Jalna Grishneshwar Temple
Ghrishneshwar
or Ghrushneshwar Temple is one of the Jyotirlingas among Twelve Jyotirlingas in
Peninsular India. This popular Pilgrimage is dedicated to lord Shiva and is one
of the famous Shiva Abode in Maharastra. This eminent Shrine is very
magnificent and situated at Verul village in Aurangabad district of
Maharashtra. According to Shiva Purana, this Jyotirlinga is supposed to be the
last or 12th Jyotirlinga on the earth. The revered deity at the centre of the
temple is well -knwon with so many other names such as- Kusumeswarar,
Ghushmeswara, Ghrushmeswara and Grishneswara. In the 16th Century, this temple
was re-constructed by Maloji Raje Bhosale, the grandfather of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj and again re- built by Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar, who was a
Maratha princess in 18th Century. She also ruled Indore from 1765 CE
to 1795 CE. Umpteen people and local pilgrims come and visit this shrine on the
occasion of Mahashivratri annually. This Shiva abode is very popular for its
annual fair (mela) of Shravana (a month of the Hindu calendar) and Shivratri.
As per the calculations, approx 7 to 8 million Shiva followers and Shaivities
visit this holy place from various parts of India. Devotees take blessings from
Lord Shiva by offering- Sugar, honey, Milk, flowers and the holy water of
Ganges. Kanvarias also bring divine water to offer on Lingam during Shravana
Maas.
