Nagnath Aundha – Story of Origin of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple at Aundh in Maharashtra

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple at Aundh (Aundha in Hingoli District) in Maharashtra is believed to be one among the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. The story of origin of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with Shiva protecting people of the region from Demoness Daruka. The twist in the story is that Demoness Daruka was an ardent devotee of Goddess Parvati.

Legend has it that the people in the vicinity of Nageshvar Temple were terrorized by demoness Daruka. People were attacked and killed by Daruka. Merchants could no longer do their business as all their goods were looted by her.

People then prayed to Shiva and who appeared along with his Nagas or serpents and chased Demoness Daruka away.

Demoness Daruka was an ardent devotee of Goddess Shakti. She prayed to her for help. Goddess Shakti then asked demoness Daruka to make her home in a dense forest nearby and not to harm other living beings.

Shiva decided to stay there as Nageshvar and Goddess Parvati appeared as Nageshvari. Both keep a close watch on the forest that demoness Daruka resides.

Nandi On the Back Side of  Aundha Nagnath Temple

Another famous story associated with the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple at Aundh has it that once the entire temple turned to listen to bhajans of Saint Namdev and devotees.

Legend has it that Saint Namdev and few devotees were singing bhajans in the temple. A pujari found the prayer a nuisance and asked them to vacate from the temple.

Saint Namdev and devotees went to the back side of the temple and continued the prayers. It is said that Shiva turned the entire temple to listen to the prayer.

That is why the Nandi in the temple is located at the back side of the temple and not in the usual front side.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is located at Aundha in Hingoli District in Maharashtra. It is around 60 km Nanded. 50 Km from Parbhani.

Please note that Nageshvar Temple near Dwarka in Gujarat is also believed to be a Jyotirlinga Temple.