Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple | History & Significance

About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as Grishneshwar Mahadev Mandir, is an ancient Hindu shrine in the village of Verul in Maharashtra, near the iconic Ellora Caves. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the last and smallest Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. 

The temple is built of beautiful red volcanic rock, featuring carvings of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, & Lord Kartikeya sitting on Nandi at the top of the temple walls. 

Restored by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Grishneshwar is a national heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 

The deity (Shiva) is worshipped here as the “Lord of Compassion,” holding immense spiritual significance, marked as a culmination of the twelve Jyotirlinga pilgrimage spiritual energies across the country. 

Quick information about Grishneshwar Temple

• Location: Verul village near Ellora, Maharashtra
• District: Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad)
• PIN code: 431102
• Deity: Lord Shiva as the god of compassion
• Temple timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Grishneshwar nearest railway station: Aurangabad Railway Station 
• Grishneshwar nearest airport: Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport
• Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas & ASI’s national heritage sites
• Highlights: Temple’s unique architecture & nearby Ellora caves
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Dress code: Modest and traditional attire; Men should remove their shirt

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Location

Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple is located in the Verul village of Maharashtra within the Aurangabad District (now known as Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar). The temple is roughly 1.5 km from the historic Ellora Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

What is special about Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

The specialty of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga lies in its unique location just near the Ellora Caves. It is the smallest & the final 12th Jyotirlinga, marking the completion of the sacred pilgrimage.

Built using red basalt stone, featuring the beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, & other deities built by Queen Ahilyabai Holker. 

Associated with the intense devotion of a woman, Ghusma & Lord Shiva’s appearance as cosmic pillar light, Grishneshwar is popular as the Lord of compassion.  

Grishneshwar Temple History

The history of Grishneshwar Temple is a remarkable tale of ancient legends, while the physical structure has undergone repeated destruction & reconstruction throughout Indian history. 

The site is referenced in ancient Hindu texts, such as the Shiv Purana and Padma Purana, as a spiritual center of worship where a devotee of Shiva named Gushman worshipped Lord Shiva using 101 small stone Shivlings. 

The archaeological evidence of Indian medieval history shows that the ancient Grishneshwar temple was destroyed by Delhi Sultanate invaders during the 13th-14th centuries. 

After this, the first reconstruction of the destroyed site was done by Maratha emperor Maloji Bhosle, the Grandfather of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the 16th century. 

The present structure was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1754, who funded the revival of the site. 

Architecture of Grishneshwar Temple

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga mandir was built over a 44,000 sq. ft. area using red volcanic stone, rarely featuring a blend of South & north indian styles. Featuring a majestic five-tier towering shikhara with a golden spire. 

Unique stands on 24 pillars, and stone walls showcase the beautiful, intricate carvings of Lord Shiva, Devi Parvati,  Lord Ganesha, & Lord Kartikeya. 

A massive statue of Lord Nandi (vehicle of Shiva) stands outside the temple, facing the main sanctum. The inner sanctum houses an east-facing black stone Shivlinga. 

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Story & Significance

The story of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad is centered on an ancient tale of the revival of Shiva’s ardent devotee’s dead son & Lord Shiva’s divine manifestation as a Jyotirlinga (cosmic form of energy). 

According to the legend of Shiva Mahapurana, once a devotee named Ghushma lived in Verul Kshetra and made 101 small clay Shivlingas. Worshipped with deep penance and then immersed them in a nearby lake.

Her sister was Sudeha, also a co-wife of her husband, who threw her son into a river out of jealousy. Unbroken faith & devotion: Gushma continues her worship; by pleasing her devotion, Shiva restores her son and appears to her. 

Gushma gets her son back with a smile, forgives her sister, and requests Shiva to reside permanently here to promote humanity across the world. 

Shiva appeared here as Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, meaning the lord of compassion. Granted devotion & spiritual enlightenment to visitors.

Can we touch Shivling in Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

Yes, you can directly touch the Grishneshwar Shivling in the temple, which is such a rare privilege in comparison to other Jyotirlinga shrines. Devotees can enter the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha), can offer Jalabhishek to the deity, and can offer prayers closely.

