A devotional representation of “SHIVA“. A compound of JYOTIS (‘radiance’) and LINGA (‘sign’). The Śiva Mahapuranam mentions 64 original jyotirlinga shrines
Grushneshwar Jyotirlinga is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Verul village in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga temples and is a protected national site. The temple is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Ellora Caves, about 30 kilometers northwest of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (previously known as Aurangabad), and roughly 300 kilometers from Mumbai. Grushneshwar is referenced in revered texts like the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.
The Grushneshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir is built with black stone and spans over 44,000 square feet. The temple features intricate sculptures and detailed designs on both its interior and exterior walls. The main temple houses the Jyotirlinga in the Garbhgruh (sanctum sanctorum), and a large statue of Lord Shiva’s devotee, Nandi, is placed at the entrance.
According to legend, there was once a devout Brahmin ascetic named Sudharma who lived near Devgiri Mountain with his wife, Sudeha. They were very much in love but had no children. Astrological calculations revealed that Sudeha could not bear children. In her deep longing for motherhood, Sudeha insisted that Sudharma marry her younger sister, Ghushma. Reluctantly, Sudharma agreed and married Ghushma, a virtuous woman who was an ardent Shiva devotee. Every day, Ghushma would create 101 earthly Shivalingas and worship them with great devotion.
Soon after, Shiva blessed Ghushma with a healthy child. Both Sudeha and Ghushma rejoiced, but as time passed, a dark thought grew within Sudeha’s heart. Overcome with jealousy and anger, she killed Ghushma’s child one night, and disposed of the body in the pond where Ghushma would immerse the Shivalingas. When Ghushma discovered her child’s death, she remained undisturbed, continuing her Shiva worship as usual. After completing her puja, Ghushma went to the pond to release the Shivalingas, only to witness her son emerging from the water, alive and well.
Shiva, appearing beside her, was furious at Sudeha’s act and was ready to punish her. However, Ghushma, in her compassion, prayed for Sudeha’s forgiveness and requested Shiva to remain in that place for the benefit of all. Pleased by Ghushma’s devotion, Shiva agreed and manifested as a Jyotirlinga, known henceforth as Grushmeshwar Mahadev, forever residing there due to the devotion of Sati Shiva devotee Ghushma.
