Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
ఘృష్ణేశ్వర్
Lord Shiva as Grishneshwar · Verul, near Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Verul, near Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra. The 12th and final Jyotirlinga. Located near the famous Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage). Built in early-medieval Hemadpanthi style.
Significance
The 12th and final Jyotirlinga. Located near the famous Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage). Built in early-medieval Hemadpanthi style.
Mythological Origin
A devotee named Sudeha (with no children) prayed to Shiva. When she succeeded in becoming a mother through her co-wife Sudharma's son, jealousy led to tragedy — but Sudharma's devotion brought Shiva to manifest at Grishneshwar, restoring all.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.