Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves — Grishneshwar Guide

The Jyotirlinga near Ellora Caves is Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, also called Ghrishneshwar or the Ellora Jyotirlinga. It stands in Verul village, only about 1 km from the Ellora Caves complex and roughly 30 to 35 km from Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). Because the two are so close, pilgrims and travellers usually visit them together.

This guide explains what makes this Jyotirlinga special, how to combine it with the caves, which other Jyotirlingas lie within reach of Aurangabad, and how to travel comfortably.

Which Jyotirlinga Is Near Ellora Caves?

The Jyotirlinga near Ellora Caves is Grishneshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. It is located in Verul, so close to the Ellora Caves that the two are often described together as one visit. For the exact gap, see our Grishneshwar to Ellora distance guide.

About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar is a living temple, so it follows its own darshan timings, dress code and queue system. It draws pilgrims throughout the year, with larger crowds on weekends, Mondays, Maha Shivratri and the Shravan month. For the full darshan details, see our Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga darshan guide and the complete Aurangabad Jyotirlinga (Grishneshwar) guide. For ways to arrive, see how to reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

Historical accounts credit Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore with rebuilding the present temple in the 18th century, and it is built in red stone with carved shikhara tiers. Devotees consider a visit here especially meaningful because it is counted as the last Jyotirlinga in the traditional list. Dates and details vary between sources, so treat them as general background rather than exact records.

Combining the Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves With the Caves

The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are about 1 km from the temple, so a half-day covers both. Many visitors go to the temple early to avoid queues, then spend 2 to 3 hours at the main caves including Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). The caves are generally closed on Tuesdays, so confirm timings before you plan. See our Ellora place guide and the largest cave temple in India page, and for the wider cave circuit our Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad guide, Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour, Ajanta Ellora caves tour package and Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora Caves distance page.

Other Jyotirlingas Near Aurangabad

Besides the Jyotirlinga near Ellora Caves, Maharashtra has other Jyotirlinga temples that pilgrims can reach from Aurangabad. Aundha Nagnath is roughly 200 to 220 km away, and Bhimashankar is roughly 270 to 280 km away via Pune. Parli Vaijnath is roughly 115 to 120 km beyond Aundha Nagnath. See our Aurangabad to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga page, and how many Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra for the full list.

Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves — Distances at a Glance

Note: Distances and times are approximate and vary with traffic and starting point.

Tips for Visiting the Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves

• Start early, since queues build up quickly on weekends and festival days.
• Dress modestly for the temple and follow its rules on bags and photography.
• Wear comfortable shoes and carry water for the caves.
• Check Tuesday closures for the Ellora Caves before you plan the day.
• Keep valuables safe in crowded areas.

Taxi to the Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves

A private taxi lets you cover the temple and the caves without worrying about parking. See our Aurangabad to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga taxi, Ajanta Ellora taxi services and Aurangabad taxi service pages. For a longer pilgrimage, see our 3 Jyotirlinga tour package from Aurangabad.

Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves — FAQs

1. Which Jyotirlinga is near Ellora Caves?

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the Jyotirlinga near Ellora Caves. It stands in Verul village, only about 1 km from the Ellora Caves complex and roughly 30 to 35 km from Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar).

2. How far is the Jyotirlinga from Ellora Caves?

Grishneshwar temple is about 1 km from Ellora Caves, a 10 to 15 minute walk or a short auto or taxi ride.

3. Is Grishneshwar the same as the Ellora Jyotirlinga?

Yes. Grishneshwar is often called the Ellora Jyotirlinga because of its location next to the Ellora Caves. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the Maharashtra Jyotirlingas.

4. How many Jyotirlingas are there in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is generally counted as having five Jyotirlingas: Grishneshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath. Some traditions differ on which sites are counted, so devotees often follow the list of their own tradition.

5. Which other Jyotirlingas are near Aurangabad?

Aundha Nagnath is roughly 200 to 220 km from Aurangabad, about 4 to 4.5 hours by road, and Bhimashankar is roughly 270 to 280 km, about 5 to 6 hours via Pune. Parli Vaijnath is roughly 115 to 120 km beyond Aundha Nagnath.

6. Can I visit Grishneshwar and Ellora Caves on the same day?

Yes. The two are about 1 km apart, so a half-day is enough for both. Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for darshan and 2 to 3 hours for the main Ellora Caves, including Kailasa Temple.

7. Which day is best to visit the Jyotirlinga and Ellora Caves?

The Ellora Caves are generally closed on Tuesdays, so avoid that day if you want to see both. Grishneshwar has its own timings and is busiest on weekends and in Shravan. Confirm timings locally before you travel.

8. Can I book a taxi to the Jyotirlinga near Ellora Caves?

Yes. A private taxi from Aurangabad can cover Grishneshwar and Ellora Caves in one trip, with the driver waiting between stops. Call 9860080525 or WhatsApp to book.