Grishneshwar Temple, located near the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is not only a major pilgrimage site but also a remarkable example of traditional Indian temple architecture. Devotees from across India visit this holy shrine to seek blessings of Lord Shiva, perform Abhishekam, attend daily aarti rituals, and experience divine darshan.

If you are planning to visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, this complete guide will help you with everything—online booking for darshan, VIP tickets, temple timings, pooja schedule, history, dress code, and travel tips. Whether you are coming for a spiritual journey or a cultural exploration, this guide ensures that your visit to Grishneshwar Temple is smooth, fulfilling, and memorable.

About Grishneshwar Temple

Grishneshwar Temple, located in Verul village of Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, is one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. Being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, this temple holds deep spiritual importance and attracts devotees from all over the country. Its peaceful surroundings, divine atmosphere, and beautiful stone carvings make it not just a holy place but also a site of historical and cultural value.

If you are planning to visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, it is very important to know the darshan timings in advance. The temple remains open from early morning till late evening, with specific timings for pooja and darshan. Knowing the schedule will help you plan your visit better and avoid missing the rituals. Below is the detailed darshan schedule and visitor information:

This darshan timing guide will help you plan your journey smoothly, ensuring you don’t miss out on the spiritual experience at one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Grishneshwar Temple Darshan Timings 2025

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple opens its doors early in the morning and remains accessible to devotees until late evening. To manage the flow of visitors, the darshan timings are divided into two main sessions—Morning Darshan and Evening Darshan. Planning your visit according to these timings will help you enjoy a smooth darshan experience without unnecessary delays.

Here is the detailed schedule of darshan timings at Grishneshwar Temple:

Important Note: During the holy month of Shravan and on the festival of Maha Shivratri, the temple attracts a very large number of devotees. On these special occasions, the temple management adjusts the schedule, opening as early as 3:00 AM and keeping the temple open till late night to allow maximum devotees to have darshan of Lord Shiva.

If you are planning your visit during these peak times, it is advisable to arrive early and plan accordingly. The divine atmosphere during these festivals makes the experience even more special, though the crowd may be heavier than usual.

Grishneshwar Temple Pooja and Aarti Timings

Visiting the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Maharashtra is considered one of the most sacred journeys for devotees of Lord Shiva. Along with darshan, taking part in the daily pooja and aarti rituals adds immense spiritual value to the visit. Each ritual performed inside the temple is filled with divine energy, chants, and traditional customs that create a powerful and peaceful atmosphere. Devotees believe that attending these aartis brings blessings, removes negativity, and fills life with positivity and peace.

Below is the updated schedule of Grishneshwar Temple Pooja and Aarti timings:

The Mangal Aarti begins before sunrise, marking the start of the day with divine prayers. Jalhari Pooja, performed twice a day, is an important ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. At noon, devotees receive Maha Prasad, which is considered holy and blessed. As the evening approaches, the temple fills with lamps, bells, and chants during the Sandhya Aarti, creating a deeply spiritual environment. The day concludes with the peaceful Shej Aarti at night, when the deity is offered prayers before rest.

Abhishekam at Grishneshwar Temple

The Abhishekam at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most powerful and spiritually uplifting rituals performed in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees from across India visit this sacred shrine to take part in the holy offering, as it is believed to wash away sins, bring peace of mind, and bless devotees with health, happiness, and prosperity.

During the ritual, devotees pour milk, water, honey, ghee, curd, and other sacred offerings over the Shiva Linga, while chanting mantras and prayers. The divine energy during Abhishekam creates an atmosphere filled with faith and devotion, making it a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

Grishneshwar Temple Abhishekam Timings

Abhishekam Charges at Grishneshwar Temple

The Abhishekam fee is around ₹551 per devotee (may vary slightly depending on temple management updates). This amount covers the ritual performed by the temple priests along with offerings made to Lord Shiva.

Abhishekam Booking – Online & Offline

Currently, Abhishekam tickets at Grishneshwar Temple are available only at the temple counter. Devotees are advised to reach early, especially during Shravan month and on Maha Shivratri, when the crowd is at its peak.

The temple authorities are planning to introduce online Abhishekam booking in the near future. Once live, this will allow devotees to book their slots for the ritual in advance, avoiding long queues and ensuring a hassle-free darshan experience.

