Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Hingoli district of Maharastra, India. It is an ancient temple and an important pilgrimage center for Hindu devotees. It's a must-visit place to witness the archaeological spectacle. It is believed that it was a seven-story building and it was destroyed during Aurangazeb’s conquests. It is believed that by praying at the Naganath jyotirlinga temple, one will be freed from snake bites and also worldly attractions.
About Nagnath Temple
The Nagnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Nagnath. The meaning of Nagnath is the lord of Naga (snakes), which is found to be coiled around the neck of Lord Shiva. It is believed that one who prays at the temple becomes free from snake bites and the poison in the body and mind. Meditating upon Naganath Jyotirlinga can also liberate one from worldly pleasures and Maya.
Unlike other Shiva temples, here the idol of Nandi is not located in front of the temple. It is located at the backside of the temple with a separate shrine called Nandikeshwara.
What is Jyotirlinga
Jyotirlinga means a column of light. Lingam signifies the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, without the beginning and the end. Nagnath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, where it is believed that the supreme deity of Hinduism, Lord Shiva himself resides in different manifestations in the form of linga.
Read more on Jyotirlinga and legends
History of Nageshvar Temple
The initial temple was believed to be built by Yudhistira, the eldest of the Pandavas, in the Dwapara Yuga. During their 14 years of vanvas (exile period), Pandavas visited this place.
The present temple is built by the Yadava dynasty in the 13th century period. They constructed the temple in the Hemadpanti style of architecture. It was said to be a huge seven-story structure. However, the upper portion of the temple was destroyed by Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. Later the upper portion was rebuilt in the current form by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa kingdom, Indore.
Architecture of Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple
The Naganath temple campus covers over a 60,000 sqft area with tall structures and beautiful carvings. The temple is constructed with big stones with intricately carved pillars and walls. It has large corridors and a big court hall.
There are many dynasties that have contributed to the construction of the temple. Therefore, we can see different styles of architecture. The base of the temple is in the Hemadpanti style of architecture, in which black stone and lime were mostly used. The upper portion was repaired in Peshwa’s architecture which was prevalent at the time of Peshwa’s regime.
The temple houses small shrines for the 12 jyotirlinga temples. There are 108 smaller temples dedicated to Lord Shiva with different names.
Legend behind Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple
According to Koti Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana, in the chapter ‘Dwadasha jyotirlinga mahatmya’, Naganatha jyotirlinga is in the ‘Darukavana’, which is an ancient forest. As per Shiva Puran, there was once lived a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki. Daruki was a devotee of Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. She was protected by Parvati’s blessings. Parvati named the forest Darukavana in her honor. However, demon Daruka misused the power given to his wife and was torturing the locals. One day he abducted a Shiva devotee named Supriya and his friends. He imprisoned them under the sea which was inhabited by sea snakes. The devotees started chanting the holy mantra of Lord Shiva. Then Shiva appeared before them and crushed the demons. He could not kill Daruka, as his wife was blessed by Maa Parvati. But he assured them of protection and stayed there in the form of a linga.
The temple is also associated with the Hindu saints Namdev, Visoba Khechara, and sant Dhyaneshwar.
Nagnath Temple Timings
Darshan Timings – 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja - 1 PM to 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja - 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Special Poojas - Rudrabhishek, Shrisnan Pooja
Entry Fee - Free
Special Days –Shivaratri, Shravana Month, Kartik Poornima
How to reach Nageshwar Temple
The Aundha Nagnath temple is situated in the Hingoli district, which is about 60 km from Nanded town and about 220 km from the city of Aurangabad.
By Air: The nearest airport is located at Nanded at a distance of 65 km from the temple. Another major airport is Aurangabad International airport, which is 200 km away from the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Chondi station which is 21 km away from the temple. Other stations are Hingoli (25 km) and Parbhani (45 km), which are well connected with all the major cities.
By Road: State and Private direct buses are available from major cities of Maharashtra like Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nanded, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nashik, etc.