Ghrishneshwar

Also known as Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple, this famous temple is located at Aurangabad in Maharashtra . There are 12 jyothirlingas in India and one of them is that of Ghrishneshwar temple. It is vary old temples like others in India. Mostly Hindu’s temples were destroyed by Mughals. This is one of them. Later renovated by Maharani of Indur, Ahilyabai Holkar, one great Shiv Bhakta. The name Grushneshwar came from Grushma(one great Shivbhakta), a Brahman lady’s son was killed and his head was threw in the pond, where Grushma immerse Shivlinga daily. Next day , even she came to know what is happened, remain quite, and pray Lord Shiva. After finishing daily puja-prayer, Lord Shiva came from that pond and became vary angry on the lady who did this sin. But Grushma prayed god not to punish culprit as with your grace, we have got our son back. Grushma, the Shivabhakta requested Lord shiva to live here forever for welfare of other people. Thus lord of Grushma came to known as Grushmeshwar i.e. Grushneshwar Mahadev.

The Grushneshwar temple, is built of red rocks, has five-tier spire or shikara, Dashavatars (ten avatars) of Lord Vishnu carved in red stone. There is a court hall built on 24 pillars with carvings of various legends and mythologies of Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri utsav, is the day on which Shiv-Parvati got married is biggest celebration day.

The temple is situated just near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad. Photography and camera are not allowed inside the temple and many a times you may find it congested because it attracts a lot of people daily. Beautiful Lord Shiva’s 12th Jyotirling Temple. First have a darshan of the Jyotirling in the temple and then go to Ellora caves. Men need to take off their shirt/tshirt/vest and enter the sanctum sanctorum bare shirtless. You can also have darshan from distance without taking off your shirt. Women & men can go inside the sanctum sanctorum and do abhishek on the Jyotirling.

How to go here :

From Mumbai to Aurangabad daily ST buses and private tourist buses are available. Mumbai to Aurangabad airway is also available. But roadway is better it takes 9-10 hrs. for private bus. Its just 27 km from Aurangabad city. Buses & rental taxis go there &Caves are 2 km.from temple. its walking distance from Ellora Caves main cave no.16.

PC:Unknown