About Grishneshwar Temple

Grishneshwar (also Ghrishneshwar) is the 12th and last of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district. The temple is built entirely in warm red Yeola stone with a beautifully carved five-tier shikhara. Unlike many Jyotirlingas, darshan here is relatively accessible and queues are manageable, making it a favoured stop. Being adjacent to Ellora — where Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave temples coexist — makes this one of the richest pilgrimage and heritage experiences in India.

The current structure was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century — the same patroness who rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath. Earlier structures are mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple was excavated from the nearby Verul hillside. Ahilya Bai also restored many of Ellora's carved surfaces.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Temple is adjacent to Ellora Caves. MSRTC buses from Aurangabad CBS every 30 min. Autos and cabs readily available.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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