Grishneshvar temple is famous as an abode of one of the twelve self created Jyotirlinga Shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most scared place of worship. Grishneshwar is located in Verul, a village half a mile from the famous caves of Ellora and 30 Kms. from Aurangabad. This temple is said to have been erected by Ahilyabai Holkar a pious queen, religious minded and a great philanthropist who ruled Indore from 1765 to 1795, after the sad death of her son. She was of a charitable disposition and spent considerable money in constructing religious edifices throughout the country. Ahilyabai has also constructed a square tank of considerable proportions at verul. Puranas refer to a river which flows to the east of the temple. According to certain historical references, Sati Ahilyabai, her mother-in-law Gautamabai and Baijabai constructed the Grishneshwar Temple. A fine specimen of the modern style, it shows much less muslim architectural influence than most of such buildings of the period. It stands on a platform 84ft. by 61 ft. with a sixteen pillared Sabha Mandaps 25.5 ft. square inside and three porches at different entrances. In the inner colomns, the dwarfs over the faces of pillars serve as the usual form of brackets. A highly polished linga of black stone is set in a carefully moulded altar 2.5 ft. below the level of the mandap. The outer portion of the basement with a stone slab railing is relieved by carvings on the exterior. Below the upper side of cornice, the vertical walls of the shrine are ornamented by a series of projecting animals fronts mostly elephants. The shikhar rises in five tiers of diminishing heights, the last surmounted by a couchant bull at each corner, with a body along each face, but with only one head and having a monkey behind it. Due to marvellously beautiful gopur in exquisite red colour, it is believed that this gopur of the temple is the only one of its kind in India adorned with Shiva Partvati images. The entrance to the temple is through a small gate after which you reach the open courtyard of the temple. It appears as though the upper portion is coloured red, while the lower portion of the temple has been plastered. The shikhara has a golden kalasa. The temple is also run by a trust of Brahmins who also conduct the required rituals and ceremonies. A huge fair is held here each year on Mahashivratri day ( around March) where thousands of devotees flock to offer their prayers.
Expenses:-
How to Travel
Distance 31.5 KM Time 52 min
Bus Fere 50-70 Rs /person
Tour Travel
Taxi & Cabs 1500 to 5000 And Above depend on Passengers
A/c & Non A/c
Tea/Coffee 5-20 RS/person
Breakfast 15-50 Rs/ person
lunch 50-80/person
Dinner 50- above /person
Hotels/lodges Available
ATMs Available