Grishneshwar Temple Ellora Blog History Significance Jyotirlinga Darshan & Travel Guide

Prabhuling jiroli

Apr 19, 2025 5:41 am

The Grishneshwar Temple, located near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is the twelfth and last of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Rich in legend and history, it stands as a humble yet spiritually intense shrine, nestled close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora.

🏛️ Historical Significance of Grishneshwar Temple

✨ Early to Medieval Period

The temple finds mention in Shiva Purana, where the legend of a devout woman named Kusuma and the self-manifested lingam is narrated.
Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to invasions.
The present structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a devout patron of Jyotirlingas.

🙏 Religious & Cultural Significance

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, symbolizing Lord Shiva as the Lord of Compassion.
Believed to bless devotees with peace, fertility, and family well-being.
Unique among Jyotirlingas as women are allowed to enter the Garbhagriha and touch the lingam.

🚗 How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple

Mode	Details
By Road	Located 30 km from Aurangabad city. State transport buses and taxis available.
By Train	Nearest station: Aurangabad Railway Station (29 km) – Connected to major cities.
By Air	Nearest airport: Aurangabad Airport (35 km). Local cabs can take you directly to temple.

🧭 Temple Visit & Timings

Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM (including Garbhagriha entry)
Darshan Tips:
- Devotees must remove upper garments before entering sanctum
- Garbhagriha is open to all, including women – a rare tradition

📸 Temple Architecture Highlights

Built in South Indian Hemadpanthi style using red stone
Features 5-tiered shikhara, exquisitely carved pillars and temple walls
Modest scale, but highly intricate and vibrant in religious spirit

🥾 Trekking & Walking

No mountain trek is required
Easily walkable from Ellora Caves complex (within 1 km)
Pilgrimage is more spiritual than physically strenuous

🌄 Why You Must Visit Grishneshwar Temple

🛕 Last of the 12 Jyotirlingas – a must-complete pilgrimage
🙏 Rare Garbhagriha entry access to all including women
🗿 Adjacent to Ellora Caves – perfect cultural combo
🧘 Peaceful atmosphere with deep spiritual resonance
🏛️ Marvel at the Hemadpanthi carvings and historical elegance

⛅ Best Time to Visit

Season	Experience
October–March	Ideal climate; perfect for darshan and Ellora sightseeing
April–June	Hot; visit in mornings to avoid heat
July–September	Green and fresh surroundings post monsoon

🧳 What to Carry

Traditional attire (men should carry cloth to remove shirt in Garbhagriha)
Water bottle, light snacks
ID proof (for darshan entry if required)
Sun protection during daytime visits

✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts

✅ Do:

Remove footwear outside the temple
Explore nearby Ellora caves, especially Kailasa Temple
Attend early morning aarti for a peaceful experience

❌ Don’t:

Don’t carry leather goods or cameras inside the sanctum
Don’t forget to respect dress code and silence
Don’t miss visiting Ellora Cave No. 16 nearby

Nearby Attractions

🗿 Ellora Caves – Cave temples carved into rock; a world heritage site
🕉️ Kailasa Temple – Magnificent rock-cut Shiva temple in Cave 16
🏞️ Daulatabad Fort – Historic hill fort nearby (20 km)
📿 Bhadra Maruti Temple – Devoted to Lord Hanuman in sleeping posture (10 km)

📅 Quick Info Table

Detail	Info
Location	Verul village near Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Deity	Lord Shiva (Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga)
Best Season	October to March
Entry Fee	Free (special poojas are paid)
Nearest Station	Aurangabad (29 km)
Nearest Airport	Aurangabad (35 km)

📸 Final Thoughts

Grishneshwar Temple is a destination where faith meets heritage, standing tall beside the ancient art of Ellora. As the final stop in the Jyotirlinga journey, it offers a soul-satisfying closure wrapped in serenity, simplicity, and sacredness.

🚀 Visit Grishneshwar – where every prayer echoes through history and stone!