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Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Aurangabad Maharashtra India- Among One Of The Twelve Jyotirlingas Of Lord Shiva

Here is Some Information about Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple in Aurangabad Maharashtra India.

Location:  11 km from Daulatabad near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Built in : Renovate: 18th Cetury
Built By: Ahilyabhai Holkar.
Dedicated to:Lord Shiva
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing:5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Significance: Among One of 12 Jyotirlinga
Visiting Timing: 1 hour
Best time to Visit: Oct to March
Nearest Railway Station:Aurangabad
Nearest Air Port: Aurangabad

More Information about Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Grishneshwar Jyotirling  is located at a village called Verul which lies at a distance of 11 km from Daulatabad and 30 kms from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. On this holy pilgrimage of the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shankara, the last one, with out which the pilgrimage will not be considered as complete.It lies at a close proximity to the Ellora caves. Being the abode of one of the holiest and ancient temples known by the name of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple, the popularity of Grishneshwar can be ascertained. The village through its serenity and calmness provides just the perfect ambience for all your spiritual enlightenments. Once upon a time the village was ruled by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar and it was she who happened to build the Grishneshwar temple. The temple is also known by several other names like Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, Grushmeswara and Grishneswara.
The Grishneshwar temple has its root in several legendary tales. As the legendary tale goes, a devotee by the name of Kusuma used to offer prayers to Lord Shiva by dipping the Shivalinga in a water tank. When her son was killed by her husband’s first wife out of jealousy, she continued her rituals and one day Lord Shiva appeared before her, answered her prayers by miraculously restoring her son’s life.


The temple stands as an illustration of the pre-historic temple traditions and routines as well as of the pre-historic architectural style and structure. The inscriptions on the temples are a source of much attraction to ardent travellers. The temple is built of red rocks which call for the alluring look that it delivers. The temple is composed of a five tier shikara which account for the attractive look thatit renders. Built in the 18th century the temple is 240 x 185 feet tall and cubicle in shape. It exemplifies the medieval architecture in all its opulence. There are beautiful carvings and attractive sculptures of many Indian Gods and Goddess. Holy water is known to flow inside the temple and this is where the mystery lies.

History of the Grishneshvar Jyotirlinga Temple

The very devout Shiv devotee, Bhosale (The Patel or chief of Verul) once found a treasure hidden in the snake pit (ant hill) by the grace of Lord Grishneshwar. He spent that money to renovate the temple and built a lake in Shikharshinganapur.

Later on, Goutamibal (Bayajabai) and Ahilyadevi Holkar renovated the Grishneshwar temple. This 240ft x 185 ft temple is still there strong and beautiful as ever. Halfway up the temple, Dashavataras are carved in red stone. These are beautiful to look at. There are also other beautiful statutes carved out. A court hall is built on 24 pillars. On these pillars there are wonderful carvings.

The scenes and paintings are beautiful. The Garbhagriha measures 17ft x 17 ft. The Lingamurty faces eastward. There is a gorgeous Nandikeshwara in the court hall. 

Legend of Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

According to Shivapuran, in the southern direction, on a mountain named Devagiri lived a Brahmin called Brahmavetta Sudharm along with his wife Sudeha. The couple did not have a child because of which Sudeha was sad. Sudeha prayed and tried all possible remedies but in vain. Frustrated of being childless, Sudeha got her sister Ghushma married to her husband. On the advice of her sister, Ghushma used to make 101 lingas, worship them and discharge them in the near by lake.

With the blessings of Lord Shiv, Ghushma gave birth to a baby boy. Because of this, Ghushma became proud and Sudeha started feeling jealous towards her sister. Out of jealously, one night she killed Ghushma’s son and threw him in the lake where Ghushma used to discharge the lingas.

Next morning, Ghushmas and Sudharm got involved in daily prayers and ablutions. Sudeha too, got up and started performing her daily choirs. Ghushma’s daughter-in-law, however, saw stains of blood on her husband’s bed and parts of the body drenched in blood. Horrified, she narrated everything to mother-in-law Ghushma who was absorbed in worshipping Shiv. Ghushma did not deter. Even her husband Sudharma did not move an inch. Even when Ghushma saw the bed drenched in blood she did not break down and said he who has given me this child shall protect him and started reciting ‘Shiv-Shiv’. Later, when she went to discharge the Shivalingas after prayers she saw her son coming. Seeing her son Ghushma was neither happy nor sad. At that time Lord Shiv appeared before her and said - I am pleased with your devotion. Your sister had killed your son. Ghushma told Lord to forgive Sudeh and emancipate her. Pleased with her generosity, Lord Shiv asked her another boon. Ghushma said that if he was really happy with her devotion then he should reside here eternally for the benefit of the multitudes in form of a Jyotirling and may you be known by my name. On her request, Lord Shiv manifested himself in the form of a Jyotirling and assumed the name Ghushmeshwar and the lake was named as Shivalaya thereafter.

Aarti Timing For Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple


Mangal Aarti: 4:00 am 
Jalhari Saghan: 8:00 am
Maha Prashad: 12:00 pm
Jalhari Saghan: 4:00 pm
Evening Aarti: 7.30 pm
Night Aarti: 10:00 pm

Bhimashankar
Nageshwar
Rameshwaram
Trimbakeshwar
Vaidyanath

Nearest Hotels and Restaurants of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple


Quality Inn Meadows Aurangabad
17.4 km from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Hotel Mrunal Palace Aurangabad
22 km from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Hotel Kartiki Aurangabad
22.5 km from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Hotel Panchavati Aurangabad
22.7 km from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Hotel Ira Executive Aurangabad
22.7 from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Keys Hotel The Aures Aurangabad
22.7 km from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Taj Residency Hotel Aurangabad
22.7 km from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple


How to Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple  

By Air : Nearest airport is Aurangabad.

By Rail: Aurangabad is directly connected by rail with Bombay, Manmad, Nasik Road, Kalyan, Secunderabad (Hyderabad) and with other cities via Manmad.

By Road : Aurangabad is well connected by good motorable road with Ajanta 106 kms, Bombay 392 kms, Ellora 30 kms, Nanded 272 kms, Nasik 221 kms, Pune 229 kms Shirdi 136 kms and other important cities.

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