Divine Gokulnath Maharaj Temple Pingli, Parbhani, parbhani

The ancient temple of Gokulnath Maharaj is situated in Pingli, a village in the Parbhani district blessed with historical and religious heritage. This village is famous for the Pingaleshwar Temple and the historical stepwell (barav) located in front of it. The Gokulnath Maharaj Temple here is believed to be over five hundred years old. A magnificent Shiva Linga is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. The great saint known as Gokulnath Maharaj resided at this sacred place for a long period. Due to his spiritual contributions, this area has attained great religious significance. Every year, on Chaitra Vadya Shashthi, a large annual fair is held here in memory of Gokulnath Maharaj. Countless devotees from the surrounding five villages and far-off places attend this festival in large numbers. The main attraction of this fair, which has been continuing for over 73 years, is the grand wrestling competition organized here.

The village of Pingli is situated on the banks of the Pingalgada River. In historical times, Pingli was a major trade center in the region, and a large cattle market used to be held here. The Shiva Linga in the Gokulnath Maharaj Temple, located within these historical village boundaries, is also over five hundred years old. Many legends regarding this ancient temple and the Shiva Linga are prevalent among the locals. In the olden days, a massive bronze bell was hung at the entrance of this temple. This bell was extremely heavy. It was impossible for even one or two people to move it from its place. Many years ago, a gang of five to six thieves hatched a plot to steal this valuable bell. They somehow managed to lower the bell and were preparing to flee. As soon as the thieves reached the main steps of the temple, they suddenly lost their vision. Due to this divine wrath, they became completely blind. Terrified, the thieves groped in the darkness and returned the bell to its original place. As soon as the bell was placed back, their vision was restored. Overwhelmed by this miracle, the thieves offered their respects to the Shiva Linga and then quietly left the place.

About two hundred and fifty years ago, a great Siddha Purusha named Gokulnath Maharaj came to reside in this temple. During his stay, he performed many miracles for the welfare of the people. Even today, these miracles are recounted with reverence among the devotees. A beautiful idol of this great soul has been installed in the temple. In honor of his divine work, a grand fair is celebrated here every year on Chaitra Vadya Shashthi.

The Gokulnath Maharaj Temple complex spans a vast area of approximately three and three-quarter acres. A beautiful and grand entrance gate has been built around the temple. One enters the spacious courtyard through this main gate. This courtyard is adorned with various types of trees such as Neem, Tamarind, Pipal, Audumbar, and Coconut. Benches have been placed in this courtyard for the rest of the devotees. There is a tall flagstaff in front of the temple. The main structure of this temple is divided into two parts: the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap of the temple is spacious. The stone pillars in this hall are connected to each other by beautiful arch-shaped designs. The walls of the Sabha Mandap are adorned with paintings of various deities. At the front of the Sabha Mandap, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha. Near this idol, a Panchadhatu (five-metal) mask of Gokulnath Maharaj is installed. To the right of this mask is an intricately crafted Panchadhatu idol of a serpent. Moving forward from here, one reaches the main sanctum of the temple. In the center of the sanctum, a tall, oval-shaped ancient Shiva Linga is installed on a large pedestal (Shalunka). Behind this Shiva Linga is a metal mask of Gokulnath Maharaj.

Behind the main temple, there is a Samadhi site. According to local experts, this Samadhi belongs to a saint who was a devoted disciple and spiritual successor of Gokulnath Maharaj. Next to this Samadhi is a large kitchen where Mahaprasad is prepared during various religious festivals. To the south of the temple is a hall. In this hall, Bhajans, Kirtans, spiritual discourses, and other public programs of the village are conducted. Wedding ceremonies are also organized here. The ‘Gokulnath Maharaj Warkari Shikshan Sanstha’ is also run in this complex. In this institution, local children and students are taught singing, playing musical instruments, and Kirtan in a classical and traditional manner, free of charge.

This temple is a major center of faith for thousands of devotees from the Pingli area and the entire Parbhani district. Therefore, there is a constant flow of people here for Darshan every day. On Mondays, many devotees gather here to perform Rudrabhishek and special worship of the Shiva Linga. On this day, Mahaprasad is distributed to all the devotees visiting the temple. The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On this day, thousands of Shiva devotees offer Bel leaves and milk to the Shiva Linga and seek blessings. On Mahashivratri, various religious programs such as continuous bhajans and kirtans are organized at the temple. The annual Jatrotsav of Gokulnath Maharaj, which falls on Chaitra Vadya Shashthi, is considered the biggest festival of this temple. Eight days prior to this main pilgrimage, the Akhand Harinam Saptah begins in the temple premises. During this Saptah, collective recitations of the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana and Dnyaneshwari are held every morning. Additionally, Haripath, bhajans, and kirtans by renowned kirtankars are conducted in the afternoon and evening. This religious week concludes on the eighth day with the Kalya Kirtan. On the night before the main day of the pilgrimage, a grand Palkhi procession of Gokulnath Maharaj departs from the temple. Amidst the sounds of traditional instruments and the chanting of the Lord’s name, the Palkhi travels through the entire village of Pingli all night long. To welcome the Palkhi, beautiful rangolis are drawn on every street and in front of every house in the village. When the Palkhi arrives in front of a devotee’s house, the married women of the household devoutly perform puja and aarti of the Palkhi and the Maharaj’s padukas (footprints). After traveling through the village all night, the Palkhi returns to the main temple at exactly six o’clock the next morning. This historic Palkhi procession in Pingli village began in the year 1953. Once the Palkhi returns to the temple, a special Mahapuja and aarti of the deity are performed, followed by the commencement of the annual pilgrimage. On the day of the pilgrimage, a grand wrestling competition begins at nine in the morning in the grounds of the temple premises. In this competition, separate bouts are organized for wrestlers in two different age groups: 9 to 18 years and 18 to 50 years. Wrestling enthusiasts from far and wide gather to watch this competition. Devotees can take darshan here every day from early morning until late at night.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery