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How Many Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra
According to Shiva Purana, there are 64 original Jyotirlinga shrines in India and Nepal. Out of which, 12 are the most sacred and they are called the Maha Jyotirlingam or Dwadas Jyotirlinga. There are five Jyotirlingas located in the state of Maharashtra. But when we talk of Dvādaśa Jyotirliṅga, as mentioned by the Adi Shankaracharya in Dvādaśa Jyotirliṅga Stotram, then we find the names of three Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Jyotirlingas are considered to be sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here we know about the three Jyotirlingas of Dvādaśa Jyotirliṅga in Maharashtra:
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra
- Location: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Significance: This Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva taking the form of Bhima to defeat the demon Tripurasura. It’s believed that the temple’s origin dates back to ancient times and is mentioned in various Puranas (Hindu scriptures).
- Architecture: The temple showcases traditional Nagara-style architecture. The shikhara (spire) of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings.
- Surroundings: The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding the temple is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a place of natural beauty and conservation, and it is known for its scenic beauty.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra
- Location: Trimbakeshwar is situated in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, near the source of the Godavari River.
- Significance: It is believed that the sacred Godavari River originated from the feet of Lord Shiva at this location. The temple holds immense religious significance and is also associated with the legend of the sage Gautama’s curse.
- Architecture: The temple is known for its impressive black stone architecture with intricate carvings. The unique feature of the temple is the three-faced lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Rituals: The temple is famous for the Kumbh Mela which is held every twelve years, attracting millions of devotees.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra
- Location: Grishneshwar is situated near the Ellora Caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
- Significance: This Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of a devout woman named Kusuma who unknowingly offered worship to a Shiva Linga hidden among the roots of a bel tree. Lord Shiva was pleased with her devotion and appeared before her as Ghushmeshwar.
- Architecture: The temple is built in the classic Maratha architectural style, with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
- Proximity to Ellora Caves: The Grishneshwar Temple is located close to the Ellora Caves, which are renowned for their rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures.
Other Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are two more famous Shiv Linga in Maharashtra; however, these two are not mentioned in the Dvadasa Jyotirlinga Stotram and are not part of the 12 Maha Jyotirlinga or Dwadas Jyotirlinga.
Parli Vaijnath
Parli Vaijnath Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in the Beed district of Maharashtra. The temple is said to be more than 300 years old and is renovated by Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar in 1706 AD.
Aundha Nagnath
Aundha Naganath is a town in the Aundha Nagnath subdivision of the Hingoli district. The town is known for the Aundha Nagnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is also known as Nageshwar Temple. It is believed that the temple was built by Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandav, while they were in exile for 14 years. The temple was rebuilt by the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty in the 13th century. The original temple was destroyed by Muslim invader Aurangzeb and rebuilt in the 18th century by Indore Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra List
| Shrine | Location | Dwadas Jyotirlinga |
|---|---|---|
| Trimbakeshwar | Nasik | Yes |
| Ghrishneshwar | Aurangabad | Yes |
| Bhimashankar | Pune | Yes |
| Parli Vaijnath | Parli | No |
| Nagnath | Hingoli | No |
Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra Map
These Jyotirlingas are not only places of religious significance but also hold historical, architectural, and cultural importance in the state of Maharashtra. Please verify with more recent sources if there have been any changes or updates since my last knowledge update in September 2021.
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