Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple at Verul, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) district, Maharashtra, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva – often counted as the last of the twelve in the traditional list. Here Shiva is worshipped as Sri Grishneshwar, also called Ghushmeshwar – "the Lord of compassion". The temple stands just about 1 km from the world-famous Ellora Caves, so pilgrims and heritage lovers often visit both together.
Main Deity and Worship
The presiding deity is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Lingam, facing east, in a sanctum below the level of the hall. Devotees are allowed to touch the Lingam and offer water, milk and bilva leaves. By a long-standing tradition, men enter the sanctum bare-chested, removing their shirts or upper garments before going in. The Lord is especially worshipped for the well-being of children and for peace and harmony in the family.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
According to the legend, a devout woman named Ghushma worshipped Lord Shiva every day by making Shiva Lingams and immersing them in a nearby tank after worship. Through Shiva's blessing she was given a son. Her sister Sudeha, who was also married to the same husband, became jealous and, in a fit of envy, killed the boy and threw his body into the tank.
When she learned of it, Ghushma did not abandon her faith – she continued her worship with complete calm. As she went to immerse the Lingams in the tank, her son came back alive from the water. Lord Shiva then appeared and wished to punish Sudeha, but Ghushma, full of compassion, begged him to forgive her sister. Moved by her devotion and forgiveness, Shiva remained here as a Jyotirlinga, named Ghushmeshwar after her. The tank associated with the legend is near the temple.
History and Architecture
The temple was damaged more than once during the conflicts of the medieval period. In the 16th century it was restored by Maloji Bhosale, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century under the Holkars of Indore – a work widely credited to Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, who also restored the Kashi Vishwanath temple and many other shrines across India.
The temple is built of red stone and is admired for its rich carvings. Its tiered spire, the finely sculpted walls showing deities and scenes from Hindu mythology, and the large stone Nandi in the court make it one of the finest examples of Maratha-period temple architecture. It is often described as one of the smallest of the Jyotirlinga temples, yet among the most beautiful.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March): the biggest festival of the year, with worship through the night and large crowds.
- Shravan month (July–August): the Mondays of Shravan draw many devotees.
- Karthika Purnima (October–November): lamps are lit and special pujas are offered.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night, with special aartis during the day.
- Timings change on festival days and during the Shravan month. Please check locally before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Verul is about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) city. MSRTC buses run regularly from the city's central bus stand to Ellora and Verul, and taxis are easily available.
By Train: the nearest major railway station is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), about 30 km away.
By Air: the nearest airport is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (IXU), about 35 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional, modest clothing is recommended; men must remove their shirts or upper garments to enter the sanctum.
- Combine your visit: the Ellora Caves are about 1 km away – plan a full day to see both. Note that the Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
- Best time to visit: the monsoon and winter months (July to February) are the most pleasant; summers are very hot.
- Crowds: Mondays, Maha Shivaratri and the Shravan month are very busy.
- Nearby places: Ellora Caves (including the great Kailasa temple), Bhadra Maruti Temple at Khuldabad, Daulatabad Fort, and the monuments of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
