Few Jyotirlinga temples let you stand this close to the Linga. At Parli Vaijnath, devotees can touch the sacred stone and offer water with their own hands. That personal contact is what many pilgrims remember long after the trip.

This guide covers history, timings, aarti, abhishekam, booking, hotels and travel routes. Where sources disagree, the article says so. Confirm timings and prices at the temple before you travel.

Parli Vaijnath Temple

Shri Vaijnath Temple, also called Vaidyanath, sits in Parli Vaijnath town in Beed district, Maharashtra. The town lies on the slopes of the Naganarayan hill. The temple is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is listed fifth in the traditional order.

Quick facts:

• Deity: Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath (Lord of Physicians)
• Style: Hemadpanthi stone architecture
• Height: Roughly 75 to 80 feet, as reported
• Managed by: Vaijnath Devasthan Trust
• Address: Pathanpura, Peth Mohalla, Parli Vaijnath, Beed, Maharashtra 431515
• Main festivals: Mahashivratri and Shravan month
• Darshan: Free

The complex also holds about twenty other small shrines. A lake called Shivaganga lies nearby, and a well named Chandrakoop stands near the main entrance.

Parli Vaijnath Temple History

The temple is very old, but no single founding date is confirmed. Local tradition places worship here for many centuries. Outlook Traveller describes the origins as stretching back over six centuries.

The best documented chapter is the restoration by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century. Some pages print 1706, while others print 1776. Since Ahilyabai was born in 1725, 1776 fits her lifetime far better. The temple has an idol of her inside the complex.

The stone structure follows the Hemadpanthi style. It uses dry-fitted blocks without mortar. The Linga’s top is slightly broken, which devotees link to the Ravana legend.

The Legend of Ravana and the Jyotirlinga

The most told story involves Ravana, the king of Lanka. He worshipped Shiva with great devotion and asked him to come to Lanka. Shiva agreed and gave him a Linga to carry, with one condition. It must never touch the ground until he reached Lanka.

On the way, the gods feared what would happen if Lanka held such power. Ravana needed a short break and asked a shepherd to hold the Linga. The shepherd could not bear the weight and set it down. The Linga stayed rooted at that spot. Ravana tried to pull it out, which is why devotees say the top is chipped.

Another tradition connects the place to the churning of the ocean and the nectar of immortality. A third story involves the goddess Yogeshwari of Ambejogai, who was meant to marry Vaidyanath.

Read More: Thiruthani Murugan Temple: Timings, History, Darshan & Travel Guide 2026

Why “Vaidyanath” or “Lord of Physicians”

“Vaidya” means physician and “Nath” means lord. One tradition says Ravana offered his ten heads to Shiva in worship. Shiva later restored them, acting like a divine healer.

The same story is told at Gokarna in Karnataka, so the healing link is not unique to Parli. Pilgrims still visit Parli to pray for good health, recovery from illness and relief for sick family members. The surrounding herbal hills add to the healing reputation.

Which Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Is Real

This is one of the most asked questions. The honest answer is that two main temples claim the title of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga:

1. Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar (Jharkhand): Widely followed in north and east India. It hosts the large Shravani Mela in Sawan.
2. Parli Vaijnath (Maharashtra): Followed strongly in western and southern India.

The Government of India has not officially notified either temple as the one true Jyotirlinga. The old Sanskrit stotram reads “Paralyam Vaidyanatham” in many versions, and many scholars read “Parali” as Parli. Other versions use a different phrase that devotees link to Deoghar. Some people also point to Baijnath in Himachal Pradesh.

A fair way to see it: each temple is a living centre of Shiva worship with centuries of devotion. Pilgrims choose based on their region and tradition.

Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple Location

Parli Vaijnath is a town in Beed district in the Marathwada region. It sits roughly in the middle of Maharashtra’s southeast. Latur is about 60 to 75 km away, and Nanded is about 105 km away.

Key location points:

• Town: Parli Vaijnath (also written Parali)
• District: Beed
• PIN code: 431515
• Nearest railway station: Parli Vaijnath, about 2 km away
• Landmark: Naganarayan hill, with the temple on a raised plinth

Search “Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Parli” on your maps app for the exact pin.

