Verul (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district): The intricate sculpture in multiple layers and patterns of the holy Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga shrine is mesmerising, transporting you to a world of its own, near the renowned Ellora caves. However, the maintenance, upkeep, and management are equally disgusting, as the area before entering the temple complex remains in shambles, with multiple rows of shops all along. A small entrance: To begin with, a small entrance greets you as you come close to the temple premises, and from the beginning and until close by, you are accosted by any number of hawkers, pestering you to buy puja materials and whatever else they have to sell! Lured to arrange special darshan: Despite a moderate crowd, some people give it a try to lure you under the guise of arranging special darshan. People come from far and near just to have a glimpse of the deity for a few seconds and cherish the moments of remaining in the premises for a few minutes. Yet...
Khuldabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district): The Bhadra Maruti temple, located in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly known as Aurangabad district) in Maharashtra, attracts Hanuman devotees for the deity's unusual posture . Unlike elsewhere in the country, Lord Anjaneya is found here in a reclining or sleeping posture! Only three temples in the country: Interestingly, Pawan Putra idols can be seen in a retiring position at only three places in the country. On the banks of Ganga, at Sangam, Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, and Jam Sawali in Saunsar Tehsil of Pandhurna district(earlier part of the Chhindwara district, before Pandhurna became an independent district) in Madhya Pradesh, are the only two remaining shrines where Anjani Suta is found lying down majestically. Just four kilometres from the Ellora Caves: Incidentally, the Mahabala temple is merely about four kilometres from the world-famous Ellora Caves. Due to its unique composition in st...