12 Jyotir Linga Kshetram !! Grishneshwar Mandir !!

 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grishneshwar/ Grushmeshwara/Gushmeshwara is one of the 12 Jyotir Linga Kshetram located in Verul, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.  This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva is famous for its stunning architectural and craftsmanship was re-built during the 18th century.   Maharani Ahalya Bhai Holkar, Bhonsle and Gautami Bhai were made abundance of contributions to this temple.
 
 
Presiding deity – Grishneshwar with his consort Goddess Sri Parvati
 
 
Theertham – Ram Kund
 
 
Sub shrines – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Sri Parvati , Lord Anjaneya, Serpent Gods, Parvati Matha along with Maheshwara Linga & Nandikeshwara,
 
 
Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Shravan Mela, Vaikundha Chathurdhashi
 
 
The legend has that there was a passionate devotees of Lord Shiva Sudharma and Sudheha, a pious Brahmin couple lived in the mountains of Devagiri.   This couple was distressed due to lack of progeny for long time and they underwent severe austerities praying to Lord.   Later, Sudheha wholeheartedly agreed the idea of the second marriage of her husband Sudharma with her sister Ghushma who was also a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva.  Ghushma creates Linga out of raw sand with utmost reverence on regular basis, after the veneration the Linga will be immersed on the pond.    Lord was pleased at the devotion and dedication of Ghushma.  In due course of time Ghushma conceived with a child and gave birth to a stunning boy child.  The arrival of new born brought immense joy in the family, the child was brought up with lots of affection and devotion to Lord.    Years passed by Sudharma and Ghushma found a perfect match for their son and got him married.  Gradually Sudheha became envious at the happiness of her younger sister who had gained abundance of happiness in her married life.   Eventually,  Sudheha’s jealous turned into revenge, she was waiting for an opportunity to ruin Gushma’s joy.   Sudheha killed her foster son while the newly wedded couple was asleep.    Gushma’s daughter-in-law woke up with a horrifying sight, stains of blood all over and she was inconsolable witnessing the lifeless body of her husband.   There was no one at home; her in-laws were already engaged in the daily rituals of worship of Lord on the river bank.  The villagers brought the mortal coil of their dearest son on the river bank and it was duly informed to the couple.  Gushma was completely engrossed in the worship of Lord, the horrendous scene of mortal coil of their son grabbed the attention of Sudharma, but Ghushma was absorbed in the worship, she patiently carried out the veneration of Lord with utmost devotion, there was no trace of grief on her face after witnessing her dearest son’s lifeless body.  Ghushma fruitfully completed the ritual and impassively looked upon the motionless body of her son.   Lord was extremely pleased at the devotion of Ghushma and instantly appeared before them.  The Knower of All, the compassionate Lord narrated the pathetic death of their son in the hands of Sudheha and eventually she was forgiven due to her previous austerities and Ghushma’s kindheartedness.   Ghushma got back her son’s life once again, as a boon she earnestly prayed to Lord to remain on this sacred land forever to bless his devotees.  Hence, the presiding deity assumed his name’Grishneshwar’.
 
 
This temple remains open from morning 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM in the evening; during the month of Shravan it remains open from 3.00 AM to 11.00PM.  
 
 
 
 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

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