The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, located in the village of Verul near the world-famous Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, holds the distinction of being the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga among the twelve sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva . Known also as Grushneshwar or Ghushmeshwar, the name translates to “Lord of Compassion,” reflecting the deep spiritual significance of this ancient site .
According to the Shiva Purana, the temple’s origin is deeply connected with the story of a devoted woman named Kusuma (also referred to as Ghushma), whose unwavering faith and daily ritual of pouring water from a sacred pond onto a Shiva Linga moved the Lord to manifest as a Jyotirlinga at this very spot . This legend emphasizes that the temple is a place where sincere prayers are never turned down, and where devotion can overcome all obstacles .
The present structure of the temple was rebuilt in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the same Maratha ruler who restored several Jyotirlinga temples across India . Built in the traditional Hemadpanthi architectural style using red volcanic stone, the temple features a five-tier shikhara (tower), intricately carved pillars, and a serene courtyard with a small sacred pond . Located just 1.5 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves, the temple offers a unique combination of spiritual fulfillment and cultural exploration, making it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and travelers alike .
Grishneshwar Temple Quick Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (Grishneshwar Mahadev) |
| Location | Verul, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra – 431102 |
| Significance | 12th and final Jyotirlinga among the twelve sacred shrines |
| Architectural Style | Hemadpanthi style with red volcanic stone, five-tier shikhara |
| Entry Fee | Free for general darshan |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March; Shravan month (July-August) |
| Nearest Airport | Aurangabad Airport (30 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km) |
| Nearby Attraction | Ellora Caves (1.5 km) – UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Contact Number | +91-240-2400620 / +91-94222-07017 |
Grishneshwar Temple Darshan Timings 2026
The temple welcomes devotees from early morning till late evening, with timings divided into convenient sessions to allow pilgrims to plan their visit without rush. Here are the complete darshan timings for 2026 :
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 7:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
Note: The temple remains closed for darshan between 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM .
Special Timings for Peak Seasons
| Occasion | Special Timings |
|---|---|
| Shravan Month (July-August) | Opens as early as 3:00 AM; closes by 11:00 PM |
| Maha Shivratri | Extended darshan hours; temple remains open till late night |
Daily Aarti and Pooja Schedule
The temple follows a sacred routine of poojas and aartis that create a spiritually charged atmosphere inside the sanctum :
| Ritual / Aarti | Timing | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Mangal Aarti (Kakad Aarti) | 4:00 AM – 5:30 AM | Daily |
| Morning Jalhari Pooja | 8:00 AM | Daily |
| Rudrabhishek Pooja | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Daily |
| Maha Abhishekam | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Daily |
| Maha Prasad | 12:00 PM | Daily |
| Afternoon Darshan | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Daily |
| Evening Jalhari Pooja | 4:00 PM | Daily |
| Evening Aarti (Sandhya Aarti) | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Daily |
| Shej Aarti (Night Aarti) | 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Daily |
Best Aarti to Attend: The Sandhya Aarti is considered the heart of the daily worship at Grishneshwar Temple. As lamps glow, bells ring, and devotees chant in unison, the entire temple fills with devotion and positive energy—a must-experience ritual for first-time visitors .
Grishneshwar Temple Sevas and Price Offerings 2026
Abhishekam Details
The Abhishekam at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most sacred rituals performed by devotees. During this ceremony, pilgrims offer milk, curd, honey, bilva leaves, and holy water directly on the Shiva Linga, accompanied by powerful Vedic mantras .
Abhishekam Timings 2026 :
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Afternoon | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Abhishekam Charges: Approximately ₹551 per person (subject to change as per temple guidelines) .
Important Tip: If you are planning to perform Abhishekam during Shravan Month or Maha Shivratri, arrive early because slots fill up very fast due to heavy crowds .
Darshan Ticket Options 2026
| Ticket Type | Price (INR) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Regular queue |
| Special Darshan | ₹200 – ₹500 | Faster entry, reduced waiting time |
| VIP Darshan / Abhishekam | ₹500 – ₹700 | Priority access + Abhishekam participation |
| Mangala Aarti | ₹200 | Attend early morning aarti |
| Bhog Aarti / Sandhya Aarti / Shej Aarti | ₹200 each | Participate in specific aartis |
| Annadanam | ₹1,500 | Sponsor free meals for devotees |
| Special Puja | ₹2,000 | Customized ritual offerings |
How to Book Sevas
Current Booking Method:
- Offline only: All sevas and VIP darshan tickets must be booked at the temple counter
- VIP Darshan passes are available at the on-site e-ticket counter. Arrive early, especially during weekends and festivals
Online Booking Update: While online booking facilities are expected to start soon, as of early 2026, official online booking is not yet operational . Some travel portals may offer third-party booking services, but devotees are advised to confirm with the temple administration directly.
Note: Abhishekam tickets are available only at the temple counter. The temple does not have an official online portal yet; however, the administration is planning to launch one soon .
How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is easily accessible by air, rail, and road, making it convenient for devotees traveling from across India .
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport) – approximately 30 km from the temple
- Taxis and app-based cabs are available outside the airport. The drive takes around 45–50 minutes
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station – approximately 30 km from the temple
- From the station, auto-rickshaws, state buses, private taxis, and shared cabs operate frequently toward Ellora and Verul
By Road
The temple is well-connected by road. Regular buses and private vehicles make road travel the most flexible option :
- From Aurangabad: Frequent buses to Ellora (30 km)
- From Pune: Approximately 5–6 hours drive
- From Mumbai: Approximately 6–7 hours drive
Temple Address
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir
Verul, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
Maharashtra – 431102
Bonus Tip: Since Ellora Caves is just 1 km away from the Grishneshwar Temple, most travelers prefer visiting both places on the same day .
