If one is to draw a line between Kanyakumari and Ujjain, Parali village can be clearly seen on that line. This village is located on the slopes of Meru or Naganarayana Mountain. Parali is an ancient village located near three rivers, Brahma, Venu and Saraswati, because of the presence of one of the twelve JyotirLingas of Shankara, it has become famous. This village is also known as Kantipur, Madhyarekha Vaijayanti or Jayanti. It is 26 kilometres from Ambejogai in the Beed district.
Shrine’s History
The old temple was renovated by Ahalyadevi Holkar in the year 1706 AD. She obtained some special stones from the nearby mountain range of Trishula Devi range, which is close to Parali. Even one can see her statue inside temple and temple has many items of peshwas times. She seems to be a big devotee of Lord Vaijnath.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is found at three cities in India. All the three put together are considered as one. They are scattered at different parts of the country. The one at Parli, near Nanded, in Maharashtra is famous among the three.The second one is at Deoghar in Jharkhand state and the third one is at Santa Parganas region in Jharkhand state. People in Himachal include Baijnath temple, Kangra in the list of Vaidyanath Jyothirlings
Legend has it that Ravana meditated upon Shiva, and requested him to come over to Sri Lanka, in order that his capital may become invincible. It is said that he attempted to lift Mount Kailash and take it with him to his capital; however Shiva crushed him with his finger, and Ravana prayed to him and sought his mercy, after which Shiva gave him one of the twelve Jyotirlinga with the condition that if it was placed on the ground it would take root immediately. Ravana carried the Jyotirlingam and began his trek back to his capital. Varuna the God of water, entered his belly and caused him to feel the need to relieve himself. Vishnu then came down in the form of a lad and volunteered to hold the Jyotirlingam as he relieved himself. Before Ravana returned, Vishnu placed the Jyotirlingam on the ground, and it became rooted to the spot. A disappointed Ravana offered severe penances to Shiva here and cut off nine of his heads. Shiva revived him and joined the heads to the body, as if by the work of a Vaidya or a physician, hence this Jyotirlingam goes by the name Vaidyanath. The same legend holds at Gokarnam in Karnataka. Another legend has it that this temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju, and hence the name Baijnath. Vaidyanath is also considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Pitha shrines of Sati. It is believed that the heart of Sati fell here when her half burnt body being carried by Shiva at the end of Daksha’s yagna was chopped to pieces by Vishnu’s discus.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Vaidyanath Temple at Deogarh houses a spacious courtyard bound by stone walls. In the temple complex are twenty-two other temples. The Baijnath or Vaidyanath temple faces east. The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it. Near the temple is the Shivaganga Lake.
Temple also has Lord Ganeshas idol without the usual trunk and in a sitting posture like a body builder. Seen such statue of lord ganesha first time. This is very unique.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Parli Vaijnath is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses. Bus Station(s): Parli
By Rail
There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Parli Vaijnath. Railway Station(s): Parli Vaijnath
By Air
Instead of Parli Vaijnath you can a get flight to Chikkalthana Airport on the regular basis. 174 km away Chikkalthana Airport , Aurangabad, Maharashtra. 261 km awayRajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
Shrine Timings
Temple is open between 0600 hrs to 2200 hrs. Rush is reported to be on every Monday. You can take VILVAM from the vendors and perform Pooja on your own. Pandits are also available and will approach for Pooja.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
The month of Shravan is very important. Devotees circumambulate the Meru hills according to a time- honoured tradition of Parli- Vaijnath. On the way, devotees get to see the holy façade of 12th Jyotir Lingam in a celestial temple. The captivating Jijamata Udyan which is kept open during 3 to 9 p.m. every day is another coveted tourists spot of Parli- Vaijnath. Dont miss the opportunity to watch the pretty face of the idol of Shankar Bhagwan. The festivity of Shiva Ratri and the colourful fair, organised during this colourful act thousand of devotees towards Parli- Vaijnath.