Shiva Temple Parner is a sacred Hindu temple located in the small town of Parner, in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, and is considered to be an important pilgrimage site for devotees of the Lord.
The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Yadava dynasty in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. The temple complex covers a large area and is surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The main entrance to the temple is adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva, which is made of black stone and is beautifully decorated with ornaments and garlands. The idol is flanked by the idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha, who are also worshipped by the devotees.
The temple is renowned for its annual Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great fervour and devotion by thousands of devotees who come from all over India to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. During the festival, the temple is decorated with colourful lights and flowers, and devotional songs and hymns are sung in praise of Lord Shiva throughout the night.
Apart from the main temple, there are several smaller shrines and temples within the complex, dedicated to various deities such as Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, and Lord Vishnu. The temple also has a sacred pond called the Shivkund, which is believed to have healing properties and is visited by devotees seeking spiritual purification and redemption.
Bhimashankar is a famous pilgrimage site and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Sahyadri range and offers scenic beauty, trekking opportunities, and the chance to visit the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lenyadri:
Lenyadri, also known as Ganesh Lena, is a hill located near Junnar. It is known for its ancient Buddhist caves, out of which Cave 7 is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The cave houses a rock-cut statue of Ganesh and attracts devotees and history enthusiasts.
Ozar is a small town near Junnar and is known for the Vigneshwara Temple, one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is visited by devotees seeking blessings and is believed to fulfill wishes.
Ranjangaon:
Ranjangaon is another town that houses one of the Ashtavinayak Temples, the Mahaganapati Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is known for its peaceful ambiance and architectural beauty.
Ahmednagar:
Ahmednagar is a historically significant city with attractions like the Ahmednagar Fort, Bhandardara Lake, and the Meherabad Spiritual Retreat. It is also the birthplace of the Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Aurangabad is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These ancient rock-cut caves showcase exquisite sculptures and paintings, making them a must-visit for art and history lovers.
Shirdi is a popular pilgrimage destination known for the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Devotees from all over the world visit the temple to seek blessings. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere and other attractions like the Dwarkamai Mosque and the Samadhi Mandir.