If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva and want to visit one of the most sacred and ancient shrines of him, you should definitely visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Maharashtra. This temple, also known as the Ghushmeshwar Temple, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or self-manifested lingas of Lord Shiva that are considered to be the holiest and most powerful. The temple is located near the Ellora Caves and is believed to be more than 1000 years old.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is known for its exquisite architecture, sculptures, and paintings that depict various aspects of Hinduism. Here is everything you need to know about the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple famous tourist attraction in Aurangabad, visit during Aurangabad Local sightseeing.
Distance From City Center Location of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is located in the village of Verul, about 30 kilometers from the Aurangabad city center and 11 kilometers from the Ellora Caves. The temple is situated on the banks of a stream called Shivalaya.
Timing/Entry Fees Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is open to visitors every day from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners. There is no camera fee or parking fee.
How to Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
You can reach the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc. From there, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the temple, which will take about an hour. The nearest airport is Aurangabad, which has domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc. From there, you can take a cab or a bus to the temple, which will take about an hour and a half.
Things to Do/See Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the temple are:
- Worship the Jyotirlinga: You can worship the Jyotirlinga or the self-manifested linga of Lord Shiva that is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The Jyotirlinga is made of red stone and has a diameter of about 60 cm and a height of about 90 cm. It is adorned with flowers and vermilion and has a silver snake coiled around it. You can also offer prayers and offerings like milk, water, honey, sandalwood, etc. to the Jyotirlinga and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
- Admire the architecture: You can admire the architecture of the temple that showcases the skills and styles of different periods and dynasties like Rashtrakuta, Yadava, Bahmani, Mughal, Maratha, etc. The temple has a five-tiered shikhara or spire that rises to a height of about 240 feet. The temple has various features like mandapas, gopurams, pillars, arches, windows, etc. that are decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
- Explore the sculptures: You can explore the sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings of the temple that depict various themes like Shiva Parvati, Shiva Lingodbhava, Shiva Nataraja, Shiva Gajasura Samhara, Shiva Tripurantaka, etc. The sculptures are made of basalt rock and have a high degree of realism and expression.
- Visit the nearby attractions: You can visit some of the nearby attractions that are located close to the temple like Ellora Caves (11 km), Daulatabad Fort (20 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara (30 km), Aurangabad Caves (35 km), Ajanta Caves (100 km), etc.
Significance of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is not only a tourist destination but also a spiritual and cultural landmark of Maharashtra and India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are considered to be the most sacred and powerful shrines of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. It is also associated with the legend of a devout woman named Kusuma who worshipped Lord Shiva with great devotion and was blessed with a son named Ghushma who was later killed by her sister-in-law out of jealousy.
Lord Shiva then appeared in front of Kusuma and restored her son’s life and also manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga at this place. The temple is a symbol of the faith and devotion of the devotees who visit this place to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does it take to explore the temple?
A: It depends on your interest and pace but generally it takes about an hour to explore the temple.
Q: Is there any cafeteria or restaurant near the temple?
A: Yes there are some cafeterias and restaurants near the temple that offer snacks and meals at reasonable prices. Some of them are Cafe Coffee Day (10 km), Hotel Atithi (15 km), Hotel Yash Executive (20 km), etc.
Q: What are some other places to visit near the temple?
A: Some other places to visit near the temple are Ellora Caves (11 km), Daulatabad Fort (20 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara (30 km), Aurangabad Caves (35 km), Ajanta Caves (100 km), etc.
Conclusion
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who loves Lord Shiva and his manifestations. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the glory and grace of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that radiates the divine energy and light of Lord Shiva. It also offers a chance to appreciate the history and culture of the different rulers and dynasties who built and renovated this temple over centuries. So if you are planning a trip to Aurangabad or nearby areas don’t miss out on visiting the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.
Comments are closed.