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Ghrishneshwar Temple
Shri Ghrishneshwar · 12th Jyotirlinga · Ellora, Maharashtra
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
Ghrishneshwar, beside the Ellora caves in Maharashtra, is traditionally the last and twelfth of the Jyotirlingas. The compact red-stone temple stands at Verul, about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and completes the circuit of the twelve for pilgrims who travel them in order.
The twelfth Jyotirlinga
Ghrishneshwar takes its name from Ghushma (or Kusuma), a devotee whose steady worship, in the local legend, moved Shiva to restore her son to life and to remain here as the Jyotirlinga. It is the shrine that closes the list of twelve.
History and Ahilyabai Holkar
The temple was rebuilt in the 18th century, with patronage from Maloji Bhosale — an ancestor of Chhatrapati Shivaji — and a restoration by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, who renewed so many Shiva shrines across India.
Architecture
Built of red basalt in the Hemadpanti and Nagara tradition, the temple is richly carved, with a five-tier shikhara and walls covered in sculptures of deities and mythological scenes. Its detailed stonework rewards a close look.
Beside the Ellora caves
The temple stands a short distance from the Ellora caves, the UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut complex, and from the fort of Daulatabad — so a darshan here is easily joined with two of India’s great monuments.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri is the chief festival, and the Mondays of Shravan bring crowds and a fair. The setting near Ellora makes it a steady stop for both pilgrims and travellers.
Darshan timings
The temple is generally open from about 5:30 am to 9:30 pm, with morning and evening aartis. Entry is free; as at some traditional shrines, men may be asked to remove upper garments before entering the inner sanctum.
How to reach Ghrishneshwar
- By road: about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), beside Ellora.
- By train: Aurangabad is the nearest railhead.
- By air: Aurangabad airport (~35 km).
Tips for your visit
- Combine darshan with the Ellora caves and Daulatabad fort.
- Mornings are cooler for exploring the caves.
- Note the inner-sanctum dress custom for men.
- Weekends and Shravan are the busiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga?
At Verul (Ellora), about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) in Maharashtra; it is the twelfth and last of the Jyotirlingas.
What is the legend of Ghrishneshwar?
Shiva appeared here to restore the son of his devotee Ghushma (Kusuma) and remained as the Jyotirlinga, which takes her name.
Who rebuilt the temple?
It was rebuilt in the 18th century with patronage from Maloji Bhosale and restored by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
What are the temple timings?
Generally about 5:30 am to 9:30 pm, with morning and evening aartis; busiest on Shravan Mondays and Maha Shivaratri.
How do I reach Ghrishneshwar?
It is about 30 km from Aurangabad by road, beside the Ellora caves; Aurangabad is the nearest railway station and airport (~35 km).
Can I visit it with the Ellora caves?
Yes. The temple is a short distance from the Ellora caves and Daulatabad fort and is usually visited together with them.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Ghrishneshwar Temple |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (Ghrishneshwara) |
| Location | Ellora (Verul) |
| District | Chh. Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Significance | 12th Jyotirlinga |
| Architecture Style | Hemadpanti / Nagara |
| Approximate Period | 18th century (Ahilyabai Holkar) |
| Key Festival | Maha Shivaratri, Shravan |
| River / Body Nearby | Shivna River |
| Special Features | Beside the Ellora Caves |
| Darshan | 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Nearest Railhead | Aurangabad (~30 km) |
| Coordinates | 20.0263° N, 75.1790° E |
| Entry | Free |
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