Grishneshwar Temple Verul

One of the incredible India's great 12th ‘jyotirlinga, Grishneshwar is an ancient temple, sacred to Lord Shiva. Ghrushneshwar temple is the last among India's revered Dwadash (twelve) Jyotirlinga shrines of the Hindu. Built somewhere in the 18th century, the red stone structure of the temple, composed of a five-tier ‘shikhara,' is the smallest 'jyotirlinga' temple in India. As per one of the stories in Padma Purana, Lord Shiva stayed in the form of a ‘linga’ on the request of his most devoted lady, Ghrushna.

That’s how the temple came into existence

The history behind the temple goes lies this that there was a lady called Ghrushna, whose son was killed by her sister. She then started praying Lord Shiva with complete devotion. Pleased by the devotion of Ghrushna, Lord Shiva appeared to bless her with a son. On request of Ghushma, Shiva resided there eternally in the form of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. And that how the temple got its name.

According to other stories, Shiva appeared in the form of a flame on the palm of Parvati when she was rubbing her finger to mix saffron. When Parvati was rubbing her finger, flame created due to ‘gharshana’ (friction), which was later put into a stone linga and so named Ghrushneshwar.

Grishneshwar Temple is often referred as ‘Kusumeshwar.’ As per the historical records, Rashtrakuta king of the 8th century, Krishnaraj, who has also created the world-famous Kailas Temple of the Ellora Caves, built the temple. Malojiraje Bhosale, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji, reconstructed the temple, and the Shivalaya Tirtha Kunda in 1599 CE.

Structure of the Temple

The structure of the south facing temple is grand and evidence behind it is the ‘dakshinabhimukh’ (main entrance) that stands tall on a platform. Around the temple, there is a huge courtyard with three ‘dwaras’ - one ‘mahadwara’ (main entrance) and two ‘pakshadwaras’ (side entrances). At the entrance of the temple, there is a small shrine of Kokila Mata. There are two chambers in the Grishneshwar temple - sabhamandapa, and garbhagruha.

Note this: Photography is strictly not allowed in the temple. To enter the temple, male devotees will have to remove their upper garment. It is made of red stone with four entrances and 56 steps on each side. There are eight temples of eight different ‘tirthas’ near it.

Best Time to Visit

Ghrushneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and remains decked up during the special occasions like Mahashivaratri, and Shraavana ( a month of the Hindu calendar). During Mahashivaratri festival, a special palanquin possession takes place from the temple to Shivalaya Tirth Kund. On Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, the 14th lunar day of the waxing moon fortnight, a special function is organized at the temple during which Shiva is offered ‘tulsi’ leaves, a favorite of Lord Vishnu. Besides, the temple attracts a good number of devotees on Monday.

Address

Shri Ghrushneshwar Mandir Road, Verul, Maharashtra 431102

How to Reach

To reach the temple, tourists can take a taxi from anywhere in Verul. And the temple is quite noticeable because it is located close to the Ellora Caves. Closest railway station to the temple is Aurangabad. Shivalaya Tirtha Kunda, close to the temple, is a must visit.

See below for complete schedule:

• Mangal Aarti: 04:00 AM
• Jalhari Saghan: 08:00 AM
• Maha Prashad: 12 Noon
• Jalhari Saghan: 04:00 PM
• Evening Aarti: 07:30 PM
• Night Aarti: 10:00 PM