Importance of Abhishekam at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Performing Abhishekam at Grishneshwar Temple is considered highly auspicious. Many devotees strongly believe that offering this ritual with pure devotion helps in:

• Fulfilling personal wishes and prayers
• Removing obstacles and negative energies
• Attaining peace, good health, and prosperity
• Receiving the divine blessings of Lord Shiva

Grishneshwar Temple Entry Fee and Ticket Options

Darshan at the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is open to all devotees, and the entry system is designed to manage the large number of visitors every day. While general darshan is completely free, the temple also offers special darshan tickets and VIP darshan passes for devotees who wish to save time or take part in exclusive rituals like Abhishekam.

Choosing the right ticket option depends on whether you want a simple darshan or a more personalized spiritual experience. Below is a detailed breakdown of Grishneshwar Temple entry fees and ticket options:

General Darshan (Free Entry)

The general darshan option allows every devotee to enter the temple without any charges. However, during festivals, Shravan month, and Maha Shivratri, queues can be very long, and waiting time may stretch to several hours.

Special Darshan (₹200 – ₹500)

For devotees looking for a smoother experience, the special darshan ticket provides quicker access to the sanctum. With shorter queues, this is a good option for those traveling with family, elderly people, or anyone with limited time.

VIP Darshan & Abhishekam (₹500 – ₹700)

The VIP Darshan ticket is the best choice for devotees who wish to not only skip long queues but also participate in special rituals like Abhishekam. This ticket gives you priority entry, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded darshan experience.

Participating in Abhishekam with a VIP ticket is considered highly auspicious, as it allows devotees to offer milk, honey, and other sacred items directly to the Shiva Linga under the guidance of temple priests.

Online Booking for Grishneshwar Temple Darshan

To make darshan easier for devotees, the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple has introduced the option of online booking for Special Darshan and VIP tickets. This facility helps devotees avoid long queues, plan their visit in advance, and enjoy a smooth darshan experience of Lord Shiva. Booking tickets online also ensures that you get your preferred time slot, especially during busy periods like Shravan month and Maha Shivratri.

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Darshan Booking

Follow these simple steps to book your Grishneshwar Temple darshan tickets online:

1. Visit the official Grishneshwar Temple website or any authorized booking portal.
2. Go to the Special Darshan / VIP Darshan booking section.
3. Select your preferred date and time slot for darshan.
4. Enter devotee details such as name, age, and ID proof information.
5. Choose the type of darshan – Special Darshan or Abhishekam.
6. Proceed to make the online payment through the secure gateway.
7. Download the e-ticket and carry a printout or a soft copy along with your valid ID proof on the day of your visit.

Important Tips for Online Booking

• Always book tickets in advance, especially during festivals and peak seasons.
• Arrive at the temple 30–45 minutes before your booked slot for a hassle-free entry.
• Carry a valid government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) along with your ticket.
• Ensure that the details entered during booking match your ID proof to avoid any issues at the gate.

By opting for online darshan booking at Grishneshwar Temple, devotees can save time, avoid unnecessary waiting, and make their spiritual journey more peaceful and well-organized.

How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple – Location, Travel Guide & Best Time to Visit

Visiting the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a spiritually uplifting experience for devotees of Lord Shiva. Located near the famous Ellora Caves, this temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India, attracting lakhs of devotees every year. If you are planning your trip, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Grishneshwar Temple, along with the temple’s exact address and the best time to visit for darshan.

How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple

The temple is well-connected by air, train, and road, making it easily accessible for pilgrims from across India.

• By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, located around 30 km from Grishneshwar Temple. From the airport, taxis and cabs are easily available.
• By Train: The closest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station, about 29 km away. You can hire an auto, cab, or bus to reach the temple.
• By Road: The temple is well-connected through state-run buses, private taxis, and cars. Regular buses from Aurangabad, Pune, and Mumbai make the journey convenient.

📍 Temple Address:
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir,
Verul, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra – 431102, India

👉 The temple is located just 1 km from Ellora Caves, making it perfect for devotees who wish to explore both in a single trip.

Best Time to Visit Grishneshwar Temple

Choosing the right time for darshan can make your spiritual journey even more peaceful and fulfilling.

• Shravan Month (July–August): This is the most auspicious period for Shiva devotees. However, expect heavy crowds as lakhs of pilgrims visit during this holy month.
• Maha Shivratri: Celebrated with grandeur, this is the ideal time to witness rituals, Abhishekam, and special poojas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Weekdays & Early Mornings: If you prefer a peaceful darshan without long queues, visiting on weekdays or early in the morning is highly recommended.