Best Time to Visit Grishneshwar Temple
Season Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October – March | Pleasant, cool | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best time for pilgrimage |
| Summer | March – June | Very hot | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ Avoid; early morning only |
| Monsoon | June – September | Green, humid, possible rain | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Good but roads may be slippery |
Festival and Auspicious Periods
| Period | Significance | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| Shravan Month (July-August) | Most auspicious time; devotees perform Abhishekam in large numbers | 🔴 Extremely High |
| Maha Shivratri | Biggest festival; night-long aartis and special rituals | 🔴 Extremely High |
| Mondays | Dedicated to Lord Shiva | 🟡 Moderate to High |
| Weekdays (Tue-Thu) | Less crowded | 🟢 Moderate |
For a calm and peaceful darshan, visit during early morning hours (5:30 AM – 8:30 AM) on weekdays outside festival seasons .
Dress Code and Visitor Guidelines
Strict Dress Code Requirements
| Gender | Sanctum Entry Requirement | General Attire |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Must go bare-chested when entering the sanctum sanctorum (garbha-griha) | Dhoti or formal pants; shirts not permitted inside |
| Women | Traditional attire expected | Saree, salwar suit, or modest traditional clothing |
Prohibited Items
- Footwear (must be removed before entering temple premises)
- Mobile phones and cameras (strictly prohibited inside sanctum)
- Leather items (belts, wallets, bags)
- Electronic gadgets
General Guidelines
- Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises
- Maintain silence and decorum inside the sanctum
- Follow queue discipline and cooperate with temple volunteers
- Non-veg food and alcohol are not permitted on temple premises
Ellora Caves – A Must-Visit Nearby Attraction
Since the Grishneshwar Temple is located just 1.5 km from the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most visitors combine both destinations in a single trip .
About Ellora Caves:
- A complex of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries dating from the 6th to 11th centuries
- The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the highlight—a massive monolithic structure carved from a single rock
- Represents Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, showcasing India’s religious harmony
Visiting Tips:
- Allow 3–4 hours for exploring Ellora Caves
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Carry water and sun protection
- Consider hiring a guide for a richer experience
Accommodation Options
| Type | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hotels | Near temple / Aurangabad city | Basic amenities, close to temple |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Aurangabad city | AC rooms, vegetarian restaurants, lift facilities |
| Luxury Hotels | Aurangabad city | Premium amenities, spa, fine dining |
| Senior-Friendly Hotels | Aurangabad city | Ground-floor rooms, elevator access, medical proximity |
Booking Tip: If visiting during Shravan month or Maha Shivratri, book accommodation well in advance as hotels fill quickly .
Senior Citizens Travel Tips
Grishneshwar Temple is accessible and manageable for elderly devotees, especially with proper planning .
Recommended for Senior Citizens:
- Visit during October to March for pleasant weather
- Opt for early morning darshan (5:30 AM – 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds
- Consider organized elderly tour packages that include:
- Comfortable AC transport
- Priority darshan arrangements
- Medical support
- Pure vegetarian meals
- Slow-paced itinerary with rest breaks
Health Precautions:
- Carry prescribed medicines
- Stay hydrated
- Use walking stick if required
- Consider travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is entry to Grishneshwar Temple free?
A: Yes, general darshan is completely free. VIP Darshan and Aarti have separate charges .
Q2: Can I book Grishneshwar Temple darshan online?
A: Currently, no official online booking facility is available. Tickets must be booked at the temple counter. Online booking is expected to start soon .
Q3: What is the price of Abhishekam at Grishneshwar Temple?
A: Abhishekam charges are approximately ₹551 per person .
Q4: What is the dress code for Grishneshwar Temple?
A: Men must go bare-chested when entering the sanctum. Women must wear traditional attire like saree or salwar suit. Footwear and mobile phones are not allowed inside .
Q5: What are the Grishneshwar Temple darshan timings for 2026?
A: Morning darshan: 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM; Evening darshan: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM .
Q6: What is the best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple?
A: October to March offers pleasant weather. For a peaceful experience, visit early morning on weekdays .
Q7: How far is Grishneshwar Temple from Ellora Caves?
A: The temple is approximately 1.5 km from the Ellora Caves .
Q8: What is the nearest airport to Grishneshwar Temple?
A: Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport) is approximately 30 km away .
Q9: Can women enter the sanctum sanctorum?
A: Yes, both men and women can enter the sanctum, but men must go bare-chested .
Q10: Is there any free meal (Annadanam) available?
A: Yes, Annadanam can be sponsored (₹1,500). Meals are served to devotees daily .
Q11: What is the significance of Grishneshwar Temple?
A: It is the 12th and final Jyotirlinga among the twelve sacred shrines. Devotees believe visiting here completes the spiritual circuit of Jyotirlinga worship .
Q12: Are there special timings during Shravan month?
A: Yes, during Shravan month, the temple opens as early as 3:00 AM and closes by 11:00 PM .
Temple Contact Information
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Address | Grishneshwar Temple Road, Verul, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra – 431102 |
| Phone Numbers | +91-240-2400620 / +91-94222-07017 |
| Official Website | Not available (refer to Maharashtra Tourism Portal) |
| Email ID | Not officially listed |
| Nearest Airport | Aurangabad Airport (30 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km) |