Aundha Nagnath Temple is a Hindu religious abode dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva that allures the pilgrimage tourists and the history lovers for its religious myths and the archaeological importance. Every year, during Maha Shivaratri, a fair is held that allures a large number of Indians and the foreign tourists.
Location of Aundha Nagnath Temple
Aundha Nagnath Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located at Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district of Maharashtra.
History of Aundha Nagnath Temple
Aundha Nagnath Temple is supposed to be the eighth temple of the twelve jyotirlingas in India. It is an important place of pilgrimage for those who believe in Lord Shiva, as one of the prime power of India. Aundha Nagnath Temple is said to have been built by the Seuna Yadava dynasty and dates back to 13th century. The first temple is said to be from the time of the Mahabharata and is believed to have been constructed by Yudhishthir, eldest of the Pandavas, when they were expelled for 14 years from Hastinapur. It has been stated that this temple building was of seven-storied before it was plundered by the last mighty Mughal Emperor of India, Aurangzeb.
Architecture of Aundha Nagnath Temple
Aundha Nagnath Temple covers an area of 669.60 sq mt and height of 18.29 m. The total area in which temple campus is spread is about 60,000 sq. ft. Apart from the religious significance Aundha Nagnath Temple itself is worth seeing for its unbelievably beautiful carvings. The present temple of Aundha Nagnath is Hemadpanti architecture. The large number of pilgrims visits this temple on Maha Shivaratri and Vijaya Dashami. Aundha Nagnath Temple is also closely associated with lives of Namdev, Visoba Khechara and Jnanesvar, the saints revered by the Varkari sect of Hinduism.
Religious Fair near Aundha Nagnath Temple
Aundha Nagnath Temple also hosts a religious fair during maha Shiva Ratri and Vijaya Dasami. Every year another fair is held here in Hindu calendar month of Magha, which lasts till beginning of the month of Phalguna. Thousands of people visit this temple during this time. This temple in Aundha Nagnath Temple adds as the pilgrimage tourist destination in the Western Ghats Mountain Range in India.
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