Rudrabhishek
Traditional abhishek with panchamrit.
1 hour Video proof
Family wellbeing and health.
₹501
Book Now
JyotirlingaVerified
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Lord Shiva•Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Official Temple WebsiteTimings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
3 major
Maha Shivaratri
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya
Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door
Official Booking
Direct bookings coming soon for this temple
Watch Live Darshan
Real-time video stream from the sanctum
About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
History
Grishneshwar (Ghrishneshwar) is the last (12th) Jyotirlinga in the traditional Dwadasha Jyotirlinga stotra of Adi Shankaracharya. It sits in Verul village, 30 km from Aurangabad, right next to the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves. Legend tells of Kusuma, a devout Shiva bhakt, whose son was murdered by her jealous co-wife Ghushma. Kusuma refused to abandon her Shiva worship, and the lingam she worshipped in a nearby pond restored her son to life. Shiva granted Kusuma's wish to remain there as the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. The present temple was rebuilt in the 18th century by Maloji Raje Bhosale (grandfather of Shivaji Maharaj) and later by Ahilyabai Holkar. It is built in red basalt in the Shikhara style, with intricate carvings rivaling the Ellora caves next door.
Significance
Being the 12th and final Jyotirlinga, many pilgrims consider the Jyotirlinga Yatra incomplete without Grishneshwar. Its proximity to Ellora makes it a combined heritage + pilgrimage destination.
About the Deity
The lingam is east-facing, with a water-filled Jalharini. The temple also houses Nandi, Ganesha and Vishnu shrines.
Pujas Offered (6)
Jyotirlinga Archana
Flower and bilva patra archana.
30 min Video proof
Darshan enhancement.
₹301
Book NowLaghu Rudra
11 Rudram chants.
3 hours Video proof
Specific sankalp fulfillment.
₹2,500
Book NowMaha Rudra
121 Rudram with havan.
Full day Video proof
Life-changing sankalp.
₹11,000
Book NowShiva Sahasranama Path
1,008 names of Shiva recitation.
1.5 hours Video proof
Overall spiritual cleansing.
₹751
Book NowAnna-daan Seva
Sponsor meals for pilgrims.
1 meal Video proof
Anna-daan merit.
₹1,100
Book NowFestivals & Events
- Maha ShivaratriFebruary / March
- Tripuri PurnimaNovember
- Shravan SomwarJuly / August Mondays
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) Airport — 35 km
Nearest Railway
Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km)
By Road
From Aurangabad — 30 km to Verul via Ellora Road. Well-marked highway.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Kailas (Ellora, right next to Grishneshwar)
- Ajanta Ambassador (Aurangabad)
- Vivanta by Taj Aurangabad
- Lemon Tree Hotel Aurangabad
- Hotel Regal Plaza
Nearby Attractions
- Ellora Caves (500 m — UNESCO site, Kailasa Temple)
- Daulatabad Fort (15 km)
- Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad)
- Panchakki (Aurangabad)
- Ajanta Caves (100 km)
Opening Hours
Morning
5:30 AM; Kakad Aarti 4:00 AM
Afternoon
General darshan till 12:30 PM; reopens 3:00 PM
Evening
Sandhya Aarti 7:30 PM; closes 9:30 PM
Dress Code
Men must remove shirts for sanctum entry. Traditional attire preferred.
Rules & Guidelines
- Men must enter the sanctum bare-chested
- No electronics in the sanctum
- Photography allowed outside only
- Follow queue discipline
- Keep Ellora combo in the same day for efficiency
Pilgrim's Note
Plan to cover Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar in one day. Ellora's Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) is one of the most stunning monuments in India — a single rock carved into a full Shiva temple. Grishneshwar darshan is traditionally done after Ellora.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Devotees
“Completed my 12 Jyotirlinga yatra here. Emotional moment. The temple is simple but powerful.”
SD
Sharad Deshpande
Pune
“Combined with Ellora in one day — perfect plan. Rudrabhishek was serene.”
RI
Renuka Iyer
Chennai
“Lesser crowds than other Jyotirlingas — you can actually spend time at the lingam.”
AD
Ashok Deshmukh
Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must men be shirtless?
An old custom at Grishneshwar — men must enter the garbhagriha bare-chested, symbolising humility before Shiva.
Is Ellora Caves walking distance?
Yes, 500 m. You can comfortably cover both in half a day.
Best time to visit?
October to March. Summer Aurangabad is very hot.
Is there a fee?
Free darshan. Pujas are paid.
Parking?
Yes, free parking near the temple.
