About Grishneshwar Temple
Grishneshwar (also spelled Ghrishneshwar) Temple is in the village of Verul, about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) in Maharashtra, and only about a kilometre from the famous Ellora Caves. It is traditionally counted as the twelfth and last of the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The name means Lord of compassion, and the shrine is smaller and more intimate than many other Jyotirlingas, which makes darshan here feel close and personal. Many pilgrims visit it together with the Ellora Caves.
Legend tells of a devoted woman named Kusuma (also called Ghushma) who worshipped Shiva daily by immersing clay lingas in a tank. Her jealous co-wife killed her son, but Kusuma kept her faith and continued her worship. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva restored her son to life and stayed here as Grishneshwar at her request. The temple was destroyed in the medieval period and rebuilt in the 16th century by Maloji Bhosale, grandfather of Shivaji, and later in the 18th century by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
The temple is built of red basalt stone with a five-tiered shikhara, and its walls carry carvings of Dashavatara and many deities. A large Nandi sits in the hall facing the sanctum. The linga faces east and devotees can see it closely from inside the sanctum, making darshan here unusually intimate.
Grishneshwar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM; in Shravan month hours are extended. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Midday Aarti | Around midday (approx.) |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Grishneshwar Temple
By air
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Airport is about 35 km away.
By train
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Railway Station is about 30 km away.
By road
Buses and taxis run regularly from Aurangabad to Verul and Ellora.
Festivals at Grishneshwar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
- Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- By temple tradition, men remove their shirts and vests before entering the sanctum; modest traditional clothing is recommended for all.
- Entry
- Free entry; paid quick darshan may be available on busy days.
- Plan your visit together with the Ellora Caves, which are closed on Tuesdays.
- Men should be ready to remove their shirt before entering the sanctum.
- Mobile phones may not be allowed inside the sanctum; keep them safely stored.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid tour-group crowds.
Places to visit near Grishneshwar Temple
- Ellora CavesUNESCO World Heritage rock-cut caves including the Kailasa temple, about 1 km away
- Bhadra Maruti Temple, KhuldabadTemple of a reclining Hanuman, about 5 km away
- Daulatabad FortHistoric hill fort, about 15 km away
- Bibi Ka MaqbaraMughal monument in Aurangabad, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Grishneshwar the 12th Jyotirlinga?
Yes, Grishneshwar is traditionally counted as the twelfth and last of the Jyotirlingas.
How far is Grishneshwar from the Ellora Caves?
It is only about 1 km from the Ellora Caves, an easy walk or short drive.
Do men have to remove shirts at Grishneshwar?
Yes, by tradition men remove shirts and vests before entering the sanctum.
What are the Grishneshwar temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, with longer hours in Shravan.
What is the aarti time at Grishneshwar Temple?
Morning Aarti: Early morning (approx.); Midday Aarti: Around midday (approx.); Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Grishneshwar Temple?
By temple tradition, men remove their shirts and vests before entering the sanctum; modest traditional clothing is recommended for all.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
