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The Ghrishneshwar Temple located in Verul village of Aurangabad district of Maharashtra is not only a wonderful example of architecture. It is also worshiped as the twelfth and last Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The religious beliefs, mythology and historical importance associated with this temple make it special. It is said that by visiting here, all the sins of the devotees are destroyed and they attain salvation.

Located near the world famous caves of Ellora, this temple is considered a symbol of the infinite grace of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Shiva, pleased with the intense devotion of his devotee Ghrishna, appeared here in the form of ‘Ghrishneshwar’. For this reason this place became popular by the name of Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

belief to temple

• Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga believes that Lord Shiva Himself here is “Ghrisheshwar” (i.e. – full of compassion or love).
• This place is considered to fulfill all the wishes of the devotees and destroys the sins.
• It is also said that a person who visits this Jyotirlinga with devotion attains moksha (liberation).

Temple Features

Architecture:

• This temple is built in a beautiful blend of South Indian (Hyderabadi) and Maratha styles.
• This temple made of red stone is famous all over the world for its carvings and craftsmanship.
• The temple has a shikhara (upper part) about 24 meters high, on which beautiful sculptures are carved.

History to the temple

• According to belief, this temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.
• Rani Ahilyabai Holkar also rebuilt many famous Shiva temples like Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) and Somnath.

darshan rules in temple

• Only male devotees are allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, women can have darshan only till the gate of the sanctum sanctorum.
• Here every day, Abhishekam is performed on Shivalinga with water, Belpatra and milk.

Mythological story to the temple

The story of Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is found in the Puranas. According to the popular story to the temple, once upon a time there lived a devout Brahmin and his wife in a city named Devagiri (present day Daulatabad). Their names were Sudarshan and Sudha. Both were very devout but they did not have any children. Sudha started worshiping Lord Shiva and performed rigorous penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him that he would have a son.

It is said that the same son was named Ghrishna. When he grew up, he also started worshiping Lord Shiva. Pleased with the deep devotion of Ghrishna, Lord Shiva himself appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga at the same place, which we know today as Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

Religious significance associated with the temple

• Ghrishneshwar Temple is considered to be the twelfth and last Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
• According to belief, visiting here destroys all sins and fulfills wishes.
• This place is considered very sacred for Shiva devotees.

path to reach the temple

Nearest city:

Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) — about 30 kilometers away.

Nearest Railway Station

• Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest major station.
• From here the temple can be reached by taxi or bus.

nearest airport

• Nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport.
• From there the temple can be reached in about 1 hour.

Road route:

• Regular buses and taxis run from Aurangabad to Ellora (Verul).
• The temple is just 1 kilometer away from the famous caves of Ellora.