Archive · 29 Jul 2025
Grishneshwar Temple Restored by Maratha Rulers
The Grishneshwar temple, a special place to worship Lord Shiva, has a long history.
It was rebuilt by people from the past, including Shivaji Maharaj's family and Ahilyabai Holkar.
The temple is different because it faces south.
It's one of the 12 most important temples for Hindus in India.
The temple's base might be from the 12th century and has cool carvings.
It's like a piece of history that shows how people cared for their places of worship.
Grishneshwar temple, a sacred site for Hindus in Ellora, was restored by Maratha families.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the 12th Jyotirlinga in India.
The temple faces south, a unique feature among temples.
The temple was first restored by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's ancestors in the 17th century.
Ahilyabai Holkar restored the temple in the 18th century.
- Who
- Ancestors of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Ahilyabai Holkar.
- What
- Restoration of the Grishneshwar temple.
- When
- Restorations occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Where
- Ellora, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To preserve and maintain a sacred site.
Mythological references
Sculptural details
Verul Mahatmya Story
Mythological references
According to mythological references in the book ‘Verul Mahatmya’, Ghrushna was a female devotee of Lord Shiva. While she was performing her pooja, her co-wife killed Ghrushna’s son, he said.
Sculptural details
Ghrushna did not stop and continued with her prayers. Lord Shiva then came there to punish the co-wife, but Ghrushna stopped him and requested that he reside in Ellora, he said.
- Temple Name
- Grishneshwar Temple
- Deity
- Lord Shiva
- Jyotirlinga Number
- 12th
- Location
- Ellora, Maharashtra
- Restored by
- Ancestors of Shivaji Maharaj and Ahilyabai Holkar
- Facing Direction
- South