Grishneshwar Temple Timings

Like the other Jyotirlinga temples, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple timings also follow a strict schedule of puja rituals and darshan. Let’s know in detail about the Grishneshwar Mandir timings, including darshan timings & daily rituals.

Rituals	Timings
Temple Open	At 5:00 AM
Mangala Aarti	5:30 AM
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Bhog Aarti	12:00 PM
Midday Break	12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Midday Puja (Abhishek)	1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Evening Aarti	8:00 PM
Temple Close	At 9:00 PM, conclude with Shayan Aarti

Note: Timings can vary during festive seasons, such as Mahashivratri & Shrawan months. 

Is there any VIP Darshan in Grishneshwar?

No, there is no official VIP darshan pass or ticket in the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga mandir. General darshan is free for all devotees by passing through the regular entry queues. Be cautious of such a person or a website that claims to sell VIP Darshan passes. 

Instead of VIP darshan, book special puja rituals like Rudrabhishek & Panchamrut Abhishek via the official website of the temple committee or through the designated temple committee.  

Pujas Available at Grishneshwar Temple

• Jalabhishek Puja: ₹500 to ₹1347 per ticket, a personalized ritual offering holy Ganga water. 
• Panchamrut Abhishek: A special puja performed with milk, honey, dahi, and sugar, which starts at ₹1349 per ticket. 
• Laghu Rudrabhishek Puja: ₹15,000-₹18,000, depending on mode of puja (attending & non-attending). 
• Mahamrityunjay Mantra Jaap Puja: Healing ritual starts at ₹125000, depending on the puja mode & number of days. 

Places To Visit Near Grishneshwar Mahadev

• Ellora Caves: A historic UNESCO World Heritage site located around 1.5 km away from the main temple. It is famous for its unique Buddhist, Jain, & Hindu temples, including the massive Kailasa Temple. 

• Daulatabad Fort: Located around 13 km from the main shrine; it’s a historic landmark, built during the medieval period in the 12th – 13th century. It is famous for its incredible defense design & sweeping views.

• Bhadra Maruti Temple: An ancient Hindu temple in Khuldabad near the main temple. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, featuring a unique reclining statue of the deity. Devotees visit here to seek blessings.

• Lakshay Vinayak Ganpati Temple: A peaceful local shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha near the main temple complex area. 

• Shivayalay Tirth Kund: Located near the temple complex area, built by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar. Pilgrims often take a holy bath before entering the main shrine. 

How To Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Reaching Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga near Ellora, Maharashtra, is easy due to its excellent connectivity via air, train, & road. The nearest major transit hub is Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), which is roughly around 30-40 km away.

Let’s take a look at how to reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. 

By Air: Book a flight to the nearest airport to Grishneshwar temple, which is Chatrapati Sambhaji International Airport, around 30 km away. From there, take a private cab/taxi towards the temple. 

By Train: Grishneshwar doesn’t have its own railway station; the nearest railway station is Chatrapati Sambhaji Railway Station, which replaced the old name Aurangabad Railway Station (AWD), roughly around 35 km away from the temple. 

From the station, you can take a local taxi to reach Grishneshwar. 

By Road: The site has great road connectivity. Travel to Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, then head towards Ellora Caves. From there, the temple is around 1.5 km away. 

You can choose a route of intercity highways, like taking a bus or private cab from cities like Pune & Mumbai.

Key distances from nearby places & towns

• Grishneshwar to Ellora Caves distance: 1.5 km 
• Aurangabad to Grishneshwar distance: 35 km
• Shri Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar distance: 201 km
• Shirdi to Grishneshwar distance: 99.3 km
• Shri Bhimashankar to Grishneshwar distance: 304 km
• Nashik to Grishneshwar distance: 172 km
• Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga to Grishneshwar distance: 340-374 km
• Indore to Grishneshwar distance: 385 km
• Manmad to Grishneshwar distance: 101 km
• Pune to Grishneshwar distance: 310 km
• Delhi to Grishneshwar temple distance: 1,168 km

Best Time To Visit Grishneshwar

Grishneshwar Temple is open all year round for devotees. The best time to visit depends on what experience you are looking for: pleasant weather or minimal crowds. 

