Visiting the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is a soul-stirring experience. As the 12th and final Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, it holds immense spiritual significance. Located in the Verul village of Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, this temple is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and devotion.
In my recent journey for Make My Travel, I documented the complete logistics to help you plan your visit smoothly.
🚂 How to Reach Grishneshwar
The temple is well-connected by all modes of transport:
• By Train: The nearest major station is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad). It is roughly 30 km from the temple. Outside the station, you can take a direct auto or bus.
• Pro Tip: If direct autos are expensive, take a ₹20 shared rickshaw to the Central Bus Stand, then a ₹60 bus to Verul.
• By Flight: The Aurangabad Airport is about 41 km away. Buses and taxis are readily available at the exit.
• By Bus: Direct buses run frequently from nearby cities like Pune and Nashik straight to Verul.
🏨 Where to Stay: Hotels & Dharamshalas
Accommodation is plentiful within 200–300 meters of the temple.
• Budget: You can find Dharamshalas for as low as ₹300–₹400 per night.
• Mid-Range: Clean hotel rooms are available for ₹800–₹1000.
• Luxury: There are premium resorts nearby if you prefer more comfort.
• Note: Prices can surge during winter vacations, Shravan month, or long weekends, so booking in advance is recommended.
🛕 Temple Timings & Rituals
• Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Best Time to Visit: Arrive early morning to avoid the heat and the heaviest crowds. On Mondays and weekends, the wait time can extend to 3–4 hours.
• Dress Code: While some traditions suggest men remain bare-chested for inner sanctum entry and women wear traditional attire (Saree/Suit), rules can vary based on the crowd density. It’s always best to carry traditional wear just in case.
📜 The Legend of Grishneshwar
The temple’s name comes from Ghushma, a devout devotee of Shiva. According to the Shiva Purana, her son was miraculously brought back to life by Lord Shiva right here at the lake where she used to worship. It is said that visiting this temple is particularly auspicious for those seeking the blessing of a child.
📍 Places to Visit Nearby
Don’t just visit the temple; the area is rich in history:
1. Ellora Caves: Just 1.5 km away—a UNESCO World Heritage site you cannot miss.
2. Bhadra Maruti Temple: Unique for its “reclining” (sleeping) Hanuman idol.
🍽️ Food & Weather
The area around the temple has several Pure Veg restaurants serving delicious local Maharashtrian meals. The best time to visit weather-wise is October to March, when the climate is pleasant for exploring.
🎥 Watch the Full Vlog
For a visual walk-through of the temple path and the bus journey details, watch our full guide here: