Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Verul (Ellora), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple Famous Temple Jyotirlinga

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 05:30 AM – —
Evening: — – 09:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (also referred to as Ghushmeshwar or Grushneshwar) is venerated as the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga among the sacred Dvadasa Jyotirlinga shrines celebrating the supreme fiery column of Lord Shiva. Situated at Verul village in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district of Maharashtra, less than two kilometres from the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves, it occupies an exceptionally revered position in Shaiva pilgrimage circuits. For devotees completing the comprehensive All-India Dvadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra, Grishneshwar serves as the symbolic culmination and closure of their spiritual quest.

According to sacred Shaiva tradition found in the Shiva Purana (Kotirudra Samhita), the temple gets its name from Ghushma, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. The legend recounts that Ghushma daily fashioned and consecrated 101 clay Shivalingas, immersing them with pure devotion in a nearby sacred lake. In jealousy, her sister Sudeha (her husband Sudharma's first wife) murdered Ghushma's only son and threw his body into the lake. Undeterred in her faith, Ghushma continued her prayers and immersion rituals without anger or disruption. Pleased with her supreme equanimity and devotion, Lord Shiva restored the child to life and manifested Himself permanently at her request as 'Ghushmeshwar'—the Lord of Compassion.

The Shivalinga is worshipped here as an embodiment of unconditioned grace, forgiveness, and protection. Unlike many major Jyotirlinga shrines where devotees are restricted to distant viewing, Grishneshwar has maintained the ancient devotional tradition of 'Sparsh Darshan' (touch darshan), allowing male devotees observing the prescribed dress protocol to enter the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) and directly touch the Shivalinga to perform Jalabhishek. Architectural connoisseurs revere the temple's Hemadpanthi-influenced red basalt stonework, intricate carvings of Dashavatara figures, sculpted deities, and five-tier tapering shikhara.

🏛 Temple History

The recorded history of Grishneshwar Temple is a testament to the preservation and revival of sacred Hindu architecture across turbulent centuries in the Deccan. While ancient literary sources such as the Shiva Purana and regional Sthala Mahatmyas (such as the 'Verul Mahatmya') attest to the antiquity of the holy site since early medieval times, the original structural complexes were subjected to damage and desecration during the 13th and 14th-century Deccan campaigns under the Delhi Sultanate (including the forces of Alauddin Khalji).

The documented revival of Grishneshwar commenced in the late 16th and early 17th centuries under the patronage of Maloji Raje Bhosale (the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). The Bhosale family held Verul (Ellora) as their ancestral jagir under the Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar. Epigraphical evidence and stone inscriptions preserved at the temple site commemorate the foundational contributions of Maloji Bhosale and his brother Vithoji (Ekoji) Bhosale, who discovered wealth and directed resources to reconstruct the sanctum and dig a holy reservoir. The nearby ancestral gaddi (residence) and samadhis of the Bhosale family remain protected archaeological landmarks.

The temple structure that stands today owes its architectural splendour to the celebrated 18th-century Maratha ruler of the Malwa kingdom, Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore (1725–1795 CE). As part of her nationwide mission to rebuild and restore destroyed Sanatana Dharma temples (such as Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath), Maharani Ahilyabai commissioned the complete reconstruction of the Grishneshwar shrine using durable red basalt stone.

The reconstructed edifice stands on a high plinth measuring approximately 240 feet by 185 feet. Built predominantly in the South Indian Hemadpanthi idiom mixed with Maratha regional features, the temple features a square garbhagriha (inner sanctum) measuring 17 by 17 feet, preceded by an ornate Sabha Mandapa supported by 24 elaborately carved pillars. The exterior walls and the multi-tiered spire are adorned with fine sculptures depicting Hindu pantheon deities, scenes from the Puranas, and the Dashavatara incarnations. Adjacent to the temple premises is the sacred water reservoir known as the Amriteshwar / Shiva Tirtha (Holkar Talav), also developed during the Holkar era.

Spiritual Fulfilment of the Dvadasa Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage

According to Shaivite tradition, visiting Grishneshwar completes the sacred twelve Jyotirlinga circuit, granting the pilgrim spiritual wholeness, inner peace, and divine closure.

Grace for Overcoming Adversity and Envy

Based on the legend of Ghushma, worshipping Lord Grishneshwar is traditionally believed to protect devotees from malicious jealousy, family strife, and severe personal hardships.

