Aundha Nagnath Temple is a famous and highly venerated temple of Lord Shiva in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The temple has high religious significance as it is regarded to be the Adya or first of the 12 Jyotirlingams. The temple is one of the oldest in this region and indeed in the whole of Maharashtra as it was built by the Pandavas while they were moving through the dense forest of this area during their 14-year exile.

About Jyotirlingams

Jyotirlingams which are divine light-emanating lingams of Lord Shiva are believed to have ultimate divine power. The Jyotirlingams are worshiped by Hindus because they believe that their sins will be forgiven and atoned for, if they visit all 12 of them.

History

Aundha Nagnath Temple has several historical significances, besides the fact that it was created by the Pandavas. The renowned and learned poet Sant Namdev met his Guru Visoba Khechara after heeding the advice of Sant Dhyaneshwar. The founder of Sikh religion, Guru Nanak Sahib is also believed to have graced the temple with his presence while traveling through this place. One of the strangest sights in the Aundha Nagnath Temple is the presence of Nandi at the backside of the temple. In all other temples of Lord Shiva, Nandi the mount or Vahana of Lord Shiva is always at the entrance of the temple.

The Salient Features

A statue of Ahilyabai Holkar graces the front entrance of the temple. It is a clear indication that the lady, who was known for her deepest commitment to protect and preserve ancient temples of India, had a role to play in the restoration of the Aundha Nagnath Temple too. The temple has a highly attractive appearance with the walls and pillars reflecting the art and talent of the artisans of ancient India. The ceiling and the spire seems out of place with the design and architecture of the other areas of the temple which indicates a recent renovation job.

Temple Timings

The temple doors are opened for darshan of the Lord at 4 AM. The morning pooja and rudrabhishekam takes place at 4.05 AM. The daily aarti happens at 12 noon and the doors are closed for the day at 9 PM every day.

Where to Stay

The Aundha Nagnath temple trust has accommodation arrangements for pilgrims and visitors. These are clean, well-maintained basic accommodations. Visitors can also stay at Nanded or Parbhani where there are better lodging and boarding options available. The Sachkhand Gurudwara at Nanded has extremely good arrangements for staying for devotees.

How to Reach

By Road

Aundha Nagnath Temple is around 50 km from Parbhani and 60 km from Nanded, both key districts in the Marathwada region. The state run MSRTC operates a regular bus service from both these places. Private vehicles such as taxis and cars are also available.

By Train

While Chondi is the nearest railway station, it is better to alight at either Parbhani or Nanded railway station as there are more trains arriving and departing from these stations to various cities of the state and country.

By Air

The airport nearest to Aundha Nagnath is Aurangabad International Airport which is around 200 Km.