Shri Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Parli Vaijnath

The claim to Jyotirlinga status rests largely on tradition and scripture. The Dvadasa Jyotirlinga verse recited by pilgrims names 'Vaidyanatha at Parali', and the temple trust quotes this verse on its home page. Wikipedia's article on the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, however, notes that three temples, at Deoghar (Jharkhand), Parli (Maharashtra) and Baijnath (Himachal Pradesh), each claim the title, that the Government of India has not designated any one of them, and that none of the three has given up its claim. Wikipedia's article on the Parli temple groups it with the other Jyotirlinga temples of Maharashtra (Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar and Aundha Nagnath), while the table in its main Jyotirlinga article places Baidyanath at Deoghar.

According to a legend summarised by Maharashtra Tourism and by Incredible India, the demon king Ravana obtained a Jyotirlinga from Shiva and was carrying it to Lanka when he was tricked into setting it down, after which it could not be moved. Maharashtra Tourism adds that the linga here is of black stone and that, unusually, devotees are allowed to touch it during worship; the trust's daily schedule likewise refers to 'touch darshan' of the main linga.

The temple trust presents Parli as a place where Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) meet, and so both Shiva and Krishna festivals are observed. Maharashtra Tourism links this to the practice of offering tulsi leaves to Shiva and bilva leaves to Vishnu. The trust also lists sacred tanks and sites around the town tied to local tradition, including Harihar Tirtha, where Shiva and Vishnu are believed to have embraced; Markandeya Tirtha, connected with the sage Markandeya, who devotees believe received a long life here; and Chakra Tirtha, where Vishnu is said to have regained his Sudarshana discus. Wikipedia's article on the town also records a local belief that Savitri won back the life of her husband Satyavan from Yama near the Narayan hill.

The temple trust publishes a daily schedule that varies on Mondays, Pradosh and Shivratri, and offers special darshan passes on busy days such as Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays. Wikipedia notes that men performing abhishekam are expected not to wear clothing above the waist. Crowds are very heavy during Mahashivratri and Shravan. Confirm current darshan and abhishek timings, dress rules and pass arrangements with the Shree Vaijnath Devasthan Trust before travelling.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Shree Vaijnath Devasthan Trust (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.