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Pardeshwar Temple: The Sacred Mercury Shivalinga Pathri: The Birthplace of Sai Baba
Another noteworthy temple to Lord Shiva, the Pardeshwar One of the most renowned saints in India, Shirdi Sai
Temple in Parbhani, Maharashtra, is well-known for its Baba, is said to have been born in Pathri, a small village
distinctive feature: a Shivalinga composed completely in Maharashtra. Local legend holds that Sai Baba was
of mercury (Parad). A mercury Shivalinga, also referred born in Pathri in 1838. For many who follow the saint,
to as “Rasa Shiva,” is revered and highly valued in the town is very sacred because it is thought to be where
Hinduism since it represents the purest manifestation of he spent his formative years before setting out on the
Lord Shiva. Inspired by ancient scriptures, the Pardeshwar spiritual path that brought him to Shirdi.
Temple’s tale revolves around the profound devotion of Pathri has several sites associated with Sai Baba’s early
a local devotee who wanted to carve a Shivalinga out life, including the house where he was born and a temple
of mercury. Since mercury is a liquid and poisonous by dedicated to him. The town attracts numerous pilgrims
nature, making a mercury Shivalinga is an extremely who visit these sites to pay their respects and seek
difficult operation that needs to be done strictly according blessings. While Shirdi remains the most famous place
to Vedic customs. But when it is properly consecrated, it associated with Sai Baba, Pathri is gaining recognition
solidifies and is thought to have great spiritual power. among devotees who are interested in exploring the
Once the devotee had purified the mercury and shaped roots of his life and teachings.
it into a Shivalinga, it was placed in the temple during The connection between Pathri and Sai Baba adds
a period of intense penance and spiritual rituals. The another dimension to the saint’s legacy, emphasizing
Pardeshwar Temple grew in importance as a pilgrimage the humble beginnings from which he rose to become
destination over time, drawing followers who think that a spiritual guide for millions. This belief, however, is a
worshiping the Parad Shivalinga can make amends matter of faith and tradition, as historical records of
for sins, provide wealth, and result in enlightenment. Sai Baba’s early life are scarce, and different sources
During religious holidays, the temple is very important. provide varying accounts of his origins.
Thousands of devotees congregate to conduct the The acknowledgement of Pathri as the birthplace of Sai
Rudrabhishek, a sacred ceremony dedicated to Lord Baba has resulted in heightened endeavors to establish
Shiva, during Maha Shivaratri and during the holy month the town as a site of pilgrimage. The plans involve
of Shravan. A tremendous aura of faith and reverence is the modernization of infrastructure and the provision
created by the worshippers’ dedication and the spiritual of guest amenities. The town’s spiritual significance is
force of the mercury Shivalinga. growing about Sai Baba’s life and teachings as it is
progressively becoming a popular stop for people
Pathari: The Birthplace of Saint Namdev traveling on the Sai Baba pilgrimage circuit.
Pathari, a small town in the Parbhani district of
Maharashtra, holds a special place in Indian spiritual
history as the birthplace of Sant Namdev, a 13th-century
saint, poet, and one of the most prominent figures of
the Bhakti movement. Sant Namdev is revered in both
Hinduism and Sikhism for his devotional hymns and
teachings, which emphasize the love and devotion to
God as the true path to salvation. Acknowledged as
the birthplace of this great saint, Pathari has grown
to become an important pilgrimage destination.
Numerous temples and shrines honoring Sant Namdev
can be seen in the town, including the Namdev Maharaj
Samadhi, a memorial constructed in his memory. Every
year on Namdev Jayanti, the anniversary of Namdev’s
birth, devotees travel from all across India to Pathari to
honor Namdev and take part in the festivities. Millions
of people are still inspired by Sant Namdev’s teachings,
which emphasize the equality of all beings, adoration of
God, and rejection of pointless rituals. His hymns have
had a lasting influence on Indian spirituality; numerous
ones may be found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred
book of Sikhism.

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