Dress Code at Grishneshwar Temple

The temple follows a strict traditional dress code:

• Men: Dhoti or traditional attire (shirts and t-shirts not allowed inside sanctum).
• Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or modest Indian wear.

This dress code preserves the sanctity of the temple and allows devotees to enter the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum).

Travel Tips for Devotees

✔️ Book your darshan tickets online in advance (if available) to avoid last-minute rush.
✔️ Carry a valid photo ID proof along with your ticket for smooth entry.
✔️ Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to complete security checks and ensure hassle-free darshan.
✔️ Combine your visit with Ellora Caves for a complete spiritual and cultural experience.

History and Significance of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, also known as Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga, holds immense religious and cultural importance as the 12th and final Jyotirlinga mentioned in the sacred Shiva Purana. Located near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, this temple is a powerful spiritual destination for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Mythological Significance of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

According to legend, a deeply devoted woman named Kusuma worshipped Lord Shiva here with unwavering faith. She offered prayers and performed rituals daily, and her devotion pleased Lord Shiva so much that he manifested himself in the form of a Jyotirlinga. This divine appearance gave the temple its eternal importance, making it one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in India.

Historical Background of Grishneshwar Temple

The temple has a rich history marked by destruction and reconstruction over centuries. In the 18th century, the temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, one of the most revered rulers known for her devotion and temple patronage. She was also responsible for the reconstruction of famous shrines such as Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

Her contribution ensured that Grishneshwar Temple regained its grandeur and continues to attract millions of pilgrims every year.

Architectural Beauty of Grishneshwar Temple

The temple’s architecture is a true masterpiece of ancient Indian craftsmanship. Built with red basalt stone, it reflects a blend of South Indian and Maratha architectural styles.

• The walls and pillars are adorned with intricate carvings and stone sculptures.
• The temple houses beautiful depictions of mythological stories from Hindu scriptures.
• The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) radiates a powerful spiritual aura where the Shiva Linga is worshipped with rituals like Abhishekam.

The sanctified atmosphere, combined with its rich heritage, leaves every devotee spiritually uplifted.

Why Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

Visiting Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is not just about darshan—it is about experiencing the spiritual energy, historical heritage, and divine blessings of Lord Shiva. Whether you come during Shravan Maas or on Maha Shivratri, the temple provides a powerful atmosphere of devotion.

With its deep mythological roots, royal history under Ahilyabai Holkar, and breathtaking architecture, the Grishneshwar Temple remains one of the most important Shiva pilgrimage sites in India.

FAQs on Grishneshwar Temple Darshan & Booking

Here are the most important questions and answers for devotees planning a visit to the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, including details on darshan timings, Abhishekam, VIP tickets, online booking, and travel tips.

Q1. What are the darshan timings of Grishneshwar Temple?
The temple opens early in the morning and remains accessible till late evening. The darshan sessions are:

• Morning Darshan: 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Evening Darshan: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

During Shravan month and Maha Shivratri, timings may be extended due to heavy crowds.

Q2. Is online booking available for VIP darshan at Grishneshwar Temple?
Currently, VIP darshan tickets with Abhishekam are available only at the temple counter. However, devotees can book Special Darshan tickets online through the official temple website or authorized booking portals.

Q3. How much does VIP darshan cost at Grishneshwar Temple?
The VIP darshan ticket, which includes priority entry and rituals like Abhishekam, usually costs around ₹500–₹700 per devotee.

Q4. What are the Abhishekam timings at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?
Abhishekam is one of the most sacred rituals at the temple. The timings are:

• Morning Abhishekam: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Afternoon Abhishekam: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Q5. Is there an entry fee for general darshan?
No, general darshan at Grishneshwar Temple is completely free for all devotees.

Q6. What is the dress code at Grishneshwar Temple?
Devotees are expected to wear traditional Indian attire:

• Men should wear dhoti or kurta-pajama.
• Women should wear saree, salwar kameez, or other traditional Indian wear.

Q7. When is the best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple?

• Shravan Month (July–August): Most auspicious for spiritual rituals but crowded.
• Maha Shivratri: Ideal for witnessing grand celebrations and special poojas.
• Weekdays & Early Mornings: Recommended for a peaceful and less crowded visit.

Q8. Can I combine a visit to Grishneshwar Temple with Ellora Caves?
Yes, the temple is located just 1 km from Ellora Caves, making it convenient to explore both sites in a single trip.

Q9. Are mobile phones and photography allowed inside the temple?
No, mobile phones, cameras, and photography are strictly prohibited inside the sanctum to maintain the sacred atmosphere.