The twelfth and final Jyotirlinga in the traditional list, standing near the world-famous Ellora Caves, with the current mandir structure rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai …
The twelfth and final Jyotirlinga in the traditional list, standing near the world-famous Ellora Caves, with the current mandir structure rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar.
The present mandir was substantially rebuilt in the late 18th century under the patronage of the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who was responsible for restoring and rebuilding numerous significant Hindu mandirs across India during her reign, including this one and several other prominent sites.
A mandir built in red volcanic rock in a Nagara style, standing near the far larger and internationally significant Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing extensive rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments.
Grishneshwar (also called Ghrishneshwar) completes the traditional list of twelve Jyotirlingas, and local legend ties the site to a devotee named Kusuma whose deep faith and the miraculous restoration of her son led to Shiva manifesting here as this Jyotirlinga.
Darshan | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mandir opening | 5:30 AM | — | Open | General days |
Morning darshan | 5:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Open | Main morning darshan session |
Midday Break | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM | Closed | Mandir remains closed for rituals |
Evening darshan | 3:00 PM | 9:30 PM | Open | Evening worship and darshan |
Mandir closing | — | 9:30 PM | Closed | Daily closing time |
Aarti | Time | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Mangala Aarti | 5:30 AM | Free | Opening worship of Lord Grishneshwar |
Rudrabhishekam | 6:00 AM | Ticketed | Sacred Abhishekam of the Jyotirlinga with Vedic chanting |
Madhyahna Pooja | 12:00 PM | Free | Midday worship and offerings |
Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM | Free | Grand evening lamp offering |
Shayan Aarti | 9:00 PM | Free | Final ritual before mandir closes |
Darshan | Price | Waiting Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
General Darshan | Free | 20–60 min | Walk-in |
Special Darshan | ₹100–₹200 | 10–20 min | Mandir Counter |
VIP Darshan | ₹300–₹500 | 5–15 min | Mandir Administration |
Abhishekam Entry | As per Seva | Slot Based | Mandir Counter |
Seva | Time | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Rudrabhishekam | Morning | ₹300–₹700 | Sacred Abhishekam with Vedic chanting |
Laghu Rudra Pooja | Morning | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Special Vedic worship for peace and prosperity |
Maha Rudrabhishekam | By Booking | ₹3,000 onwards | Elaborate Vedic ritual performed by mandir priests |
Archana | Throughout the day | ₹51–₹251 | Personal prayer offered in the devotee's name |
Bilva Archana | Morning & Evening | ₹101–₹301 | Worship using sacred Bilva leaves |
Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Maha Shivaratri | February–March | The mandir's grandest festival with all-night worship, Rudrabhishekams, devotional music, and grand processions. |
Shravan Month | July–August | Special Monday Abhishekams, Bilva Archana, and continuous Shiva worship throughout the holy month. |
Karthik Purnima | November | Mandir illuminated with thousands of lamps and special evening celebrations. |
Nag Panchami | July–August | Special rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and serpent deities. |
Pradosham | Twice Every Month | Special Shiva Abhishekams and evening worship performed on every Pradosha. |
Tripurari Purnima | November | Deepotsavam and special devotional programs. |
Diwali | October–November | Mandir decorated with lamps and festive Shiva worship. |
Prasadam | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Laddu | ₹30–₹100 | Mandir-prepared sweet prasadam |
Panchamrit | ₹30–₹100 | Sacred mixture offered after Abhishekam |
Coconut Prasadam | As per offering | Blessed coconut returned after worship |
Vibhuti | Free | Sacred ash distributed after worship |
Bilva Leaves | As per offering | Blessed Bilva leaves offered to Lord Shiva |
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Airport (~30 km). Well connected by road from Aurangabad city.
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📍 Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir, near Ellora Caves, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra 431102
Planning to stay overnight? Find places to stay near Ellora.
Search Hotels on Booking.comAurangabad city offers hotels across all budgets, a reasonable drive from the mandir and Ellora Caves.
The Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are immediately adjacent; the Ajanta Caves are also within reach.
