According to the Shiva Purana, there was a woman named Ghushma who was a deeply devoted follower of Shiva. Every single day she would make one hundred and one clay Shivalingas, offer them her puja, and then immerse them in the pond nearby.
One day, sorrow entered her household. Ghushma prayed to Shiva and surrendered everything to him in complete faith. The Shiva Purana tells us that Shiva was deeply moved by her devotion.
Shiva appeared before her and relieved the grief that had come upon her family. He gave his word that he would reside at this very spot forever.
The place came to be called Grishneshwar after Ghushma's bhakti (devotion). This is the twelfth and last of the Jyotirlingas. The Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra — the ancient hymn listing all twelve — closes with this name.
This place is called Grishneshwar because of Ghushma's devotion — her name lives on in the name of the Jyotirlinga.
Grishneshwar is the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas — it is the final name in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra. The temple is in Verul village, which is near the Ellora caves. The Ellora caves are world-renowned for their ancient rock-cut art and architecture.
The temple is built in a South Indian style from red stone. The complex is calm and intimate. The months of Shravan and Maha Shivaratri have traditionally been times of special observance here.
- The temple is open throughout the year, and devotees come daily for darshan.
- Within the temple complex, the pond associated with Ghushma's tradition can also be seen.
- Visitors to the Ellora caves often include Grishneshwar in their visit.
- Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan bring the largest gatherings.