Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Daulatabad

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar Temple, located near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is considered the last (12th) Jyotirlinga, making it an important destination for devotees and pilgrims.

“घृष्णेश्वर – वह स्थान जहाँ शिव स्वयं प्रेम, क्षमा और करुणा के रूप में प्रकट होते हैं।”

― Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

The temple is not only a place of spiritual importance but also an architectural marvel surrounded by rich history and mythology.

Mythological Significance & History

The name Grishneshwar means “The Lord of Compassion.”
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history due to invasions and conflicts.
The current structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore, who is known for restoring several Hindu temples across India.
As per legend, a devoted woman named Kusuma used to worship a Shivalinga every day. Her husband’s first wife, out of jealousy, killed her son. Despite her grief, Kusuma continued her worship. Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva resurrected her son and appeared in the form of a Jyotirlinga here

Significance of the Temple

It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
Grishneshwar is believed to bless devotees with peace, fertility, and prosperity.
The temple symbolizes the victory of devotion and faith over evil and suffering.
It is also very close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ellora Caves, making it spiritually and culturally significant.
It is the only Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra that allows devotees to touch the Shiva Linga while offering prayers.