Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – The Flame of Devotion and Compassion in Aurangabad
Located in the heart of Maharashtra near the world-renowned Ellora Caves, the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple stands as a symbol of unwavering devotion and divine compassion. This sacred shrine is the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga among the revered Dwadasha Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is here that the divine presence of Shiva is said to manifest most lovingly—as Grishneshwar, the Lord of Compassion and Grace.
Visiting this temple is considered the final chapter in the spiritual journey to all twelve Jyotirlingas. With its rich mythological roots, timeless devotion, royal restorations, and profound spiritual vibrations, Grishneshwar offers more than darshan—it offers a soulful connection to the divine.
🧬 Mythological Origin & Legend of Grishneshwar
🧕 The Devotion of Ghushma
The legend of Grishneshwar is deeply embedded in Shiva Purana (Kotirudra Samhita). A pious Brahmin woman named Ghushma (also called Kusuma) lived with her husband and son in the village of Verul. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and performed an extraordinary daily ritual—making 101 Shivalingas, immersing them in a pond, and worshiping them with pure heart and chants.
Her sister, driven by jealousy, killed her son and cast his body into the same pond. Upon learning this, Ghushma, though overwhelmed by grief, did not curse her sister or abandon her faith. Instead, she immersed herself in Shiva’s worship with even greater devotion.
Pleased by her selfless devotion and equanimity, Lord Shiva appeared before her, brought her son back to life, and granted her a boon. Ghushma requested that He eternally reside in the place of her worship. Shiva manifested there as the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
This tale of bhakti over revenge, of spiritual discipline over anger, makes Grishneshwar one of the most revered and emotionally moving Jyotirlingas in India.
📜 Historical Insights and Timeline
🔍 Ancient References
Grishneshwar finds mentions in several Puranic texts, particularly in the Shiva Purana, where it is praised as the final destination of the Jyotirlinga journey.
Its earlier forms may have existed during the Rashtrakuta Dynasty (~8th century), around the same time the nearby Ellora Caves were being carved.
🛡️ Destruction & Restoration
The temple suffered multiple invasions, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate and Bahmani Sultanate periods, when many Hindu temples were destroyed or defaced.
Mughal rule, particularly under Aurangzeb, further suppressed temple activities in the region.
👑 Revival by Ahilyabai Holkar
In the 18th century, the benevolent and devout queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore rebuilt and restored the temple to its current glory.
Her contributions to restoring Hindu pilgrimage sites across India (including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, and Trimbakeshwar) are legendary.
🛕 Temple Architecture and Design
The temple is a masterpiece of simplicity, strength, and sacredness.
🧱 Features:
Constructed with red basalt stone, exuding a rustic and divine appeal
Follows South Indian architectural styles with a blend of Maratha influence
Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) houses the self-manifested Swayambhu Shivlinga
Mandapam (pillared hall) contains beautifully carved stone pillars and mythological reliefs
Shikhar (tower) with five tiers adorned with sculptures of gods, goddesses, and celestial beings
Nandi Mandapa with a majestic seated Nandi bull facing the shrine
🌸 Unique Elements:
Only Hindus are allowed inside the inner sanctum
Devotees can perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Jyotirlinga themselves—a rare privilege
The atmosphere is serene and infused with the fragrance of incense, flowers, and chanting of Shiva mantras
🙏 Daily Puja, Aarti, and Rituals
The ritual worship at Grishneshwar is performed with deep sanctity, in accordance with ancient Vedic traditions.
🛐 Timings:
Temple Opens: 5:30 AM
Closes: 9:30 PM
🔔 Daily Rituals:
Mangala Aarti: Early morning at dawn
Abhishekam: With water, milk, honey, curd, sugar, and ghee
Rudrabhishek and Laghu Rudra Path: By priests and devotees
Madhyan Aarti (Noon)
Sandhya Aarti (Evening): Accompanied by bhajans and mantras
🌿 Offerings:
Bilva leaves, sandalwood, flowers, rudraksha mala, sweets, and camphor
Bhasma (sacred ash) is applied to devotees and priests
Special pooja packages for childless couples, prosperity, and health are available
📆 Festivals and Celebrations
🌌 Mahashivratri – The Grandest Festival
Massive influx of pilgrims from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Telangana
Day-long fasts, night-long jagrans (all-night prayers), and Rudra chanting
Shobha Yatra (procession) with a golden palki of Shiva’s idol
🛐 Shravan Maas (July–August)
Considered the holiest month for Shiva bhakti
Daily Abhishekam, mass bhajans, and kavadi yatra by local pilgrims
🪔 Kartik Purnima, Nag Panchami, Pradosh Vrat
Celebrated with lighting of lamps, temple decoration, and community satsangs
Devotees take holy dips in Ghushma Kund and offer diya darpan (lamp offerings)
🌊 Tirtha – The Holy Pond of Ghushma
Located near the temple is the Ghushma Tirtha (Ghushmeshwar Kund).
This is the same pond where Ghushma immersed her 101 lingams daily.
Devotees take a ritual bath here before entering the temple.
It is believed that bathing here cleanses one’s sins and brings peace to ancestors.
📚 Satsangs, Bhakti Movements, and Spiritual Activities
Regular spiritual discourses, Shiva Mahapuran Katha, and bhajan sandhya take place, especially in Shravan Maas.
The temple hosts community aartis, yajnas, and cultural festivals in Marathi and Sanskrit traditions.
Devotees form bhakti mandals and perform Rudra Path, Shiv Mahimna Stotra, and Lingashtakam recitations.
🧳 Travel Guide & Pilgrim Information
✈️ By Air:
Aurangabad Airport (IXU) – 30 km
Connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bangalore
🚉 By Train:
Aurangabad Railway Station – Regular trains from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Hyderabad
🚌 By Road:
Buses and cabs from Aurangabad, Shirdi, and Nashik
1-hour drive from Aurangabad via State Highway
🏨 Stay and Food:
Budget Dharamshalas and Yatri Niwas near temple
Hotels in Aurangabad (30–40 min away) for luxury and comfort stay
Local vegetarian food stalls and prasad counters available
🌍 Nearby Attractions for Pilgrimage and Tourism
Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – 1 km
Cave 16: Kailasa Temple, a Shiva temple carved from a single rock
Daulatabad Fort
Bibi Ka Maqbara – Replica of the Taj Mahal
Aurangabad Caves
Panchakki Water Mill
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – ~110 km for a combined yatra
🧘 Devotional Experience
Pilgrims describe their experience at Grishneshwar as emotionally purifying and spiritually elevating. There is a distinct energy within the stone walls—a vibration that transcends words. For those who complete the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Yatra, Grishneshwar becomes the final gateway to moksha, the symbolic ending of ego and the beginning of eternal surrender.
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is not just the twelfth Jyotirlinga—it is the culmination of spiritual endurance, patience, and grace. For every soul seeking divine connection, the temple is a sacred bridge between the material and the eternal. Here, in the quiet town near Ellora, Shiva resides not in grandeur but in grace—offering blessings to all who come with faith, humility, and love.