BEED

During the Bahamani dynasty's reign, the mandir's broad terrace became the stage for a fierce clash between the local jagirdar, Habib-ul-lah, and the fearsome Humayinshah Jalim. This battle highlighted the mandir's strategic importance. However, the mandir's history is not solely defined by conflict. According to locals, the mandir's location was chosen after Shiva Bhagwaan himself blessed a Brahman with a thousand pots of gold for his dedication. As per stories, across from the Kankalesvar Mandir, on the bank of a tank, stood another mandir dedicated to the fearsome Kalbhairava. This devta was represented perched atop a dog, which was devouring a rakshas. The intriguing murti, carved from flint stone, lent an air of ancient power to the mandir. 

The Jogaice Maher caves, also known as the Hatikhana or Shivleni caves, feature elaborate carvings depicting Shiva's tandav dance, stories from Sivalila, images of Saptarnatrka, and a notable representation of a rooster. However, the most fascinating aspect of these caves is the tragic love story that unfolded within them.

According to locals, a woman named Amba from the Aparanta (Konkan) region came to Parali Vaijanath to marry her beloved. She set up camp near the Jogaice Maher caves and waited for the auspicious moment of their union. Unfortunately, when the first rays of morning appeared, the cock's crow announced that the auspicious moment had passed. Heartbroken, Amba was forced to cancel the wedding and settle in Mominabad, Beed with the devis and devatas who had accompanied her. The Jogaice Maher caves are named after this tragic story.

In this Mandir, the powerful Vishnu assisted the Devas in obtaining the elixir of immortality, the Amrit, during the churning of the ocean. This location is also known as 'Vaijayanti', a name that celebrates their triumph. 

However, the story continues with the terrifying Ravana, who, in his quest for supremacy, went to Mount Kailash and performed a harsh penance to appease the mighty Shiva. Ravana's unwavering devotion led him to offer his own head to the Shiva-Linga.

Pleased by Ravana's devotion, Shiva appeared before him and granted him a wish. Ravana requested to take Shiva to his Kingdom of Lanka, and the gracious Mahadev accepted, with one condition: Ravana must carry the Shiva-Linga with utmost care and devotion, never putting it down until he reached his destination. However, fate had other plans. While travelling back, Ravana needed to relieve himself. He requested a cowherd child to hold the Linga for him, but the weight of the divine artifact proved too much for the child, forcing him to set it down on the ground. As a result, the Shiva-Linga became permanently entrenched in the hallowed grounds of Parali Vaijnath.