Tour Guide to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra

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Table of Contents for Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra – Information

  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad: A Sacred Journey
    • Jyotirlinga History Background
    • Architectural Style
  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalay Tirth kund
  • Shivalay Tirth kund: An Architectural Marvel
    • Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar: Shivalay Tirth Kund
    • The Eight Chambers of the Shivalay Tirth Kund
  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Story and History: Explore the Sacred Legacy of Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga
    • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Story
    • The “Story of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga” continues with the blessing of a beautiful baby boy for Sudharma & Ghushma.
    • Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Story: Lord Shiva Appears
    • History of Grishneshwar Temple: Why the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is Named Grishneshwar
  • Prohibited items on the premises of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
  • Grishneshwar Temple Timings
  • Prepaid Entry/VIP Pass
  • Best Time to Visit Grishneshwar Temple
  • Tourist/Religious/Cultural/Historical Places around Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
    • Nearby Sightseeing Places to Explore by Taxi During Your Visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagr (Aurangabad), Maharashtra.
  • How To Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad
  • Taxi Fare from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple & Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Temple.
    • Taxi Fare from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple
    • Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Temple Taxi Fare
    • Taxi Fare Chart from Aurangabad Railway Station & Airport to Grishneshwar Temple
    • FAQs About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  • FAQs About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  • Book a Taxi Now to Grishneshwar Temple

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad: A Sacred Journey

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, the 12th and final Jyotirlinga in India, is located near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), in Verul, Khuldabad. Situated just 38 km from Aurangabad railway station, this holy site holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. Positioned on the serene banks of the Yelganga River, this temple attracts visitors from across the globe.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple History Background

  • The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad temple is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and history.
  • The history of the Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Shiv Purana, Skanda Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
  • The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Aurangabad was restored in the 16th century by Malojiraje Bhosale, the father of Shahaji Raje Bhosale, and later renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1730.
  • In honor of Ahilyabai Holkar’s contributions, the temple tank was named Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalaya Tirth Kund.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra: Architectural Style

grishneshwar jyotirlinga aurangabad
  • Built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, using intricately carved stones.
  • Features a beautifully designed arch and lower portions adorned with carved deities.
  • Declared a National Protected Monument on September 17, 1960.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalay Tirth kund

ahilyabai holkar shivalay tirth kund

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, located near the historic Ellora Caves, is not only a revered site for Lord Shiva devotees but also a testimony to the architectural brilliance of ancient India. Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, the illustrious Maratha queen, played a significant role in the restoration and enhancement of this temple, including the creation of the sacred Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalay Tirth Kund.

Shivalay Tirth kund: An Architectural Marvel

  • The Shivalaya Kund spans an impressive length of 240 x 185 feet and is constructed with a volcanic stone platform encasing all four sides. At the center lies a deep rectangular rock-shaped water trough, symbolizing purity and sanctity.
  • To provide access to this sacred water body, fifty-six intricately carved stone steps descend from the upper platform to the lower section on all sides. This architectural feature showcases the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of that era.

Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar: Shivalay Tirth Kund

Shivalay Tirth Kund

The Shivalaya Kund houses eight temples, symbolizing the Indian Ashta Tirtha (eight pilgrimage sites), which hold immense religious significance. Each direction is represented by a sacred site:

  • North: Kashi
  • North-East: Gaya
  • East: Ganga
  • South-East: Viraj
  • South: Vishal
  • South-West: Nashik
  • West: Dharavati
  • North-West: Rev

These temples are not merely architectural wonders but also serve as spiritual embodiments of the sacred pilgrimage centers across India.

The Eight Chambers of the Shivalay Tirth Kund

  • Within the Shivalay Tirth Kund, there are eight chambers designed to enhance the divine experience of devotees. Each chamber reflects the essence of one of the eight Tirtha temples, blending spirituality with traditional architecture.
  • The Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalaya Kunda stands as a testament to the queen’s dedication to preserving Indian heritage and devotion to Lord Shiva.
ahilyabai holkar shivalay tirth kund

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Story and History: Explore the Sacred Legacy of Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, holds a profound place in Hindu mythology & Indian culture. Located in the historic city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra, this temple is not only a spiritual haven but also a testament to divine grace and devotion. This blog details info on the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple story & history, tracing its origins & significance in Hindu tradition.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Story

  • The story of Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the story of a Brahmin couple, Sudharma and his wife Sudha. There lived an ascetic Brahmin Sudharma and his wife Sudha, who loved each other very much.
  • However, despite their tireless efforts, they could not conceive a child, leading to great disappointment. According to astrology, Sudeh will never have a child. Consequently, Sudheha was always unhappy.
  • Sudhe wanted a baby very much. For that, she asked her husband to remarry but he refused.
  • Due to his desire for a child, Sudheha insisted on marrying his wife continuously. After a few days, she asked her husband to marry her younger sister Ghushma to have a child.
  • Sudheha always insisted that her husband marry her sister. Due to her persistent stubbornness, Sudheha’s husband finally agreed to marry Ghushma. However, the story of the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga story does not end here. The events that followed Ghushma’s marriage & their divine significance are central to this sacred tale.

