Jyotirlingas are popular religious sites in India and are frequently visited by tourists from all over India. For the unversed, a Jyotirlinga refers to a temple or sacred place where Lord Shiva resides. Jyotirlinga means a pillar of light or radiance. It represents the limitlessness of Lord Shiva. It is said that there are 64 Jyotirlingas in India, out of which Maharashtra is home to 5.
A visit to 5 famous Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra is one of the best spiritual trips you can ever take. You can plan this trip with your family or friends so that everyone can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and get a glimpse into the mythological heritage of India.
Here is all you need to know about 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
1. Bhimashankar Temple
Location: Khed Taluka, Pune District
The temple town of Bhimashankar is nestled in the verdant landscape of the Sahyadri hills. The Jyotirlinga shrine was built in the 12 th century and boasts Nagara and Indo-Aryan architectural styles. There are around 250 steps that you need to descend to do the ‘darshan’.
Other sightseeing attractions in Bhimashankar include a wildlife sanctuary, Ahupe waterfalls, Hanuman Lake and the Nagfani Peak trek.
2. Trimbakeshwar Temple
Location: Nashik
The beauty of the Jyotirlinga of Tribakeshwar Temple is the uniqueness of the idol. Built-in black stone, the idol is a three-faced structure symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. The temple is also the source of River Godavari, India’s second longest river after the Ganges.
Nashik which is considered the holy city of India is also famous for Panchavati. In this place, Lord Rama spent several years in exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman.
3. Grishneshwar Temple
Location: Aurangabad
The 13th century Grishneshwar Temple witnessed repeated destruction during the Mughal rule before it was rebuilt in the 18th century which is the present form. It is one of the finest examples of the South Indian temple architectural style. The temple has 24 pillars that display carvings related to stories associated with Lord Shiva.
When you visit Aurangabad, remember to include the UNESCO World Heritage sites Ajanta-Ellora Caves.
4. Aundha Nagnath Temple
Location: Hingoli District, Aurangabad region
Aundha Nagnath Temple has several mythological stories associated with it. It is said that the eldest Pandava brother Yudhishtir built it during their 14 years of exile. Another folklore credits Yadavas of Devagiri for its construction. The temple also has images of other deities.
The nearest other tourist places you can visit are Rajapur Temple and Shree Motha Maruti Temple.
5. Parli Vaijnath Temple
Location: Beed District
The Jyotirlinga in Parli Vaijnath Temple is made from Saligram stone. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva here can heal people and provide several health benefits. It is also considered the source of Amrit, the elixir of immortality. Hence, this temple is also popularly known as Dhanvantri and Amriteshwari.
The location has several other tourist attractions such as Dharmapuri Fort, Khazana Well, and Dharur Fort.
As you may be aware, the religious and spiritual places in India are often crowded. It could be tiring and time-consuming to reach there by own car or change different modes of transportation. Hence, it is advisable to consider a luxury bus option if you are travelling in a large group. A luxury bus will make your travel comfortable. It is fitted with high-quality seats and ample legroom that you need for long-distance travel. You will also get other amenities such as a music system, spacious luggage area, mobile charging points, etc.
SimplyTrip offers bus hiring services to these Jyotirlingas as per your budget and needs. Get in touch to book your trip.