Ghrishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Divinity, Architecture, History
• Entrance Fee: There is no entry fee to visit this temple.
• Visiting Time: From 5 am to 9 pm, Ghrishneshwar Temple is pretty much open throughout the day inviting its devotees.
• Visit Duration: Between 2 to 3 hours is the average time of duration that you might spent here. But it totally depends upon personal interest and taste.

The Ghrishneshwar temple is a revered pilgrimage site located in Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. Situated about 20 kilometers from Daulatabad in the village of Verul, this site is the last of the twelve jyotirlingas in the country, making it a popular destination for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Re-constructed by Rani Ahilyabai after destruction during the Mughal period, this site is a magnificent structure emanating pure divinity. Located about a kilometer from the famed Ellora caves, this temple is the smallest of all the jyotirlingas and is believed to offer a less crowded and better view of the Mahadev. The carvings within the magnificent structure, as well as the ambience of the place, are what makes it an important site with devotees from all over the country visiting it to gain spirituality.

Traveler Tips

• Visit before 10 in the morning to experience a good darshan with less crowd.
• There are plenty of stalls available around the temple to get food and water, as well as offerings for the Lord.
• Men must enter the sanctum sanctorum bare chested as per traditions of the temple.
• Phones and cameras are not allowed inside and must be left outside with paid lockers being available to store them.

Things to Do

• Make some offerings to the Lord and take his blessings within the sacred premises.
• Enjoy the beautiful architecture of the surroundings with its intricate carvings which is a stunning scene to witness indeed.
• Visit the famed Ellora caves for its mesmerizing interiors which are situated nearby and is a declared UNESCO Heritage Site for its interiors.
• Eat out at the various eateries to experience the culinary culture of the location.
• Photograph some great photos with the picturesque location of the temple interiors as the backdrop.
• Shop at the local markets to collect some souvenirs from the trip.

Availability of Guides

Since it is a famed location of utmost importance, there are plenty of local guides available to guide you through the history and traditions of the temple for a certain fee.

Best Time to Visit

This is a location which can be visited throughout the year. However the winter months with its milder climate is much more preferable than the hot summer months of April to June. Even the monsoon time of June to September is good to visit the location. If the temple has to be witnessed in all its glory, then visiting it during the Mahashivratri, celebrated during the months of February to March, making this the perfect time.

How to Reach

This popular tourist site is well connected owing to its religious and recreational importance. The nearest airport as well as railway station are in Aurangabad which is just 30 kilometers from Velur. Aurangabad is well connected by buses as well as other means of transport. Buses as well as cabs are available in plenty from Aurangabad to this location which is just 20 kilometers from Daulatabad.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about the Ghrishneshwar Temple

• The temple is also known by various other names like Kusumeshwarar, Grushmeshwara and Ghushmeshwara temple.
• One of the legend says that Lord Shiva resided here after being pleased with the devotion of Ghushma, who strongly believed that her son who was killed would be protected by the Lord, and continued praying reverently to which her son was brought back to life by Lord Shiva.
• This temple has the architecture seen in the temples of the South, and has been constructed using red rocks.
• The hall in the center contains about 24 pillars which tell the various stories of Lord Shiva.
• The construction of the temple is credited to Maloji Bhosle, the grandfather of Shivaji who was a huge devotee of the Lord.
• There are also carvings of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu within the premises.
• It is located on top of the Sahaydri hills.
• Rani Ahilyabai who is responsible for the reconstruction of the temple, after its destruction by the Mughals, is also believed to have reconstructed other famous temples like the Kasi Vishwanath and the Shiva Jyotirlinga temple in Somnath.

Nearby Restaurants

• Hotel Aakash
• Alora Hotels
• Dishan Family Garden Restaurant
• Sai Karan Dhaba
• Hotel Anand Restaurant

Nearby Attractions

• Ellora caves
• Bibi Ka Makbara
• Panchaki
• Koneru

This religious location is a must visit for architecture lovers as well as people wanting to experience the blessings of Lord Shiva in this serene setting.