The “Story of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga” continues with the blessing of a beautiful baby boy for Sudharma & Ghushma.

  • The story of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga continues, where due to Sudheha’s stubbornness, Sudharma married Ghushma. After a few days, Sudharma and Ghushma were blessed with a beautiful son. They were overjoyed & as time passed, their son grew up and eventually got married. However, Sudheha began to feel that her husband was drifting away from her.
  • Due to this, Sudheha became jealous of Ghushma and her son. After the birth of Ghushma’s son, she realizes that her husband has fallen in love with Ghushma.
  • Overwhelmed by jealousy, Sudha took the drastic step of killing Ghushma’s innocent son in his sleep. She then mercilessly disposed of the body by throwing it in a kunda.
  • The story of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga does not end here. Despite everything, Ghushma, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, remained steadfast in her daily ritual of immersing and worshipping 101 Shivalingas in the tank.
  • On that fateful day, despite her grief, Ghushma remained steadfast in her devotion. She worshiped Lord Shankara and immersed 101 Shivlingas as usual.
Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Story: Lord Shiva Appears
grishneshwar jyotirlinga aurangabad
  • In the Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Story, Lord Shiva appears at that moment. With His divine blessings, Ghushma’s son emerges alive from the tank. Due to Sudheha’s actions, Lord Shiva then decides to give her the death penalty.
  • But Ghushma greets Shivji with folded hands and says forgive my unfortunate sister. Today I got my son back with your blessings.
  • Shivji asks Ghushma what do you want. Then Ghushma, I don’t want anything from you, stay here for the welfare of people.
  • In the Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Story, since that moment, Lord Shivaji accepted the prayers that merged in the Jyotirlinga of the temple and has remained there ever since.
  • As the 12th Jyotirlinga in India and the land of Shiva, devotees always crowd this place. There is a huge crowd of devotees here during the Shravan month of the year. Every Monday thousands of devotees from the state and abroad attend here for darshan.

History of Grishneshwar Temple: Why the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is Named Grishneshwar

  • The History of Grishneshwar Temple is deeply tied to the devotion of Ghushma, a true worshiper of Shivji. Consequently, the temple gained importance as a holy place.
  • As a result, the deity of the temple is known by various names like Kusumeshwar, Ghusmeswar, Ghrishmeshwar & Ghrishneshwar, ultimately becoming recognized as “Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga”.
Prohibited items on the premises of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
  • Men going for darshan in Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple have to remove their shirt/t-shirt Above the waist. (Only for men)
  • Visitors cannot bring leather items inside the temple.
  • The shrine rigorously prohibits the carrying of items such as belts, pockets & purses, etc. during the darshan of Lord Shiva. Therefore visitors must adhere to these guidelines.
  • Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple.
  • Visitors must fully comply with this rule to enter the core.

Grishneshwar Temple Timings

The Grishneshwar Temple Timings are designed to accommodate devotees throughout the day, allowing them to participate in various rituals & prayers. The temple operates daily, Below is the schedule for a typical day at the Grishneshwar Temple:

5:30 AMTemple opens; Morning Aarti
12:00 PMMidday Pooja
4:00 PMEvening Pooja
8:00 PMNight Aarti
9:00 PMTemple closes

Grishneshwar Temple Normal Days Timings

DayOpen TimeClose Time
Sunday05:30 AM9:00 PM
Monday05:30 AM9:00 PM
Tuesday05:30 AM9:00 PM
Wednesday05:30 AM9:00 PM
Thursday05:30 AM9:00 PM
Friday05:30 AM9:00 PM
Saturday05:30 AM9:00 PM

Prepaid Entry/VIP Pass

  • There is no prepaid entry or VIP pass facility available at Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  • Grishneshwar Temple: Entry is free for all visitors.

Best Time to Visit Grishneshwar Temple

  • Early Morning Visits: Arriving at Grishneshwar Temple early in the morning offers a serene atmosphere and minimal crowd, making it an ideal time for a peaceful darshan.
  • Festive Occasions: Festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan Somwar fill the temple with vibrant energy. While these times are busier, visiting early in the morning can help you avoid large crowds.
  • Weekdays: For a quieter experience, plan your visit on weekdays, as weekends tend to attract more devotees.

