Ghrishneshwar Temple is the 12th and final Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, located in the village of Verul (near the Ellora Caves) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) district, Maharashtra. It stands about 1–1.5 km from the famous Ellora Caves and roughly 30 km northwest of Aurangabad city.
The present temple is built mainly of reddish stone in the Hemadpanthi architectural style. It features a five-tiered shikhara (spire), a spacious sabhamandapa supported by intricately carved pillars, detailed sculptures of deities and mythological scenes, and a large Nandi statue facing the sanctum. The sacred Jyotirlinga resides in the garbhagriha. The temple complex is relatively compact compared to some other Jyotirlinga shrines and is a nationally protected monument.
History in brief: The site has ancient roots and is mentioned in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. The original structure suffered repeated destruction (including during the Delhi Sultanate period and later under Aurangzeb). It was restored in the 16th century by Maloji Bhosale (grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). The current form largely dates to the early 18th century, when it was rebuilt under the patronage of Gautamabai Holkar (wife of Malharrao Holkar) around 1730, with further renovations by the renowned Ahilyabai Holkar. She also renovated the nearby sacred tank known as Shivalaya Tirtha.
Legend: One popular story tells of a devoted woman named Ghushma (or Kusuma/Ghrishna) whose intense worship of Shiva led the Lord to manifest here as a Jyotirlinga. The name is sometimes linked to “gharshana” (friction) from another legend involving Goddess Parvati.
It is a living temple that draws large numbers of devotees year-round, especially during Mahashivratri. Many believe that a visit to Ghrishneshwar yields the spiritual merit of all twelve Jyotirlingas.
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