Ghrishneshwar Temple in Aurangabad

State: Maharashtra

Location: 25 km from Aurangabad

Famous for: one of the 12 Jyotirlingas

Serves as: Religious place 

About Ghrishneshwar Temple:

Listed among one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, the Ghrishneshwar Temple is a sacred pilgrimage for every Hindu. Located in Aurangabad the Ghrishneshwar Temple serves as a prime tourist destination. The temple was built in between 1765 to 1795 during the period of Ahilyabai Holkar around the Shivlinga of Ghrishneswar Temple which is said to be self originated. The temple boasts of its beautifully sculpted medieval architecture.

Legendary Tale of Ghrishneshwar Temple:

As per the legendary tales, the origination of the Shivlinga is listed in Shivpuranas. It is said that a Brahmin named Brahmavetta Sudharma used to live his life on the Devagiri Mountain. The couple tried all remedies for having a child, but they couldn't. So Sudharma got her husband married to her own sister named Ghushma. Sudharma lived with them serving both of them. Ghushma worshipped Shiva and would make around 101 lingas which she would immerse in the nearby lake after pooja. Pleased by her worship, Lord Shiva blessed her with a adorable boy. Jealous with her own sister, one day Sudharma killed Ghushma's child and threw him in the lake. Ghushma did not worry about it, saying that he who blessed me with the child will only protect him. Thus when she visited the lake, she saw her own son coming out of the lake. Ghushma also forgave Sudharma and requested the lord to stay if he was happy with her devotion. Gladly Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of sacred Linga and gave it the name Ghushmeshwar, which now is known as Ghrishneshwar.

Architecture of Ghrishneshwar Temple:

The architecture of Ghrishneshwar Temple boasts of its beautiful carved statues and serves as an finest example of Medieval constructions. The temple overall has around 24 stone columns and a main Ghabara where the Shivlinga is placed. The temple is overall made with red stone and still looks fresh the way it has been so for years.

Best time to visit Ghrishneshwar Temple:

Ghrishneshwar Temple is at its best when visited during Mahashivratri. The temple is beautifully dressed with lights and pilgrims flock the temple to get darshan. For people who prefer visiting this temple when its not crowded, then avoid visiting during festivals, as the temple is less crowded and one can easily get darshan as well as spend time admiring the beauty of the temple.

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