By choosing the right time, you can enjoy a meaningful and peaceful visit to the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

Tourist/Religious/Cultural/Historical Places around Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  • Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple” is located near Ghrishneshwar Temple.
  • At 1 km, Ellora Caves/Kailash Cave, with nearby Jyotirlinga temple.
  • Shri Bhadra Maruti Hanuman Mandir” is a Hindu religious place at a distance of 4.5 km from Verul Caves.
  • Near Sri Bhadra Maruti Hanuman Temple at an 11 km distance are “Devagiri Fort” and “Mhaismal cool place”.
  • You can see the Mughal “Tomb of Aurangzeb” 10 km from Devagiri Fort.

Nearby Sightseeing Places to Explore by Taxi During Your Visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagr (Aurangabad), Maharashtra.

When visiting the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, you can easily explore several nearby attractions by taxi. Here’s a list of must-visit places that you can conveniently cover:

earby Sightseeing PlacesDistance from the Tomb of AurangzebHighlights
Ellora Caves
1.2 km
A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient rock-cut temples and stunning architecture.
Tomb of Aurangzeb4.5 kmThe Tomb of Aurangzeb, one of its main attractions, reflects the Mughal emperor’s desire for a simple ultimate resting place. 
Bhadra Maruti Temple5.2 kmDedicated to Lord Hanuman, a loyal devotee of Shri Ram, this temple is famous for its unique reclining idol of Hanuman.
Daulatabad Fort14 kmA historical fort is known for its strategic location and formidable design.
Bibi Ka Maqbara30 kmA beautiful mausoleum often referred to as the “Taj of the Deccan,” built in the memory of Aurangzeb’s wife.
Soneri Mahal30.5 kmA majestic palace known for its golden designs and peaceful surroundings.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum31 kmA museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Maharashtra.
Ajanta Caves99 kmFamous UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and murals.

How To Reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad

  • To reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, you first need to arrive in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) District, Maharashtra. There are three ways to get there.
  • 1. Air Travel (IXU)
  • 2. Road Travel (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Central Bus Stand)
  • 3. Rail Travel (AWB)
Aurangabad Airport
1. Air Travel

Aurangabad Airport is situated here, facilitating flights connecting from Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to Aurangabad Airport.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated 37 km from Aurangabad Airport.

The only mode of transportation to cover this distance is by road.

To reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, travelers have two options:

  1. Booking a taxi.
  2. Taking an MSRTC bus.

* We suggest you book a taxi to travel from Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple as it will save you time.

2. Road Travel

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Central Bus Stand is located at Aurangabad.

Buses come here from all major places in the state (Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune,) and other states (ex.Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka).

Through which you can enter Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Aurangabad is situated 29 km from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar bus stand.

To reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Aurangabad travelers have two options:

  1. Booking a taxi.
  2. Taking an MSRTC bus.

* We suggest you book a taxi to travel from Aurangabad to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple as it will save you time.

3. Rail Travel (AWB)

Furthermore, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad-AWB) M.h can also be reached by train, providing travelers with an additional convenient mode of transportation.

Passengers need to purchase tickets for Aurangabad (AWB) station.

Aurangabad railway station is situated between Manmad Junction and Hazur Sahib Nanded railway station.

You plan the train journey accordingly.
Furthermore, since Aurangabad Railway Station is located 30 km away from Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, travelers can easily access Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga by road using various transportation options available.

  1. Booking a taxi.
  2. Taking an MSRTC bus.

* We suggest you book a taxi to travel from Aurangabad to Aurangzeb’s Tomb as it will save you time.

Taxi Fare from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple & Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Temple.

Taxi Fare from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple

Grishneshwar Temple, located about 30 km from Aurangabad Railway Station, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. If you’re planning a visit to this sacred temple, opting for a taxi service from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to reach the temple.

Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Temple Taxi Fare

If you’re arriving at Aurangabad Airport and planning to visit the sacred Grishneshwar Temple, choosing Advika Taxi Service is an ideal option for a comfortable and hassle-free journey. The distance between Aurangabad Airport and Grishneshwar Temple is approximately 37 kilometers, and it takes about 55 minutes to an hour to reach the temple by taxi.

The taxi fare from Aurangabad Railway Station and Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple varies based on the vehicle type and seating capacity. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a small group, or in a larger group, you’ll find a suitable option. Below is an overview of the Advika taxi fares for Grishneshwar Temple and nearby sightseeing, across different vehicle types:

Taxi Fare from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple & Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Temple

Aurangabad To Grishneswar Jyotilinga Taxi Service Advika Taxi

The fare from Aurangabad Airport to Grishneshwar Temple and from Aurangabad Railway Station to Grishneshwar Temple is the same. You can refer to the Grishneshwar Temple fare chart below, based on the number of passengers and your preferences.

