenes, and symbolic motifs.

The amount of detail of these carvings shows the magnificent expertise by the craftsmen from those times, exhibiting patterns floral, geometrical forms and divine figures.

Unique Features:

Distinctive Lingam Placement: Unlike the other Jyotirlinga temples, here the sanctum has an interesting structure of the Jyotirlinga, which has great spiritual importance.

Mandapa and Pillars: The mandapa or hall has the carved pillars and ceilings which describe various stories from Hindu mythology.

Temple Layout: The temple design is well planned to adhere to Vastu Shastra principles, which is reflected in the spiritual ambience.

Durability and Craftsmanship: The Hemadpanthi technique ensures that the structure stands strong through centuries of natural wear and tear.

Ornamentation: Ornate designs and mythological images adorning the outer walls of the temple are found in very few other temples dedicated to Jyotirlingas.

These features make it stand out as not just a place of worship but as an example of Indian ancient architecture.

Festivals and Celebrations

The temple comes alive with thousands of devotees drawn in from all over the country during festivals. The festivals celebrated here are very important and include:

Maha Shivaratri

This is the most significant festival performed at the temple, celebrating the union of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati in holy matrimony. It is a night dedicated to deep worship.

Specific Rituals:

• The day starts with an abhisheka to the Jyotirlinga, with sacred things lik
• This day and night go on continuous chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya" and the recital of sacred scripts like the Rudram.
• It is lighted with lamps, and decorated with flowers as well to give a feel of divine and festive atmosphere
• Special jagran is kept on, where devotees pray and sing bhajans to Lord Shiva

Shravan Month

The month of Shravan (July-August) is said to be a propitious period for worshipping Lord Shiva.

Special Rituals

• Every day, abhisheka is done to the Jyotirlinga.
• Devotees do pradakshina and bilva patra offering and flowers along with prayer.
• On Mondays (Shravan Somvar), the temple experiences an unparalleled increase in devotees.

Cultural Significance: The temple is used as a center for spiritual events. Cultural activities like bhajans and folk dances are held in the temple grounds.

Kartik Purnima

This festival is observed in the full moon day in the Kartik month to bestow blessings for prosperity as well as spiritual growth.

Special Rituals: Offerings of diyas lit up all around the temples are an incredible sight.

Cultural Significance: It is a victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Other Celebrations

Shiva Rathotsav (Chariot Festival): A grand procession of Lord Shiva's idol, beautifully decorated in a chariot, is carried all around the temple premises and accompanied by music, dance, and chanting by devotees.

Navratri: The temple witnesses devotees, though mostly associated with goddess worship, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva in this period of spiritual fervor.

Visiting the Temple: Aundha Nagnath

Aundha Nagnath is a magnificent temple of Lord Shiva and also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This ancient temple is located in Hingoli district, Maharashtra, and is very important for the pilgrims with great historical as well as religious importance.

Best Time to Visit Aundha Nagnath

Ideal Months: October to March

The weather during these months is pleasant, hence ideal for traveling and temple visits.

Festive Season:

Mahashivratri (February/March): The temple commemorates this festival with great splendor and attracts thousands of devotees.

Shravan Month (July–August): Special rituals and events are undertaken, thus making it an enriching experience in religious terms.

Travel Tips: How to Reach

1. By Road:

Aundha Nagnath is connected through roads.

• You can travel by car or take a cab from the nearby cities like Nanded (65 km) or Hingoli (25 km).
• State transport buses are also available from major cities in Maharashtra.

2. By Rail:

• The nearest railway station to Aundha Nagnath is Hingoli Railway Station, which is about 25 km from the city.
• The other option is Nanded Railway Station, which connects to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad.

3. By Air:

• Nanded Airport (Nanded Guru Gobind Singh Airport) is the closest airport, at 80 km.
• The same taxi or bus, you can get from the airport to reach the temple.

Visiting Aundha Nagnath Temple

Temple Timings:

Morning: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM

The temple is open throughout the day, with specific slots for rituals and aarti (prayer ceremonies).

Aarti Timings:

Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM

Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM

Entry Fee:

No entry fee to visit the temple.

Offerings, special pujas, or abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Jyotirlinga) may have separate charges, which can be enquired at the temple office.

Guidelines for Devotees and Tourists

1.Dress Code:

Wear traditional and modest clothes appropriate for a temple visit. Shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing are not allowed.

2. Footwear:

Footwear is not allowed inside the temple campus. There are racks provided outside to store footwear.

3. Photography and Videography:

No Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum. No Visitors can click pictures of the outer campus of the temple, but religious sentiments should be taken care of.

4. Queuing System:

Observe the queue for darshan (deity viewing) as well. This can be hectic, especially during peak hours or festivals. Separate queues are maintained for senior citizens and the differently-abled.

5. Prohibited Items:

Do not carry leather items such as belts, wallets as a mark of respect. Cigarettes, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are strictly not allowed on temple premises.

6. Special Pujas:

Devotees who want to perform special rituals or abhishekam can book in advance through the temple office.

