The Grishneshwar Temple, also known as Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the village of Verul (Ellora) in Maharashtra, India, about 30 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas—natural manifestations of Shiva considered the holiest abodes of the deity in Hinduism—and is often regarded as the last in the traditional pilgrimage circuit. The name “Grishneshwar” translates to “Lord of Compassion,” reflecting Shiva’s benevolent aspect, and the temple is steeped in spiritual significance, drawing devotees and tourists alike.

The temple’s current structure, built primarily in the 18th century, showcases a striking blend of South Indian and Maratha architectural styles. Constructed from red volcanic rock, it measures approximately 240 feet by 185 feet, making it the smallest Jyotirlinga temple in India. Its most prominent feature is a five-tiered shikhara (spire), intricately carved with detailed sculptures. The temple complex includes a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), a court hall supported by 24 pillars adorned with carvings of Shiva’s legends, and vivid depictions of the Dashavataras (ten incarnations of Vishnu) etched in red stone halfway up the walls. A Nandi bull statue, Shiva’s traditional mount, faces the eastward-oriented Shiva Linga in the sanctum, which devotees can uniquely touch with their bare hands—a rare privilege among Jyotirlinga temples. Men are required to enter the garbhagriha bare-chested, adhering to local tradition.