Pilgrimage & sacred places
Grishneshwar Temple
The Twelfth and Final Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva near Ellora Caves
- District
- Aurangabad
- Elevation
- 650 meters
- Region
- Marathwada
Overview
Grishneshwar Temple, located near Ellora in Aurangabad district, is the twelfth and last of the sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple holds immense spiritual importance and attracts devotees from all over India.
The temple, built in the traditional South Indian architectural style, features intricate carvings and a majestic five-tiered shikhara. Its sanctum houses the self-manifested Shivalinga, believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees.
Situated close to the world-famous Ellora Caves, the temple offers both spiritual solace and architectural splendor, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site in Maharashtra.
Highlights
Twelfth Jyotirlinga of Shiva
Grishneshwar is revered as the final among the twelve Jyotirlingas representing Lord Shiva’s divine presence.
Magnificent Temple Architecture
Built using red basalt stone with fine carvings, the temple showcases a blend of South and Maratha architectural influences.
Location & landscape
Located in Verul village near the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple lies just 30 km from Aurangabad city, surrounded by scenic hills and historic monuments.
Grishneshwar offers an enriching combination of devotion, heritage, and history near the Ellora Caves.
- District
- Aurangabad
- Elevation
- 650 meters
- Region
- Marathwada
- Best Season
- October to March
- Major Festival
- Mahashivratri
Best Time to Visit
Aurangabad experiences warm summers, moderate monsoons, and pleasant winters, ideal for temple visits and sightseeing.
- Summer: 25°C – 40°C (March–June)
- Winter: 15°C – 28°C (November–February)
Things to do
Perform Jyotirlinga Darshan
Offer prayers to the sacred Shivalinga and experience spiritual bliss inside the beautifully carved sanctum.
- Men are required to remove shirts before entering the sanctum as per tradition.
- Abhishek rituals are performed daily during early morning hours.
Explore Ellora Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site just 1 km away, showcasing ancient rock-cut Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples.
- Cave No. 16, the Kailasa Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Ideal for combining spiritual and cultural exploration.
Attend Mahashivratri Celebrations
The temple comes alive with devotional music, rituals, and night-long prayers during Mahashivratri.
- Thousands of devotees gather for special darshan.
- The temple is illuminated with lamps and decorations.
Places to explore
Ellora Caves
Ancient rock-cut caves representing three religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Daulatabad Fort
An impressive hilltop fort offering panoramic views of Aurangabad’s landscape.
Local ecology
Although Grishneshwar is inland, it radiates deep spiritual and historical richness through its sacred presence.
Grishneshwar is a sacred symbol of faith and devotion.
It stands as a reminder of India’s ancient craftsmanship and divine legacy.
Spiritual Energy
Devotees experience calmness and divine strength after darshan of the Jyotirlinga.
Cultural Harmony
The temple’s proximity to Ellora reflects the unity of diverse faiths and heritage.
Practical Travel Tips
Temple opens at 5:30 AM; early morning darshan is peaceful and less crowded.
Photography is restricted inside the sanctum; follow temple rules.
Combine your visit with Ellora Caves for a full-day spiritual and historical trip.
Local Transit & Routes
By Air
- Aurangabad Airport (35 km) is the nearest airport, with flights from Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.
- Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Grishneshwar Temple.
By Train & Road
- Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km) connects with all major cities in Maharashtra.
- Regular buses and taxis operate from Aurangabad, Nashik, and Pune.