Ghrishneshwar Temple, Ellora
Also known as: க்ருஷ்ணேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (எல்லோரா) · ఘృష్ణేశ్వర ఆలయం, ఎల్లోరా · घृष्णेश्वर मंदिर, एलोरा
Maharashtra Shiva
The last of the twelve Jyotirlingas, about 1.5 km from the Ellora Caves.
- Deity
- Ghrishneshwar (Ghushmeshwar Mahadev, Shiva)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Verul, near Ellora, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
- State
- Maharashtra
- Era
- Rebuilt in 1729 under Gautama Bai Holkar. Earlier destroyed in the 13th–14th centuries.
Sthala Puranam
A Brahmin named Sudharma and his wife Sudeha had no children. Sudharma married Sudeha's younger sister Ghushma, who was a devoted worshipper of Shiva.
After Ghushma had a son, Sudeha killed the boy out of jealousy and threw his body into a pond. Ghushma kept up her worship, and her son came back alive from the pond.
Shiva appeared, ready to punish Sudeha, but Ghushma asked him to forgive her and to stay at the place. Shiva took the Jyotirlinga form and became known as Ghushmeshwar Mahadev.
Speciality
- Black-stone temple covering over 44,000 sq ft, with carved walls and a large Nandi before the main door.
- About 1.5 km from the Ellora Caves.
- Local custom: men go bare-chested into the sanctum (garbhagriha). Anyone may enter the premises and inner halls.
- Restored by Maloji Bhosale in the 16th century and rebuilt in its present form in 1729 under Queen Gautama Bai Holkar of Indore.
Festivals
- Mahashivratri
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Visit with the Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesdays; check before you go).
Prayers for this temple
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