Grishneshwar Temple also known as Dhushmeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. the temple is situated at Aurangabad in Maharashrta. It is consider as the last or 12th Jyotirlinga of India, Grishneshwar is the smallest among the Jyotirlingas. Grishneshwar Temple built in the traditional of South Indian temple architectural style. Lord Grishneshwar and his wife Grishneshwari have been placed in the shrine sanctorum.
The temple holds significance because devotees believe that by worshipping to the Grishneshwar temple, they can receive the beneficial effects of worshipping all 12 Jyotirlingas. The Rudraksha holy beads and flowers are used for decorating the Jyotirlinga. The temple was demolished by Aurangzeb and rebuilt in the Maratha style by Maloji Bhosale of Verul.
The ten incarnations (Dashavatars) of Lord Vishnu are seen engraved in red stone. There is a courtroom supported by 24 pillars, each of which has carvings depicting a different Lord Shiva narrative or myth. The linga facing east is housed in the sanctum. In the courtroom, there is also a statue of Nandi, the bull, Lord Shiva’s mount. The five-tiered tower, or shikara, of the red rock temple is its main feature.
Places to visit near Grishneshwar Temple
- Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Waghora Waterfalls
- Bhadra Maruti Temple
- Kailasa Temple
- Panchakki
How to reach Grishneshwar
Airport: Aurangabad Airport is the nearest airport which is about 29 km from the temple, then you can book taxi or bus.
Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest railway station, from there book taxi or bus
Bus: Services available to Grishneshwar from nearest city Aurangabad.