Why Parli Vaijnath Is Half Jyotirlinga

You may see this phrase online, but I found no scriptural text that calls Parli a “half” Jyotirlinga. It looks like a search phrase, not an established doctrine.

Two things may explain why people use it:

• The broken top of the Linga, linked to the Ravana legend, which some describe loosely as “incomplete”
• The Deoghar vs Parli debate, where some speakers say the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is shared between the two places

Treat “half Jyotirlinga” as a popular idea, not a fact. Priests at the temple can tell you what the local tradition says.

Parli Vaijnath Temple Timings 2026

Sources differ, so use this as a guide and confirm locally.

Session	Commonly reported time
Temple opens	4:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Morning darshan	Until about 3:30 PM
Afternoon break	About 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (reported by some sources)
Evening darshan	6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Closing	9:00 PM to 10:00 PM

A few sources list a continuous darshan from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM with no break. Others report that Monday during Shravan stays open for much longer. Shravan Mondays, Mahashivratri and festival days see extended hours.

Plan to arrive by early morning or before 3:00 PM so a possible break does not affect your trip.

Parli Vaijnath Pooja, Aarti & Abhishekam Schedule

The temple follows a steady daily rhythm. These timings are commonly reported:

Ritual	Time
Kakad or Morning Aarti	About 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM
Abhishekam and Rudrabhishek	Early morning, often 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM
Panchamrut Abhishekam	About 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Madhyan Aarti	About 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Sandhya or Evening Aarti	About 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Shej Aarti (night)	About 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Parli Vaijnath Temple Abhishekam Timings & Online Booking 2026

Abhishekam is the main reason many pilgrims come. Devotees pour water, milk and other offerings over the Linga with the guidance of priests.

Daily Abhishekam Timings

Reports vary a lot:

• 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM: The most common window
• 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Reported by one 2026 source
• 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Reported by another, for Tuesday to Sunday

Because no single schedule is confirmed, ask at the temple office for the current slot. Mornings are the safest time to plan around.

How to Book Abhishekam Online

The picture is mixed. Some pages say the temple does not offer online booking for darshan or abhishekam. Others point to the trust’s website, vaijnathjyotirling.com, for VIP darshan and seva bookings.

If you want to try online booking:

• Open the official trust website and find the booking section.
• Choose VIP Darshan or Abhishekam and pick a date.
• Enter your details and pay the listed amount.
• Save the confirmation and carry a printout or screenshot.

Since online availability is reported as inconsistent, also keep a plan to book at the counter on the day. Be careful with unofficial portals that charge extra.

Read More: Thiruthani Murugan Temple: Timings, History, Darshan & Travel Guide 2026

Parli Vaijnath Temple Seva Ticket Prices

General darshan is free. Entry to the temple costs nothing.

Reported prices:

• VIP Darshan: About ₹150 per person, for faster sanctum access
• Abhishekam and Rudrabhishek: Charges vary by type of seva
• Aarti: Often free to attend

Prices change, and sources do not agree on amounts for individual sevas. Always take a receipt and pay only at the official counter or the official website.

Hotels Near Parli Vaijnath Temple

Parli is a pilgrim town, so stays are simple and affordable. Commonly listed options include:

• Vaijnath Devasthan Trust Bhakta Niwas: Pilgrim lodging run by the temple trust
• Hotel Arya Executive: On Station Road, opposite the railway station
• Hotel Halge Garden: Near the temple, with parking reported
• Triveni Lodge, Agrawal Lodge and Shree Gurunanak Lodge: Budget lodges near the station
• Hotel Vaijnath Palace: Listed by some travel pages

Tips for booking:

1. Book early for Shravan Mondays and Mahashivratri, since rooms fill fast.
2. Choose a place near the station if you arrive by train.
3. Ask whether food and parking are available, as this varies.

Facilities and rates change often, so confirm before you pay.

Major Festivals Celebrated at Parli Vaijnath Temple

• Mahashivratri: The biggest festival, with night-long worship, abhishekam and large crowds
• Shravan Month: Every Monday is considered especially holy. Devotees fast and queue for darshan.
• Navratri and Vijayadashami: Celebrated with special decorations and rituals
• Krishna festivals: The temple is known as a meeting place for Shiva and Krishna devotees. Water from Harihar Teerth is used in daily worship.

Dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar, so check the year’s schedule before planning.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

• Start early. Reach the temple before sunrise for aarti and a calmer queue.
• Dress properly. Men are asked to remove upper garments during abhishekam, as reported by Wikipedia. Women should wear a saree or salwar kameez.
• Carry the basics. Bring a small towel, a change of clothes and some cash.
• Plan your offerings. Water, flowers, milk and bael leaves are typical.
• Keep valuables light. Lockers and shoe stands are available near the entrance.
• Walk the complex. Visit the smaller shrines, the Chandrakoop well and Shivaganga.
• Budget two to three hours. This allows for darshan, a short abhishekam and a walk.
• Respect local rules. Follow priests and staff, especially in the sanctum.

How to Reach Parli Vaijnath Temple

Parli is connected by air, rail and road, but there is no airport in the town itself.

By Air

Nearby airports are:

• Latur: About 60 to 75 km away
• Nanded: About 105 km away
• Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): About 200 to 225 km away

Flight availability changes, so check the current schedule. Hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport.

By Road

MSRTC buses and private operators run to Parli from Beed, Latur, Nanded, Aurangabad, Pune and Hyderabad. Taxis are available from nearby cities. Roads are generally good, though the drive from Pune or Hyderabad takes many hours.

By Train

Parli Vaijnath Railway Station is about 2 km from the temple, a ten-minute auto or taxi ride. Reported connections include trains from Hyderabad and Secunderabad, plus an Aurangabad to Guntur service. A train from Hyderabad takes roughly 8 to 9 hours, as one source reports. Check current train numbers on the railway app before you book.

Best Time to Visit Parli Vaijnath Temple

• October to March: Cool, comfortable weather for travel and queues
• Shravan (July to August): Spiritual high season, especially Mondays, with large crowds
• Mahashivratri (February or March): Most festive, but also the busiest
• Summer (April to June): Hot, so plan early morning visits

For a quiet visit, pick a weekday morning outside festival season.

Parli Vaijnath Temple Contact Details

• Temple: Shri Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Parli Vaijnath
• Address: Pathanpura, Peth Mohalla, Parli Vaijnath, Beed, Maharashtra 431515
• Managing body: Vaijnath Devasthan Trust
• Website: vaijnathjyotirling.com (listed as the trust’s official website)

Phone numbers on third-party pages are not consistently verified. For this reason I am not listing one here. Check the trust website or the Beed district tourism page for a current number before you call.

FAQs

What are the darshan timings at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Roughly 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though some sources list 9:30 PM and a possible afternoon break. Confirm locally.

What time is Abhishekam performed at Parli Vaijnath?

Most sources say early morning, around 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. A few list a longer window until afternoon.

Is there an entry fee for Parli Vaijnath Temple darshan?

No, general darshan is free. VIP darshan is reported at about ₹150.

Can devotees touch the Shiva Linga at Parli Vaijnath?

Yes, devotees can touch the Linga and perform abhishekam under a priest’s guidance.

What should male devotees wear during Abhishekam?

Men are asked to remove upper garments and wear a dhoti or similar cloth. Follow the priest’s instructions.

How do I book Abhishekam or VIP Darshan online?

Use the trust’s website, vaijnathjyotirling.com. Some sources say online booking is unreliable, so keep counter booking as a backup.

Which is the nearest railway station to Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath Railway Station, about 2 km from the temple.

What is the best time of year to visit Parli Vaijnath Temple?

October to March has pleasant weather. Shravan and Mahashivratri offer the strongest festival atmosphere.

Why is Parli Vaijnath also called Vaidyanath?

Vaidyanath means “Lord of Physicians.” The name comes from legends of Shiva as a divine healer.

Are there hotels available near the temple?

Yes, there are budget hotels, lodges and trust-run Bhakta Niwas rooms near the station and temple.

Conclusion

Parli Vaijnath is a temple where faith feels personal. You can touch the Linga, join a simple abhishekam and pray for health in the same place where pilgrims have prayed for centuries. The Deoghar debate adds depth, not doubt, to its story.

Before you go, confirm timings and abhishekam slots, dress properly and book your stay early in Shravan or Mahashivratri. Come early in the morning, take your time, and let the visit be unhurried.