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Vaidyanath Temple (Parli)
Shri Vaidyanath · Vaijnath Jyotirlinga · Parli, Maharashtra
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
The Vaidyanath (Vaijnath) Temple at Parli, in the Beed district of Maharashtra, is revered as the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva — the healer form, worshipped as the divine physician. Set on a low hill above the Marathwada plain, the old Hemadpanti temple is among the most important pilgrimage centres of the region.
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
Shiva as Vaidyanath is the lord of healing, and Parli Vaijnath is the seat where Marathi tradition places this Jyotirlinga. The title of the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is also held at Deoghar in Jharkhand, and both shrines draw deep devotion; Parli is the centre of that worship in the Deccan.
Legend of the healer Shiva
The name Vaidyanath — lord of physicians — ties the shrine to stories of healing, including the tradition that Shiva, as the divine doctor, guarded the amrita, the nectar of immortality. Devotees come here above all seeking relief from illness.
History and Ahilyabai Holkar
The present temple, in the Hemadpanti style of dressed black stone, dates broadly to the 12th–13th centuries and was renovated in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. It stands within a fortified enclosure reached by a flight of steps.
Architecture and a play of light
The temple is known for a large pillared sabha-mandap and for an alignment by which sunlight is said to fall upon the lingam at certain times of day. Unusually for a major shrine, devotees are permitted to enter the sanctum and touch the lingam.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri is the principal festival, drawing a great fair, and the temple is busy through the Mondays of Shravan and on Vijayadashami.
Darshan timings
The temple is generally open from about 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis. Entry is free, and the hilltop setting gives wide views over the town.
How to reach Parli Vaijnath
- By train: Parli Vaijnath has its own railway station.
- By road: well connected to Beed, Latur and Nanded.
- By air: Nanded (~120 km) and Aurangabad (~210 km) are the nearest airports.
Tips for your visit
- Early morning is calm for sanctum darshan.
- Combine with the Ambajogai temples nearby.
- Maha Shivaratri is the grandest but most crowded.
- Carry water for the flight of steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parli Vaijnath a Jyotirlinga?
Yes, Parli Vaijnath is widely revered in Maharashtra as the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The same title is also held at Deoghar in Jharkhand, and both are deeply venerated.
Why is Shiva here called Vaidyanath?
Vaidyanath means lord of physicians; Shiva is worshipped here as the divine healer, and devotees come seeking relief from illness.
Can devotees touch the lingam at Parli Vaijnath?
Yes — unusually for a major shrine, devotees are allowed to enter the sanctum and touch the lingam.
What are the temple timings?
Generally about 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis; busiest on Shravan Mondays and Maha Shivaratri.
How do I reach Parli Vaijnath?
It has its own railway station; by road it is well linked to Beed, Latur and Nanded; the nearest airports are Nanded (~120 km) and Aurangabad (~210 km).
Who renovated the temple?
The Hemadpanti temple dates broadly to the 12th–13th centuries and was renovated in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Vaidyanath Temple (Parli) |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (Vaidyanath) |
| Location | Parli Vaijnath |
| District | Beed |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Significance | Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra) |
| Architecture Style | Hemadpanti |
| Approximate Period | 12th–13th century |
| Key Festival | Maha Shivaratri |
| River / Body Nearby | Brahma / Sindhphana River |
| Special Features | Sanctum touch darshan; play of sunlight |
| Darshan | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Nearest Railhead | Parli Vaijnath |
| Coordinates | 18.8500° N, 76.5333° E |
| Entry | Free |
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