Grishneshwar Temple

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga at Ellora in Maharashtra is the twelfth and last of the jyotirlingas in the tradition’s lists — a compact medieval temple a short walk from the Kailasa rock-cut temple.

Significance

The shrine’s name attaches to the legend of Ghushma, the devotee whose sister’s murder and the boy’s restoration by Shiva founded the site’s worship; the linga is small and worshipped in close quarters, with darshan by touch permitted at some hours.

History

The temple’s present form is 18th-century, rebuilt under Ahilyabai Holkar’s patronage over medieval remains; its plan with Hemadpanti details is typical of the renewal period.

Modern status

Pilgrims pair it with the Ellora caves’ UNESCO circuit; Mahashivratri is the annual peak.

Verification notes

• Its twelfth-jyotirlinga position is standard in most lists (some lists alternate Bhimashankar’s position).
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).