Shri Grishneshwar (Ghrishneshwar) Jyotirlinga Temple
Verul (Ellora), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) district · Lord Shiva as Grishneshwar/Ghushmeshwar, 'Lord of compassion', named after the devotee Ghushma
The twelfth and smallest Jyotirlinga, a richly carved 18th-century stone temple 1.5 km from the Ellora caves – one of the few where devotees may touch the linga.
Grishneshwar stands in Verul village, about 30 km north-west of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and 1.5 km from the UNESCO-listed Ellora caves. Counted as the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the stotram ('Ghrishnesham cha Shivalaye'), it is also the smallest temple of the group. The present temple, built of dark basalt with a reddish shikhara and dense carvings, dates from the 18th century and is associated with the Holkars of Indore (Gautama Bai Holkar in 1729 and Rani Ahilyabai Holkar). Darshan is free; men must remove their shirts to enter the sanctum, and devotees can touch the linga during abhishek.
Timings
- Temple open: approx. 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Thomas Cook gives 5:30 AM – 12:00 noon and 4:00 – 9:30 PM; hours are longer in Shravan)
- Aartis: approx. 5:30 AM (Kakad), 12:00 noon, 7:00/8:00 PM (Sandhya) and Shayan aarti around 9:30 PM – confirm locally
- Abhishek (reported): approx. 6:00 – 11:00 AM and 1:00 – 7:00 PM
- Special closures: Sanctum entry can be stopped on festival days and during the Atirudra Mahayagya (June 2026: mukh-darshan only)
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
- Abhishek ticket – Check at the temple counter (one visitor reported approx. ₹1,100 for 2 persons – unofficial)
- Mukh-darshan – Free
Sevas and costs
- Jal Abhishek – Check at the temple counter (one visitor reported approx. ₹1,100 for 2 persons, unofficial) (Reported windows approx. 6:00 – 11:00 AM and 1:00 – 7:00 PM)
- Panchamrut Pujan – Check at the temple counter (During the abhishek windows)
- Rudrabhishek – Check at the temple counter (By arrangement)
- Mahamrityunjay Jaap – Check at the temple counter (By arrangement)
- Kakad Aarti – Free (approx. 5:30 AM)
- Madhyanha Aarti – Free (approx. 12:00 noon)
- Sandhya Aarti – Free (approx. 7:00 – 8:00 PM)
- Shayan Aarti – Free (approx. 9:30 PM)
- Atirudra Mahayagya – Free to witness (About every three years in Adhik Maas (last: 5–9 June 2026))
- Mahashivratri worship – Free (Mahashivratri – 6 March 2027 (approx.))
How to book darshan
There is no official online booking for darshan or abhishek. General darshan is free; abhishek and poojas are booked at the counter inside the temple.
Grishneshwar visitor info (Incredible India)
Dress code
Modest clothes. Men must enter the sanctum bare-chested (local tradition); women in saree or salwar kameez. Leather items are best left outside.
Best time to visit
October to March. Mondays, Shravan and Mahashivratri are very crowded. Avoid Tuesday if you also want to see Ellora (caves closed).
How to reach
- air: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) airport (about 35 km).
- rail: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) station (about 30 km).
- road: Buses and taxis from Sambhajinagar via Daulatabad (about 45 minutes). Shirdi is about 110 km; Trimbakeshwar about 220 km.
Festivals
- Mahashivratri – Feb/Mar – 6 March 2027 (approx.)
- Shravan Mondays – Jul/Aug
- Kartik Purnima – Oct/Nov – around 24 Nov 2026 (approx.)
- Atirudra Mahayagya – About every 3 years in Adhik Maas (last June 2026)