Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga - History, Significance & Travel Guide

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga - The Sacred Shiva Temple in Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is not only a holy temple but also a symbol of faith, devotion, and divine blessings. Visiting this sacred Jyotirlinga near Ellora offers both spiritual peace and a chance to witness one of India’s most beautiful temples. For every Shiva devotee, a visit to Grishneshwar completes the journey of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga - Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Ellora in Maharashtra, is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a highly revered pilgrimage site. Known as the “Lord of Compassion”, Grishneshwar is the smallest of the Jyotirlingas but carries immense spiritual significance. This temple, with its deep history and beautiful architecture, attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

The name Grishneshwar means “Lord of Compassion”. According to Shiva Purana, a devout woman named Kusuma was a great worshipper of Lord Shiva. She would offer prayers by immersing a Shiva Linga in water every day. Out of jealousy, her husband’s first wife killed her son. Despite her grief, Kusuma continued her devotion. Pleased by her faith, Lord Shiva revived her son and manifested here as Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

Another legend says that this Jyotirlinga was discovered by a devout woman named Ghushma, who also used to worship Shiva with 101 lingams. When tragedy struck her family, Lord Shiva blessed her and appeared here as Jyotirlinga, granting the temple its sacred status.

It is the last and 12th Jyotirlinga mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Devotees believe worshipping here grants peace, prosperity, and liberation from past sins. The temple is located very close to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it spiritually and historically important. It is one of the few temples where women are allowed to enter the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) and perform Abhishek directly on the Jyotirlinga.

The Grishneshwar Temple is built in traditional South Indian and Maratha style. Made of red rocks, it showcases beautiful carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses. The temple has a five-tier shikhara (tower) with intricate designs. Inside, the Garbhagriha houses the Jyotirlinga, where devotees perform rituals and offer prayers.

Best Time to Visit:

The temple is open all year, but the best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Major Festival: Maha Shivaratri, when the temple is decorated grandly and attracts thousands of pilgrims.