October to February, peak winter season, is the best time to visit Grishneshwar, as the weather is pleasant & accessibility is good during this time; it is ideal for pilgrimage & sightseeing.

From March to June, the summer months, experience hot & dry weather with temperatures 22°C to 34°C, making travel difficult. The temple is less crowded during this time. 

During the monsoon months, July-August, called the Shrawan months in Hinduism, is a peak-crowded experience, lush greenery & comfortable weather. Perfect for those who wish to witness festive rituals & vibes.

Can We Stay in Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

Yes. You can easily stay near Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra. There are so many budget-friendly dharamshalas, private hotels, and ashram trust rooms within walking distance from the temple complex area. 

Below are some of the best hotels near Grishneshwar Temple:

• Jagadguru Bhakt Niwas, around 300 meters from the temple
• Moreshwar Pride Residency, around 500 meters
• Om Sidheshwar Bhakt Niwas
• Jain Dharamshala, located around 800 mtr from the temple
• Hotel Kailas
• Hotel Tulsi Inn
• Hotel Preetam, a budget-friendly option
• Hotel Great Annapurna

Note: You can check prices & the booking process directly from the site.

What are the rules for Grishneshwar Temple?

The key rules at the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple include following a strict dress code, prohibited items, & temple-ethics behavior. 

• Dress code: Men must remove their upper clothes (vest or T-shirt) before entering the temple. Women must wear traditional Indian attire like a saree or salwar kameez.
• Must remove your footwear from the main temple complex
• Prohibited items: Phones, cameras, & leather items are strictly prohibited inside the temple
• Respect the site. Acts like smoking & littering are strictly banned on temple premises. 

Conclusion

A visit to Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a highly auspicious experience for devotees of Shiva. What makes the Grishneshwar lingam unique among the other 12 Jyotirlinga temples is that pilgrims can touch the deity (Shivlinga) here, and there is no official vip darshan pass facility; general darshan is free for all, treating all devotees equally. 

The Grishneshwar Mahadev temple is a powerful symbol of spiritual resilience, humanity, and compassion. Visiting here marks the completion of the twelve Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, leading devotees towards the path of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth & death). 

FAQs

Which city is closest to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

The nearest major city to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad City), around 35 km away, well connected by air, train, & road.

What time does Grishneshwar Temple open?

The Grishneshwar Temple opens from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM for daily darshan & Puja rituals.

What is the best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple?

The best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple is from October to February, when pleasant weather and mild temperatures make it ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. Avoid weekends & Mondays; they experience massive crowds. 

March to June is dry & hot; not suitable for outdoor activities & travel.

Which cave is near Grishneshwar Temple?

Caves of Ellora are near the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple, located around 1 to 1.5 km away, and easier to access, just a 10-minute walk. 

Are ladies allowed in Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

Yes, women can visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. In fact, many women devotees visit Grishneshwar from across the country and offer Jalabhishek & Prayers inside the main sanctum. So there is no gender-based restriction on entry at Grishneshwar.

What is the dress code for Grishneshwar?

The dress code for Grishneshwar is traditional Indian attire. Men must remove their upper garments and wear dhotis before entering the shrine. At the same time, women must wear sarees or salwar kameez to get entry into the shrine. Sleeveless & revealing clothes are not allowed.

Is a phone allowed in Grishneshwar?

No, mobile phones are strictly banned in the Grishneshwar temple. Devotees must submit their phones & other prohibited items, such as cameras, to a locker outside the temple area.

Why remove shirt in Grishneshwar Temple?

Men must remove their shirts before entering Grishneshwar Temple; it is a traditional custom that symbolizes gratitude, humility, & surrender to the deity (Lord Shiva).

How many steps are in Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

Well, there is no strenuous hike to access Grishneshwar Temple. It is easily reached by climbing 3-4 steps down right at the entrance to the inner sanctum, as the jyotirlinga sits below ground level.