There are 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India, and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is one of them. These places are believed to have been blessed by the presence of Lord Shiva himself.
The term “Grishneshwar” means “Lord of Compassion”. Among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India Grishneshwar temple is the smallest Temple.
Grishneshwar Temple is also known as Ghushmeshwar and Kusummeshwar.
Grishneshwar Temple is visited by a large number of devotees every day, especially in the auspicious day of Mahashivratri and Sawan Month.
History of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
The exact founding date of the Grishneshwar Temple isn’t certain, but it’s believed to have been constructed before the 13th Century. This historical shrine holds a legacy that extends across numerous centuries, adding to its mystique and significance.
Long ago, Kusuma wished for a child and Lord Shiva gave her a son named Grishneshwar. When Grishneshwar grew up, his wife left him for another man. Feeling sad, Grishneshwar prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva appeared as a special symbol, giving comfort to people.
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Now, the Grishneshwar Temple stands to honor this story. It’s a special place where people come to ask for blessings and help from Lord Shiva.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Architecture
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga displays the historic style of South Indian architecture. The temple is constructed with red bricks. It has a beautiful sculpture on the walls and the roofs. Many sculptures are on the walls of the shrines of Lord Shiva.
In which city is Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?
Grishneshwar Temple is located in Verul, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra. It is among the most visited places in Aurangabad. The temple is situated approximately 30 km from Aurangabad city. There is no entry fee to visit Grishneshwar Temple.
How much time do you have to take Darshan to Grishneshwar Temple?
Grishneshwar Temple opens in the morning at 5:30 am and closes in the evening till 9:30 pm. The approximate time required for darshan would be 2-3 hours depending on the crowd. The noon pooja starts at 1:00 pm and the evening pooja starts at 4:00 pm.
Grishneshwar Temple darshan timing in the month of Shravan
In the month of Shravan, the temple opens at 3:00 am in the morning and closes at 11:00 pm at night.
How to reach Grishneshwar Temple
Getting to the Grishneshwar Temple:
By Air: The closest airport is in Aurangabad, with regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
By Train: Aurangabad is the nearest railway station, while Manmad is also close and has better connectivity.
By Road:
- From Pune: It’s about 256 km away and takes around 4.5 hours by road.
- From Nasik: Approximately 187 km, taking about 3 hours to reach.
- From Shirdi: Around 122 km, a journey of about 2.5 hours by road.
The Famous Festivals Celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple:
Mahashivratri: It is an important and grand festival celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple. During the celebration, many devotees travel in the month of February or March to catch a glimpse of the Lord on this auspicious day.
Navaratri: It is a famous festival celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple that shows the victory of good over evil. It is said that Goddess Durga defeated demons to save the world. Navratri is a celebration of nine days and is celebrated everywhere in India. At Grishneshwar Temple they decorate the stage, tell the story, act it out, and chant the scriptures of Hinduism.
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Here are some nearby places to check out when you visit the Grishneshwar Temple:
- Ellora Caves (Approx. 0.79 km): These ancient caves showcase incredible rock-cut temples, reflecting remarkable craftsmanship and religious heritage.
- Daulatabad Fort (Approx. 10.53 km): Perched atop a hill, this historic fort boasts intricate defense systems and offers breathtaking views, providing a glimpse into India’s past.
- Bibi ka Maqbara (Approx. 20.87 km): Resembling the Taj Mahal, this elegant mausoleum is a beautiful architectural tribute, surrounded by picturesque gardens.
- Shirdi (Approx. 78.09 km): A revered destination housing the shrine of Sai Baba, drawing countless devotees seeking spiritual blessings and peace.
- Shani Shingnapur (Approx. 102.4 km): Known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shani, this village holds the unique belief of homes without doors, rooted in faith for the deity’s protection.
Conclusion
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a special place dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s old and has lots of stories linked to it, making it one of the important Jyotirlingas. The temple’s design and the idols inside show a mix of culture and holiness. People feel calm here, surrounded by prayers, feeling closer to Lord Shiva. It’s a cherished place for pilgrims, offering a spiritual experience full of tradition.