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What is the story behind Shree Parli Vaijnath
What is the story behind Shree Parli Vaijnath – Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, which are considered to be sacred places of worship for Lord Shiva. It is located in the town of Parali Vaijnath in the Beed district of Maharashtra.
According to Hindu mythology, the story behind Parali Vaijnath Jyotirlinga dates back to the time of the churning of the ocean or Samudra Manthan. During this time, a fierce battle broke out between the gods and demons for the nectar of immortality. In the midst of the battle, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Mohini and distracted the demons, allowing the gods to obtain the nectar.
However, some drops of the nectar fell on the earth during the churning of the ocean and are said to have given rise to the Jyotirlingas. It is believed that the lingam at Parali Vaijnath is one of these Jyotirlingas that was created by the nectar of immortality. Thats why this Jyotirlinga is said to have healing power and is named as Vaidyanath.
Another legend associated with the temple is that of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. It is said that Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and wanted to take a Jyotirlinga to Lanka with him. He worshiped Lord Shiva and requested a Shivlinga to carry with him. Lord Shiva agreed on one condition that he should not put this Shivling on the ground untill he reaches home. As Ravana was transporting it to Lanka, the gods feared the consequences of the Shivlinga at Ravana’s kingdom and requested Lord Varuna, lord of the waters, to break his journey. Varuna entered Ravana’s stomach, making the demon king want to relieve himself. He descended to the ground and handed the Shivlinga to a boy (different tales says in desguise with Lord Vishnu or Lord Ganesha) and asked him to hold it until he relieves himself.
As soon as Ravana went, the boy placed the shivlinga on the ground and disappeared. When Ravana returned, he realized that he had been tricked. The linga was fixed to the ground. He tried with all his might to displace it. However, he could not. So, he paid obeisance to it right there. This spot is believed to be Deoghar.
The temple at Parali Vaijnath is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile in the forest. It is a magnificent example of ancient Hindu architecture and attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.
Given how old the jyotirlingas and associated temples are, there is some variation in beliefs about their locations. Three different sites claim to house the jyotirlinga – Baidyanath temple at Deoghar, Jharkhand, and Vaijnath temple at Parli, Maharashtra and Bajinath temple in Bajinath, Himachal Pradesh. Still devotee always visit all thease places and pray these Shivlingas whole heartedly.
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