Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the last in the list of these sacred shrines. Located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, this temple holds immense religious significance and is notable for its proximity to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🕉️ Key Details about Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga:
- Deity: Lord Shiva (as Grishneshwar)
- Location: Verul village, near Ellora Caves, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
- Distance from Aurangabad: About 30 km
- Specialty: The 12th and final Jyotirlinga, making it an essential stop in a complete Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.
🌟 Mythological Significance:
According to legend:
- A devout woman named Ghushma used to worship Lord Shiva by making 101 lingas daily and immersing them in a lake.
- Her sister, out of jealousy, killed Ghushma’s son.
- Despite this, Ghushma continued her worship, and Lord Shiva appeared, revived her son, and granted her a boon.
- She asked Him to reside there eternally — hence the name Grishneshwar (meaning “Lord of compassion”).
🏛️ Architectural Highlights:
- Built in Hemadpanthi style (traditional 13th-century Maratha architecture).
- Made of red basalt stone with beautiful carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes.
- The current structure was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century (who also restored the Kashi Vishwanath and other Jyotirlingas).
🧠How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Aurangabad Airport (~35 km)
- By Rail: Aurangabad Railway Station (~30 km)
- By Road: Well connected by road to Aurangabad, Ellora, and major Maharashtra cities.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions:
- Ellora Caves – Ancient rock-cut caves featuring Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples (especially the Kailasa temple, one of the largest monolithic structures in the world).
- Daulatabad Fort
- Bibi Ka Maqbara – A tomb often called the “Taj of the Deccan”
đź“… Best Time to Visit:
- October to March – Cool, pleasant weather for temple visits and sightseeing.
- Avoid peak summer (April–May) due to high temperatures in the region.