Key Notes:

  • Round Trip: All fares include the round trip, covering both the journey to Grishneshwar Temple and the return journey.
  • No Hidden Charges: All charges, including tolls and parking, are included in the fare.
  • Perfect For: The vehicles are suitable for solo travelers, families, and larger groups depending on the type of vehicle.

Taxi Fare Chart from Aurangabad Railway Station & Airport to Grishneshwar Temple

Sl.NoVehicle TypeVehicleSeating CapacityAmount (₹)Features
01Standard SedanETIOS/ DESIRE TAXI A/C4+1 Seater2500• Ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
• Comfortable and affordable for a short-distance trip.
02SUVERTIGA TAXI A/C6+1 Seater3100• Suitable for families or small groups.
• Offers more space and comfort.
03Premium SUVINNOVA TAXI A/C7+1 Seater3600• Best for larger groups or those looking for extra comfort.
• Spacious and luxurious for a comfortable ride.
04Premium SUVINNOVA CRYSTA TAXI A/C7+1 Seater4100• Premium comfort for long-distance travel.
05VanTEMPO TRAVELLER TAXI A/C12-17 Seater5100• Ideal for larger groups or families.
• Comfortable seating for extended journeys.

Book a Taxi Now to Grishneshwar Temple

    FAQs About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

    It is the 12th and last Jyotirlinga, a sacred pilgrimage site in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds immense spiritual and historical importance.

    The temple was initially restored by Malojiraje Bhosale in the 16th century and later renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1730. Historical texts like the Shivapurana and Skanda Purana mention its significance.

    The temple is built in the Hemadpanti architectural style using intricately carved stone. It was declared a National Protected Monument in 1960.

    It is a large, sacred water tank within the temple complex, symbolizing the Ashta Tirtha temples. It features volcanic stone platforms, 56 steps, and 8 chambers.

    The legend involves a devoted woman, Ghushma, whose prayers to Lord Shiva revived her son. Lord Shiva then appeared and merged into the Jyotirlinga, making it a holy site.

    The name derives from Ghushma, a devout worshiper of Lord Shiva. The temple is also referred to as Kusumeshwar, Ghusmeswar, and Ghrishmeshwar.

    • Men must remove their shirts above the waist before entering.
    • Leather items, mobile phones, and cameras are not allowed inside.
    • Visitors must adhere to the temple’s dress code and guidelines.

    No, the temple does not provide VIP passes or prepaid entry facilities.

    Nearby attractions include:

    • Ellora Caves (1 km)
    • Bhadra Maruti Temple (4.5 km)
    • Daulatabad Fort (11 km)
    • Aurangzeb’s Tomb (10 km)

    You can hire a taxi from Advika Taxi Services. The round-trip rates start at ₹2,200 for a sedan and vary based on the vehicle type.

    The temple is open year-round, but the best time is during the Shravan month or Mahashivratri when special pujas are conducted.

    Yes, items such as belts, wallets, leather goods, mobile phones, and cameras are prohibited inside the temple premises.

    A visit typically takes 1-2 hours, including darshan and exploring the temple complex.

    Yes, ample parking facilities are available near the temple for visitors.

    Several eateries and hotels are available near the temple and in Khuldabad, offering a variety of local and traditional cuisines.

    Yes, Advika Taxi Services offers customizable tours to visit historical sites like Ajanta Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and Devagiri Fort, among others.

    • The round-trip taxi fares are:
      • ₹2,200 for Etios/Desire
      • ₹3,100 for Ertiga
      • ₹3,600 for Innova
      • ₹4,100 for Innova Crysta
      • ₹5,100 for Tempo Traveller
    Plan to visit Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), the tourism capital of Maharashtra with us:
    • We offer taxi services in a range of vehicles, from luxurious sedans to spacious SUVs, catering to solo travelers, families, and groups.
    • Our vehicles are well-equipped to explore the historical sites of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), the tourist capital of Maharashtra.
    • Be it an airport taxi or a city tour, we customize our services to suit your itinerary.
    Historical city of Aurangabad


    We offer taxi services to all the famous historical places in Aurangabad. You can explore attractions like:

    • Bhangshi Mata Gad
    • Malik Amber Tomb
    • Shri Rajureshwar Ganapati Rajur
    • Lokuttara Buddha Vihar (Chouka)
    • Prozone Mall
    • Sant Eknath Maharaj Samadhi Mandir
    • Jayakwadi Dam

    we provide a taxi service from Aurangabad city to your destination to visit more places. Take a tour of the historic tourist city with experienced and expert drivers.

    Book Advika Taxi now and visit your Aurangabad city or outlying destinations. Let us know your trip plan by calling Advika Taxi on 9359604272.

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