Spiritual & Heritage

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple travel guide 2026

Verul, Maharashtra 18th Century Restoration

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra, located near Ellora Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Grishneshwar is the last (12th) Jyotirlinga mentioned in traditional listings, making it an essential pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees. This temple is a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture and deep-rooted spiritual legends.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is also popularly referred to as Ghruneshwar, Ghushmeshwar, Ghrushneshwar Mandir, and Shree Ghushmeshwar Mahadev Jyotirling Mandir in ancient texts and local traditions.

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The Legend of Ghushma: Why it is Called Grishneshwar

The name "Grishneshwar" (or Ghushmeshwar) comes from the legend of Ghushma, a devout woman whose son was murdered by her own jealous sister. Despite her grief, Ghushma continued her daily ritual of creating and immersing 101 Shiva Lingams in a nearby lake. Moved by her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva resurrected her son and chose to reside here forever in her name, manifesting as the Jyotirlinga of Compassion.

The temple stands as a symbol of:

Devotion
Forgiveness
Divine justice

Architecture of Grishneshwar Temple

"Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Red Volcanic Rock Shikhara"

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir is built with black stone on an area spanning 44,000 sq ft. It has various sculptures and fine designs on its interior and exterior walls. A Jyotirlinga murti is situated in the Garbhagriha of the mandir and a large murti of lord Shiva's favourite Bhakt Nandi is present in front of the main door.

The Material: Constructed using red volcanic rock, the temple glows with a warm, earthy hue. It is built in Hemadpanthi style and has intricate carvings of various Hindu deities.

The Restoration: While the temple has ancient roots, the current structure was restored in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary Maratha queen who also rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

📅 Planning Your Darshan & Puja at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

While general Darshan is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, you can save significant time by booking specific rituals in advance.

Online Puja Booking: You can book Abhishekam, Rudrabhishek, or Panchamrut Puja via the Shri Grishneshwar Deosthan Trust official portal (or authorized portals like Grishneshwar Services).
Sparsh Darshan: This temple is unique because it allows "Sparsh Darshan" (touching the Lingam). Booking an official Abhishek Puja often guarantees you a dedicated slot in the Garbhagriha.
VIP Darshan: During heavy rush days (Mahashivratri), a "Special Darshan" ticket can often be purchased at the temple counter to skip the general queue.

📍 How to Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Located in the serene village of Verul, the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is just 1 km from the Ellora Caves and 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), it is one of the most accessible Jyotirlingas in India.

1. How to Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga by Air

The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport (IXU) is the nearest airport, located approximately 35 km from the temple. Well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad.

From airport: taxi or cab (1–1.5 hours).

2. How to Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga by Train

The Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) is the primary railhead and is well-connected to major Indian cities.

Distance to Temple: Approx. 30 km.
Travel time: 45–60 minutes.

Bus route from railway station: Take a short auto (3 km) to the Central Bus Stand (CBS). From there, take a MSRTC bus heading toward Ellora or Kannad. It’s the most economical option (₹45 – ₹60 per person).

3. How to Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga by Road

Located just 1 km from Ellora Caves
Well connected via NH-52
MSRTC buses available from Aurangabad city

Distance from Major Cities:

From	Distance	Time	Best Route
Mumbai	335 km	5.5 - 6 Hours	Samruddhi Mahamarg (Exit at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)
Pune	260 km	5 Hours	Pune-Ahmednagar-Aurangabad Highway (NH 60)
Nashik	190 km	3.5 Hours	Nashik-Aurangabad Highway (NH 753J)
Shirdi	105 km	2.5 Hours	Shirdi-Aurangabad Road
Nagpur	480 km	6.5 Hours	Samruddhi Mahamarg (Direct Expressway)

Top 5 Attractions Near Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

1. Ellora Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage site, one of India’s most remarkable historical landmarks. It's not just one religion's sanctuary; it’s a harmonious coexistence of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments carved side-by-side into a single basalt cliff.

2. Bibi Ka Maqbara

Often compared with the Taj Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum attracts history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists from across the world.

3. Daulatabad Fort

Massive hill fort with stunning views. Known for its complex defense systems, the fort includes a series of concentric walls and a famous dark, winding tunnel called the "Andhari".

4. Panchakki

A fascinating medieval water mill located in the heart of Aurangabad, demonstrating the sophisticated engineering skills of the 17th century.

5. Aurangabad Caves

Lesser-known Buddhist caves with peaceful surroundings. 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines date back to the 6th and 7th centuries and offer a gateway to a peaceful, panoramic view.

Places to Stay Near Grishneshwar

Government / Public Stays

1. MTDC Ellora (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation)

This is the most authentic government stay in the area. It is managed directly by the state tourism board and is located right at the doorstep of the Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar temple.

Distance to Grishneshwar: Approx. 800 meters (10-minute walk).
Best For: Travelers seeking a safe, standardized government stay with high ceilings and basic amenities.
Booking: Can be done via the official MTDC Website.

2. Subhedari Guest House (Aurangabad)

Distance to Grishneshwar: Approx. 30 km (45-minute drive).
Best For: Budget-friendly stays for those who want to be central to both the city monuments and the caves.

Frequent Traveller Mistakes at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

1. Confusing the Name & Location

The Mistake: Searching for Grineshwar, Ghruneshwar, Ghushmeshwar, or Dhrushmeshwar and assuming it’s in a different state.

The Reality: The correct temple is Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Ellora, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra.

2. The "Dress Code" Denial

This is the most common mistake for men.

The Mistake: Assuming a t-shirt or kurta is enough.

The Reality: To enter the Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum) to touch the Shivalinga or perform Abhishekam, men must be bare-chested. You cannot wear a shirt, vest, or even a sacred thread (janeyu) over a shirt.

Tip: Carry a small bag to store your shirt or wear a dhoti/veshti that makes it easy to comply.

3. Underestimating the "Monday Rush"

The Mistake: Planning a "peaceful" visit on a Monday.

The Reality: Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva. At Grishneshwar, Mondays (especially during the month of Shravan) see crowds swell by 5x to 10x.

Fento tip: To avoid rush you can plan a Tuesday or Wednesday for a much faster Darshan. If you are looking specifically for Monday darshan, talk to a Fento local expert for darshan guidance.

4. Missing Shivalay Kund & Shahaji Raje Samadhi

The Mistake: Leaving immediately after the main temple Darshan.

Fento tip: Two significant spots are often missed. Budget an extra 30 minutes to explore the immediate surroundings of the temple.

Shivalay Kund: The sacred lake where the legend of Ghushma took place.
Shahaji Raje Samadhi: The tomb of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s father is located just a few hundred meters away.

Critical Rule: No Mobiles or Cameras

One of the biggest surprises for modern travelers is the strict "No Electronics" policy.

Mobile & Camera Ban: Unlike many other sites, Grishneshwar strictly prohibits mobile phones and cameras inside the temple complex. You cannot even carry them in your pocket.
Locker Facilities: There are dedicated lockers available near the footwear stand for a small fee (~₹20). However, during peak hours (Mondays and Shravan), these lines can be quite long.

Fento Tip: If comfortable to save time, leave your phone, smartwatches, and cameras in your car or at your hotel.

Entry Restrictions for Non-Hindus

The Mistake: Assuming everyone can enter the inner sanctum.

The Reality: While people of all faiths are welcome to explore the temple complex and admire the architecture, entry into the Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum) for Sparsh Darshan is strictly reserved for practicing Hindus.

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Make your Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga darshan a memorable experience, rather than a rushed, tiring one. Talk to a local expert on Fento, for planning help.

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