7. Cleanliness and Waste Disposal:

Keep the place tidy and waste in the trash bins. No Littering is strictly not acceptable within the temple complex or its surroundings

8. General Tips:

• Get there either early in the morning or late in the evening to have a pleasant darshan experience.
• Drink, and do carry water bottle with you, but refuse to take plastic into temple.
• Respect the historical and spiritual value of this place.

Places to Visit Around Aundha Nagnath Temple

Aundha Nagnath is surrounded by several spiritual, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some notable places you can explore nearby:

1. Parli Vaijnath Temple (Jyotirlinga)

• About 110 kilometers from Aundha Nagnath
• Another important Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its architectural beauty and spiritual values.
• Often visited as part of Jyotirlinga circuit in Maharashtra.

2. Nanded (Takht Hazur Sahib)

• Approximately 70 km from Aundha Nagnath.
• This is considered one of the five holy Takhts (thrones of power) in Sikhism and is one of the beautiful gurudwaras set up on the banks of the Godavari River.
• Also known for serene surroundings and its intricacy in Sikh architecture.

3. Hingoli's Tulja Bhavani Temple

• 30 km from Aundha Nagnath
• A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, a form of Goddess Durga.
• Ideal for devotees seeking blessings and exploring Hingoli’s cultural heritage.

4. Sant Namdev Sansthan

• Situated in Narsi, about 40 km from Aundha Nagnath
• Dedicated to the well-known saint-poet Namdev, it attracts pilgrims who come for followers of the Bhakti movement.
• Temple and museum dedicated to the life and teachings of Namdev.

5. Mahur (Renuka Mata Temple)

• About 130 km from Aundha Nagnath
• An important Shakti Peetha Mahur is home to Mother of Lord Parashurama, Renuka Mata Temple.
• It is both spiritually and scenically experience-giving, surrounded by pretty hills and dense forests.

6. Siddheshwar Dam and Garden

• About 60 km from Hingoli
• A picturesque spot ideal for relaxation and picnic with a dam and well-manicured garden.
• Ideal for families and nature lovers.

7. Washim Balaji Temple (Vitthal Mandir)

• Approximately 50 km from Aundha Nagnath
• A temple of Lord Balaji, where the ambiance is serene for prayer.
• Famous for the traditional rituals and serene place.

8. Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Extended Day Trip)

• About 220–250 km (5–6 hours drive).
• Unesco World Heritage sites featuring ancient rock-cut Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu caves.
• Excellent for history and art lovers who want to see India's architectural splendor.

9. Lonar Crater Lake (Extended Day Trip)

• Around 200 km
• A saline soda lake, formed by a meteorite impact, surrounded by temples and lush greenery.
• Good for geology enthusiasts and trekkers.

Things to do at Aundha Nagnath Temple

The visit to the Aundha Nagnath Temple will certainly provide a spiritual as well as cultural experience. Here are some activities and rituals one can engage with to enrich the visit to the shrine:

1. Seek Blessings of the Jyotirlinga

• Mostly, a person comes to the temple in order to pray in front of Lord Shiva's Jyotirlinga- one of the twelve most sacred representations of Shiva.
• See the sanctum sanctorum with its divine grandeur and visit the darshan.

2. Perform Abhishekam (Ritual Bathing of the Linga)

• In a special abhishekam, devotees can bathe the Jyotirlinga with milk, water, honey, and other offerings.
• Advanced booking may be required for this ceremony, especially on the special days or festivals.

3. Attend the Aarti Ceremony

Participate in the morning aarti at 4:30 AM or the evening aarti at 7:30 PM to experience the divine devotional chanting and singing of hymns.

4. Meditate in the Temple Complex

• The temple provides a quiet atmosphere for reflection and contemplation.
• Find a quiet spot in the temple complex or in its gardens for spiritual bonding and peace of mind.

5. Explore the Ancient Architecture

• Stand in awe at the incredible stone carvings, sculptures, and design that adorn this over 3,000 years old ancient temple.
• Observe the synthesis of Hemadpanthi architectural style and historic craftsmanship.

6. Offer Prayers to Other Deities in the Temple Complex

• The temple features smaller shrines for many gods, such as Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi.
• Devote time to visiting and offering prayers at these other shrines.

7. Purchase Prasad and Religious Souvenirs

• Bring some of the temple prasad (blessed offering) back for yourself and loved ones.
• Outside the temple, small shops sell religious items including rudraksha beads, Shiva idols, etc.

8. Participate in Special Rituals or Festivities

• Mahashivratri and Shravan Month: These festivals are celebrated elaborately at the temple.
• Witness or participate in the processions, special poojas, and cultural programs that are organized during these times.

9. Learn About the Temple’s History and Legends

Seek out temple priests or local guides to get insights into the importance of the temple, its association with Lord Shiva, and its place in Hindu mythology.

10. Explore Surrounding Nature and Local Culture

• It is surrounded by lush greenery and a serene atmosphere and is ideal for a relaxing walk or photography.
• Engage with locals to feel the depth of cultural and spiritual traditions of the region.

FAQ’s About 5 Jyotirlinga Tour in in Maharashtra