Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, is nestled near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. This shrine holds a special place in the hearts of devotees due to its historical significance and stunning architecture. Grishnesham means the Lord of Compassion. It is believed that a woman’s son was killed by throwing in a pond. And Lord Shiva out of Compassion to his devotee helped by bringing the kid back alive. And from then on Lord Shiva resided there in the water pond. Follow along to get hold of the interesting story Grishneshwar temple story.
Where is Grishneshwar Temple located?
Grishneshwar temple is located near Ellora Caves, Maharashtra Grishneshwar is situated near the famous Ellora Caves, known for their rock-cut architecture. Exploring these caves is an enlightening experience. Grishneshwar Temple displays traditional architecture with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. The interesting and moral Grishneshwar temple story is definitely worth giving a read.
Grishneshwar temple Story and legend
In one legend, a devoted woman named Kusuma is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva daily by immersing a Shiva Linga in a sacred tank along with her prayers. Unfortunately, her husband’s first wife, consumed by jealousy, murdered Kusuma’s son. Despite this tragic loss, Kusuma’s unwavering faith and devotion to Lord Shiva continued. It is said that Lord Shiva, deeply moved by her dedication, resurrected her son. In gratitude, Kusuma requested Lord Shiva to remain with her, leading to his manifestation as a Jyotirlinga at this sacred site.
Another legend tells the story of a childless Brahmin couple, Sudharm and Sudeha, living in the Devagiri mountains. Sudeha, unable to bear children, arranged for her sister, Ghushma, to marry her husband. Following her sister’s advice, Ghushma diligently crafted lingas worshipped them, and immersed them in a nearby lake. She was eventually blessed with a baby boy. However, Sudeha’s jealousy led her to commit a heinous act—she murdered Ghushma’s son and discarded his body into the very lake where her sister performed her daily rituals.
Despite her daughter-in-law’s revelation about Sudeha’s crime, Ghushma remained committed to her faith, firmly believing in the Lord’s mercy. As she immersed the linga as usual, she witnessed her son miraculously approaching her. Lord Shiva appeared before her, revealing the truth about her sister’s evil deed. Touched by Ghushma’s forgiveness, Lord Shiva granted her a boon. In response, she requested that He reside permanently in that place, leading to His manifestation as the Jyotirlinga known as Ghushmeshwar. The lake where Ghushma immersed the lingas came to be called Shivalaya.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga History
History of Grishneshwar Shiva Temple:
- The Grishneshwar Shiva Temple, located near the Ellora Caves, has a complex history of destruction and reconstruction.
- In the 13th and 14th centuries, the temple structure faced destruction at the hands of the Delhi Sultanate during their rule in India.
- Subsequent periods witnessed several rounds of rebuilding and re-destruction, particularly during the Mughal-Maratha conflicts.
Reconstruction Under Queen Ahilyabai Holkar:
- In the 18th century, the temple was reconstructed in its current form, thanks to the sponsorship of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
- Queen Ahilyabai Holkar was known for her dedication to Hindu religious sites and played a significant role in restoring and rebuilding temples. She was responsible for reconstructing several major Hindu temples, including Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and a Vishnu temple in Gaya.
- Queen Ahilyabai Holkar also supported the construction of a much larger Shiva Jyotirlinga temple in Somnath Temple.
Current Significance of the Temple:
- Today, the Grishneshwar Shiva Temple is an active and essential pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Devotees visit the temple in large numbers, forming long lines daily to pay their respects.
- While the temple premises and its inner chambers are accessible to all, local Hindu tradition mandates that men go bare-chested to enter the sanctum sanctorum core, also known as the garbha-gruha.
How to reach Grishneshwar temple
Grishneshwar Temple is a prominent pilgrimage site in India, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. To reach Grishneshwar Temple, you can follow these transportation options:
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is the Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), which is approximately 30 kilometers away from Grishneshwar Temple.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach the temple.
- By Train:
- The nearest major railway station is the Aurangabad Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities in India.
- From Aurangabad, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach Grishneshwar Temple, which is around a 30-minute drive.
- By Road:
- Grishneshwar Temple can be reached by road from nearby cities and towns in Maharashtra. It is situated on National Highway 211 (NH211).
- You can use private cars, rental vehicles, or local buses to reach the temple. Aurangabad is the nearest major city.
Official Website: Grishneshwar temple
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