Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Located on Ghrishneshwar Temple Road in Verul, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, this temple is recognized as a Jyotirlinga and holds the distinction of being an ASI-protected monument.

The temple’s historical roots trace back to the Maratha period, with its current structure attributed to Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century and earlier contributions by Maloji Bhosale in the 16th century.

The temple complex is not only a spiritual destination for devotees of Lord Shiva but also features carvings and shrines dedicated to other deities such as Nandi, Lord Vishnu (with Dashavatara carvings), Lord Shiva’s family, Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Pilgrims can participate in a variety of poojas, including Jalabhishek Puja, Panchamrut Abhishek Puja, Rudrabhishek Puja, Laghurudra Abhishek Puja, and Special Anushtans like Mahamrityunjay Jaap and Kaal Sarp Puja.

These rituals are conducted in Sanskrit, Marathi, and Hindi, catering to a diverse range of devotees. Darshan at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is free, and the temple operates from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily, with extended hours during the auspicious Shravan month (3:00 AM to 11:00 PM).

The best time to visit is early morning between 5 to 8 AM, during winter (November to February), or in the festival season. Major festivals celebrated here include Shravan Maas, Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Diwali & Kartik Purnima.

A traditional dress code is strictly enforced: men must wear modest attire and remove shirts or upper garments to enter the inner sanctum, with dhoti preferred for rituals; women are required to wear saree, salwar kameez, or churidar with dupatta.

Reaching the temple is convenient from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) via flight, train, or road. From the city, travel northwest via NH-52/Ellora Road, passing Daulatabad Fort towards Khuldabad and Ellora, and reach Verul village.

The temple is about 1 km past Ellora Caves parking, accessible by auto-rickshaw or walking.

The nearest railway stations are Daulatabad (15 km), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (30 km), and Manmad Junction (118 km), while the closest airports are Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (30 km) and Shirdi Airport (88 km).

Pilgrims will find ample accommodation within 0.5–1 km, including Om Siddheshwar Bhakta Niwas, Ghrushneswar Mandir Bhakt Niwas, Shree Jyotirlinga Residency, Ellora Heritage Resort, and Hotel Kailas. The temple provides dedicated parking and wheelchair-accessible entrances to the outer complex.

Photography and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the main premises, with secure deposit facilities available. Nearby attractions include the renowned Ellora Caves (1 km), Shivalaya Kund, Daulatabad Fort, Khuldabad, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and the Grishneshwar 12 Jyotirlinga Replica Temples.

Prasadam such as vibhuti, kumkum, and sugar or dry fruit naivedhyam is offered, with annadanam organized especially on Mondays, festivals, and during Shravan month. For more information, visit the official website or contact the temple directly. Online darshan facilities are also available for remote devotees.