Grishneshwar Temple

Significance

Grishneshwar, also spelt Ghrishneshwar, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, in the village of Verul. It is mentioned in the Shiva Purana and the Skanda Purana, and is a protected national monument.

History and legend

One account from the Padma Purana tells of a devoted woman named Ghrishna who asked Shiva to reside here; the name means “lord of Ghrishna”. Another story links it to Parvati rubbing saffron in her palms, from which this linga appeared.

The temple was destroyed in the 13th and 14th centuries and rebuilt several times during the Mughal–Maratha conflicts. Maloji Bhosale, grandfather of Shivaji, restored it in the 16th century, and it was rebuilt in its present form in 1729 with the patronage of Gautama Bai Holkar of Indore.

Before you go

• The Ellora Caves are about 1.5 km away; plan a day for both.
• Men remove their shirts before entering the sanctum.
• Weekends and Shravan Mondays are crowded.