Parli Vaijnath temple – Ravana’s biggest mistake

Parli Vaijnath temple is present in Maharashtra. Some people also confuse it with the once situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand. Both of these temples are equally treated as the actual Vaijnath temple. This temple is believed to have immense healing powers and is visited by devotees seeking relief from ailments and illnesses. Vaidya means doctor, hence this temple is much known for treating all ailments. It is believed that Lord Ganesha took the form of a shepherd and tricked Ravana to put down the Shiva Linga which he wanted to put in his Lanka. However, Since it was kept on the ground he couldn’t lift it any more. Some people also believe that the Vaijnath Mandir at Parli Maharashtra is the true Jyotirlinga.

Vaijnath means the “Lord of Medicine“

Vaijnath Jyotirlinga, Parli — Vaijnath Jyotirlinga in Parli

Where is Vaijnath Jyotirlinga located?

This confusion has existed for a very long time. Some people believe the actual Parli Vaijnath temple is present in Maharashtra. In contrast, some people believe that the temple in Deoghar Jharkhand is the original Vaijnath Jyotirlinga. The serene Parasnath Hills and lush forests surround Deoghar. It is a peaceful place for spiritual seekers and nature lovers. Vaidyanath Temple displays Nagara-style architecture with intricate carvings. The temple is known for its healing powers. This temple came into existence when Ravana put down the Shiva Linga. It is believed that Lord Shiva treated Ravana at this place. Hence, the name Vaijnath

Parli Vaijnath temple Legend

Lord Shiva heals Ravana

Read more: When Ravana shakes Mount Kailash

Once, Ravana, the king of Lanka, started performing an extremely fierce penance to appease Lord Shiva. However, Lord Shiva wanted to test the devotion of Ravana and didn’t appear in front of Ravana. However, Ravana didn’t give up and continued the penance. Soon, when he realized Lord Shiva was not paying attention to his penance, Ravana started cutting off each of his heads as proof of his devotion. Finally, this pleased Lord Shiva, who came down to cure the injured Ravana. From then on, Lord Shiva started staying at that place, and since he healed Ravana, the Shiva Linga began to be called Parli Vaijnath Temple. Vaijnath means the lord of Medicine.

The story of Aatma Linga

According to another legend related to Parli Vaijnath temple, When Lankesh Ravana pleased Lord Shiva, Ravana Asked for Lord Shiva to abandon Kailash and start living in Lanka. Lord Shiva agreed and gave Ravana an aatma Linga and said until the aatma linga stays in Lanka, it is as good as Lord Shiva residing in Lanka. However, once the Atma Linga is put down somewhere, it cannot be picked up.

However, The devas were frightened by this as Ravana was already powerful, and if Lord Shiva resided in Lanka, it would be impossible for anyone to defeat him. Hence, they took the help of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha, in the disguise of a shepherd, started wasting the time of Ravana by reciting some stories about Lord Shiva until it was the time of sunset.

Ravana atma Linga — Ganesha Puts down Ravana’s aatma linga aatma Linga

Ravana was a revered Brahmin. He couldn’t miss worshipping Surya Deva every dawn and dusk. Hence, at sunset, he had to worship Surya Deva. Since the aatma linga couldn’t be put down, Ravana asked the shepherd boy to hold it until he returned from the worshipping Surya deva.

However, the shepherd boy put forth a condition that he would hold the Shiva Linga for only 5 seconds. And the count of 5, he would put it on the ground. Having no other option, Ravana agreed to the condition of finishing his work fast.

However, Ravana couldn’t complete his worship within the count of 5, and Lord Ganesha, disguised as a Shepherd, put the aatma linga on the ground. In this way, Lord Ganesha tricked Ravana to stop him from taking the Linga to Lanka, and this Linga is the actual Parli Vaijnath Shiva Linga.

Parli Vaijnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vaidyanath, is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the powerful healing and devotional aspect of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims come to seek healing and blessings at this sacred Jyotirlinga, believing that their ailments will be cured through devotion and prayer.

History of the Parli Vaijnath temple

The exact origins of the Parli Vaijnath Temple are not well-documented, but it is believed to have existed for several centuries. During the medieval period, this region was part of various dynasties and kingdoms, including the Chalukyas, Yadavas, and Bahamani Sultanate. The temple likely evolved and gained prominence as a significant pilgrimage site during this time due to its association with the Jyotirlinga.

How to reach Parli Vaijnath temple

Parli Vaijnath Temple is a famous pilgrimage site in Maharashtra, India. It is located in the Beed district of Maharashtra. To reach Parli Vaijnath Temple, you can follow these general directions:

By Air: The nearest major airport to Parli Vaijnath is the Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), which is approximately 200 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Parli Vaijnath.

By Train: Parli Vaijnath has its own railway station called Parli Vaijnath Railway Station (Station code: PRLI). You can check for train services to Parli Vaijnath from various cities in Maharashtra and other parts of India.

By Road:

From Mumbai: Parli Vaijnath is approximately 450 kilometers away from Mumbai. You can drive or take a bus from Mumbai to Parli Vaijnath. The journey by road may take around 9-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Pune: Parli Vaijnath is about 300 kilometers from Pune. You can drive or take a bus from Pune to reach the temple. The journey may take around 6-7 hours.
From Aurangabad: If you’re coming from Aurangabad, it’s approximately 200 kilometers away. You can drive or take a bus to reach Parli Vaijnath from Aurangabad.

Some Interesting things about Parli vaijnath Temple

The temple is often part of the Ashtavinayak Yatra pilgrimage circuit in Maharashtra, which includes eight prominent Ganesh temples. It is one of the stops on this holy circuit.
Lord Vaijnath is believed to have special healing powers, and many devotees visit the temple seeking relief from various ailments and health issues. It is often referred to as the “VaidyaNath” or “Doctor of Doctors.”
Parli Vaijnath Temple is unique because it houses not one, but two Shiva lingams within the sanctum sanctorum. The main lingam is known as Vaidyanath (Vaijnath), and the smaller one is called Vaijnath’s consort, Goddess Parvati.
Official Website: Vaijnath devasthanam