Blessings for Progeny and Family Welfare

Devotees traditionally pray at Grishneshwar for the gift of children and the safety and longevity of offspring, inspired by the revival of Ghushma's son by Lord Shiva.

Purification Through Direct Sparsh Darshan

Shaiva devotional belief holds that performing direct Sparsh Darshan and Jalabhishek upon the Swayambhu lingam cleanses past karmic impressions and instils profound mental serenity.

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Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

Mangal Aarti (Kakad Aarti)

The pre-dawn opening ritual where the deity is symbolically awakened with morning chants, auspicious lamps, and initial prayers.

04:00 AM

Morning Jalhari Sanghan & Regular Darshan

Morning sacred ablution and consecration of the Jyotirlinga accompanied by chanting of Vedic suktas.

08:00 AM

Maha Bhog / Madhyahna Aarti

The midday naivedya offering of food and sacred bhog aarti presented to the deity.

12:00 PM

Sandhya Aarti

The evening ritual ceremony performed with camphor lamps, dhoop, and traditional devotional hymns.

07:30 PM

Shayan Aarti

The night concluding ritual where final prayers are offered before the inner sanctum is closed for the deity's rest.

10:00 PM

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Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

Sparsh Darshan Jalabhishek

Traditional ritual enabling devotees adhering to the bare-chest dress code to directly touch the Shivalinga and offer holy water and bilva leaves.

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Rudrabhishek Seva (Temple Counter)

Traditional ceremonial ablution of the Jyotirlinga performed with sacred panchamrit, bilva leaves, and Rudra Sukta chanting, booked at the official temple counter.

₹551

Laghu Rudra Abhishek

An elaborate Vedic recital of Sri Rudram performed by priests inside the temple mandapa for health, longevity, and spiritual protection.

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Maha Shivratri & Shravan Somwar Special Abhishekam

Special round-the-clock ceremonial pujas and continuous abhishekas conducted during auspicious Shravan Mondays and the annual Maha Shivratri festival.

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🎉 Temple Festivals

Shravan Maas Mahotsav

📅 Date not confirmed

A month-long festival observed throughout the sacred month of Shravan according to the regional Amavasyant calendar followed in Maharashtra. Devotees flock to the temple in massive...

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi

📅 23 Nov 2026 - 23 Nov 2026

Celebrated on Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi, this sacred occasion commemorates the symbolic union of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva). According to local temple ritual traditio...

Tripuri Purnima (Kartik Purnima Deepotsav)

📅 24 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026

Observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, Tripuri Purnima honors Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. The temple and the historic Shivalay Tirth...

Maha Shivratri and Verul Yatra

📅 06 Mar 2027 - 08 Mar 2027

The preeminent annual festival of the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, marking the appearance of the Jyotirlinga and the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees participate i...

🔔 Darshan Timings & Rules

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Dress Code

Traditional and modest clothing is recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Not available

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Prasad Details

Prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Temple Timings and Continuous Darshan: The temple generally opens by 05:30 and remains open continuously until 21:30 without an afternoon shutdown, though queuing lines can be temporarily regulated during daily aartis. During the holy month of Shravan and Maha Shivratri, the temple opens as early as 03:00 to 04:00.
Sanctum Dress Code (Strictly Enforced): Men who wish to enter the Garbhagriha for Sparsh Darshan (touching the Shivalinga) or Abhishekam must enter bare-chested; upper garments including shirts, vests, and banyans must be removed. Traditional dhotis or pyjamas are recommended. Women are required to wear traditional Indian attire such as sarees or salwar kameez.
Prohibited Articles: Electronic items, mobile phones, cameras, leather belts, and leather bags are strictly prohibited inside the main temple premises. Devotees must deposit footwear and electronics at the designated counter lockers outside before entering the line.
Best Time to Visit: The winter months from October to March offer pleasant weather for temple visits and sightseeing. If visiting during summer (April–June), plan darshan in the early morning hours before midday heat rises.
Combining with Local Heritage: Grishneshwar is located approximately 1 to 1.5 km from the famous Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), making it ideal to combine both on the same itinerary. Note that Ellora Caves remain closed to visitors on Tuesdays.
Offline Seva Bookings: Official Abhishekams and ritual poojas are handled directly at the temple trust counter; be cautious of unauthorised touts outside claiming guaranteed VIP access.
Elderly Pilgrim Considerations: While walking distances within the temple courtyard are moderate compared to larger South Indian temple complexes, the narrow doorway and stone threshold into the Garbhagriha require caution for senior citizens during peak queue surges.