The Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Maharashtra. It sits peacefully in the Hingoli district temple area of Maharashtra, India. This ancient shrine is counted among the famous 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Pilgrims travel from across India for Jyotirlinga darshan at this powerful and spiritually rich site.
About Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Aundha Nagnath temple, Hingoli, Maharashtra, stands tall as a symbol of ancient faith. The temple campus covers nearly 60,000 square feet.
Its main sanctum alone spans around 7,200 square feet. The 60-foot structure commands the skyline of Aundha village.
The temple is built in the classic Hemadpanti architectural style. This style uses precision-cut stones with no mortar or cement.
The result is a stunning example of stone-carved temple architecture in India at its finest. Every pillar and carving tells a story of great craftsmanship.
Important Facts About Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga
This shrine is one of the most significant Maharashtra pilgrimage places for Shiva devotees. The Adhya Jyotirlinga’s significance sets it apart; many believe it was the first Jyotirlinga on Earth.
The west-facing Shiva temple feature is extremely rare among all Jyotirlinga shrines. Historical links with the Pandavas and Rani Ahilyabai Holkar temples add great historical depth.
Comparison: Aundha Nagnath vs Other Popular Jyotirlingas
| Feature | Aundha Nagnath | Trimbakeshwar | Somnath | Omkareshwar |
| State | Maharashtra | Maharashtra | Gujarat | Madhya Pradesh |
| Direction Facing | West (Rare) | East | East | East |
| Architecture | Hemadpanti | Nagara | Chalukya | Nagara |
| Special Belief | First Jyotirlinga | Source of Godavari | Self-manifested | Island Temple |
| Best Season | Oct–Mar | Oct–Mar | Oct–Mar | Oct–Mar |
Aundha Nagnath Temple Darshan Timings 2026
Many pilgrims ask, “What are the darshan timings of Aundha Nagnath in 2026?” The temple opens daily at 4:00 AM for devotees.
General Darshan runs smoothly until 9:00 PM every day. Timings are extended during the holy Shravan Somvar puja season for more devotees.
Aundha Nagnath Temple Daily Darshan Timings
What time does the Aundha Nagnath temple open? The answer is 4:00 AM sharp each morning. General darshan is available from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
During Shravan Maas, darshan extends till 10:00 PM. Afternoon puja starts at 1:00 PM, and the evening puja begins at 4:30 PM.
| Ritual | Timings |
| General Darshan | 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Darshan During Shravan Maas | 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Afternoon Pooja | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Evening Pooja | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Aundha Nagnath Temple Timings During Shravan Month
The Shravan month special darshan schedule is extended for all seven days of the week. Mondays during Shravan begin as early as 2:00 AM due to massive crowds.
Other days run from 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM and then from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. “Is the Aundha Nagnath temple open on Monday morning?” Yes, and it opens earlier than on any other day.
Shravan Month Darshan Timings (Day-Wise)
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| Monday | 2:00 AM onwards | Till 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Aundha Nagnath Temple Aarti and Puja Timings
Multiple sacred rituals take place daily at this ancient Hindu temples Marathwada gem. The first puja, Rudrabhishek puja timing Aundha, begins at 4:05 AM every morning. Midday aarti happens at 12:00 PM sharp. The final Shejaarti closes the day at 11:00 PM.
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Daily Puja and Aarti Schedule
“What time is the aarti at Aundha Nagnath temple?” is a common question from first-time visitors. Rudrabhishek starts at 4:05 AM, making it the earliest ritual of the day.
The temple aarti schedule in Maharashtra includes Sreesan Puja at 4:00 PM and Sayarakchai Puja at 8:30 PM. Shejaarti marks the end of the daily worship at 11:00 PM.
| Puja Type | Timings |
| Rudrabhishek Puja | 4:05 AM |
| Aarti Puja | 12:00 PM |
| Sreesan Puja | 4:00 PM |
| Sayarakchai Puja | 8:30 PM |
| Shejaarti Puja | 11:00 PM |
Best Time for Darshan at Aundha Nagnath Temple
Early morning is the best time for a peaceful Abhishek Puja timings experience. The temple is calm and less crowded before 7:00 AM.
Visiting during the Rudrabhishek ritual at 4:05 AM offers the most spiritually uplifting darshan. Always verify timings in advance, as they may change during special occasions.
Festivals Celebrated at Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple
This temple comes alive during major Hindu festivals throughout the year. Mahashivratri celebrations in Maharashtra draw the largest crowds here.
Other festivals like Vijayadashami and Nag Panchami are also celebrated with full devotion. The festive spirit here reflects the soul of Maharashtra’s pilgrimage places.
Mahashivratri – The Night of Lord Shiva
Mahashivratri is the grandest festival at the Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga location. Devotees stay awake all night performing special prayers and Rudrabhishek.
The unique Nagarcharya procession of Mahashivratri carries Lord Shiva’s idol in a palkhi around the temple. This centuries-old tradition attracts thousands from across India and Maharashtra.
Vijayadashami – Celebrating Divine Union
Vijayadashami at this temple is truly unique among all Shiva temples in Maharashtra. It is observed three days after Amavasya with special rituals.
The festival marks the symbolic marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This Vijayadashami celebration Shiva temple event attracts devout families seeking blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Connection with Sant Gajanan Maharaj Palkhi Yatra
The Sant Gajanan Maharaj Palkhi Yatra route holds a deep spiritual connection with this temple. Thousands of pilgrims join the Palkhi Yatra in Maharashtra each year.
Participating in this yatra is believed to multiply divine blessings many times over. This living tradition makes Aundha Nagnath spiritually unique among all Jyotirlinga shrines.
Why Festivals at Aundha Nagnath Are Special?
Festivals here go beyond just rituals; they are deep cultural experiences. The traditions practised here are rooted in centuries of Marathi Hindu heritage.
Every procession, prayer, and gathering reflects the collective devotion of the community. These events make this one of the most vibrant Maharashtra pilgrimage places to visit.
How to Reach Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple?
How do I reach the Aundha Nagnath temple from Nanded?” is the most searched travel query about this temple. The temple is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
Multiple travel options make this one of the more accessible Nanded tourist places nearby. Planning travel in advance saves time, especially during festival seasons.
By Road
The MSRTC bus route Aundha Nagnath connects major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad directly. Private taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available from nearby towns. \
The road condition from Nanded is good and well-maintained throughout the year. This is the most flexible and popular option for pilgrims visiting the Aundha village Hingoli pilgrimage.
By Train
“Which is the nearest railway station to Aundha Nagnath?” it is Nanded Railway Station. The Nanded to Aundha Nagnath distance is approximately 65 km.
Taxis and shared buses are readily available outside Nanded station. Pre-booking a taxi during the Shravan season is strongly recommended.
By Air
The Nanded airport temple distance is the shortest flying option for most pilgrims. Nanded Airport offers limited but useful connectivity to major cities.
From the airport, private taxis reach the temple in about 90 minutes. Always check flight availability in advance, as services are limited.
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Best Time to Visit Aundha Nagnath Temple
October to March is the ideal time for a comfortable visit to this Hingoli district temple. The weather is cool and pleasant during these months.
Shravan Somvar puja season in July–August is sacred but very crowded. Plan ahead and book Aundha Nagnath accommodation options early during festivals.
History of Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga
The history of this temple is deeply rooted in the Pandava-era temple in Indian legends. According to belief, Yudhishthira built the original temple during the Pandavas’ exile.
The Yudhishthira temple construction legend explains why the Jyotirlinga faces west — a truly rare directional feature. This connection to the Mahabharata era makes the shrine historically extraordinary.
The Aurangzeb Aundha Nagnath history is a dramatic chapter in the temple’s story. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb reportedly tried to destroy the shrine.
A miraculous swarm of bees attacked his soldiers, forcing them to retreat. The temple was later lovingly restored through the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar temple restoration efforts of the great Maratha queen.
Religious Significance of Aundha Nagnath Temple
The temple is widely regarded as the Adhya Jyotirlinga, a significant shrine, believed to be the first Jyotirlinga on Earth.
Nagnath, meaning Lord Shiva, refers to Shiva as the Lord of Serpents, depicted with a snake coiled around his neck.
This makes it a famous snake deity Shiva temple in India. The divine energy here is believed to offer protection from poisons and negative energies.
The first Jyotirlinga on earth draws countless devotees who seek Shiva’s supreme blessings. Rudrabhishek and Abhishek rituals performed here are considered highly powerful.
The temple’s spiritual energy is believed to be at its peak during Shravan Somvar puja Mondays. Devotees leave feeling renewed, protected, and spiritually uplifted after every visit.
Personal Opinion & Visitor Recommendation
Visiting the Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga is a truly transformative spiritual experience. If you plan to visit, early morning darshan before 6:00 AM offers the most peaceful atmosphere. Combining this visit with the Nanded tourist places circuit makes for a complete and fulfilling pilgrimage trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Aundha Nagnath temple open and close daily?
The Nagnath temple opening and closing time is 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM on regular days. During Shravan Maas, darshan extends till 10:00 PM.
What time does Rudrabhishek start at Aundha Nagnath?
The Rudrabhishek puja timing at Aundha is 4:05 AM every morning. This is the most spiritually powerful puja of the day.
How far is the Aundha Nagnath temple from Pune?
The distance is approximately 350–370 km by road. The journey takes around 6–7 hours by car or bus.
What are the accommodation options near Aundha Nagnath?
Aundha Nagnath accommodation options include Bhakt Nivas, Yatri Nivas, and local dharamshalas at affordable prices. Booking early during the Shravan month special darshan schedule season is strongly advised.
Why is Aundha Nagnath considered the Adhya Jyotirlinga?
Many devotees hold the first Jyotirlinga on earth belief that this shrine was the very first Jyotirlinga to manifest. The Adhya Jyotirlinga’s significance makes it spiritually superior among all 12 Jyotirlingas for many devotees.
Conclusion
Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga is a divine blend of history, faith, and architectural brilliance in Maharashtra. From the rare west-facing Shiva temple feature to its Pandava-era origins, every detail here is extraordinary. Whether you seek spiritual peace, historical knowledge, or cultural experience, this temple fulfils all. Plan your visit between October and March for the most comfortable and enriching Jyotirlinga darshan experience.
Alich, a skilled content writer with 3+ years of experience, known for creating clear guides and 1000+ published articles across multiple niches.
