Photo spot in Aurangabad
Grishneshwar Temple
Aurangabad, Maharashtra
One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, a red-stone temple of fine carving beside the Ellora caves.
Best time
Early morning for soft light on the carved spire and a short queue; late afternoon for warm colour on the stone from outside the gate.
Best angle
Stand on the lane outside the main gate and take a straight-on photo of the carved spire above the compound wall before you leave your phone at a locker.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple
Early morning for soft light on the carved spire and a short queue; late afternoon for warm colour on the stone from outside the gate. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Grishneshwar Temple
Stand on the lane outside the main gate and take a straight-on photo of the carved spire above the compound wall before you leave your phone at a locker. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the carved façade
In the temple courtyard
Outfit guide
What to wear at Grishneshwar Temple
For photos at Grishneshwar Temple, saffron, cream and rust work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Aurangabad.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Aurangabad.
Eat nearby
Food near Grishneshwar Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for shrikhand nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Leave your phone in the car or at a locker near the shoe stand, as phones are not allowed inside.
Wear a shirt that is easy to take off if you plan to enter the sanctum.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the longest queues.
Avoid Mondays in Shravan and Mahashivratri unless you are coming for the festival itself.
Take your photo of the spire from outside the gate before you hand in your phone.
Keep small change for the locker, the shoe stand and flower sellers.
Walk over from Ellora, which is only about 1.5 km away, and skip the extra parking.
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas
Grishneshwar, in Verul village about 1.5 km from the Ellora caves, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva, the most sacred Shiva shrines in Hindu tradition. Its legend tells of a devotee named Ghushma whose son was restored to life by Shiva, who then stayed here as the Jyotirlinga. It is an active temple, not a monument, and most visitors are pilgrims.
The building
The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times during the wars of the medieval period. The present structure dates from the 18th century and is credited to the Holkar rulers of Indore, and in popular telling to Ahilyabai Holkar, who restored many temples across India. It is built of stone, with carved panels of gods and figures on the outer walls and a tiered spire above the sanctum. A large Nandi faces the entrance.
Rules at the door
Men who want to enter the inner sanctum are expected to go bare-chested, by local custom. Phones and cameras are generally not allowed inside the complex; lockers are available near the footwear stand. Dress modestly, and leave shoes and leather items at the stand.
When to go
Queues are shortest on weekday mornings. They are longest on Mondays, especially in the month of Shravan (around July and August), and at Mahashivratri in February or March, when waits can run for hours.
Pairing it with Ellora
Most visitors come straight after the Ellora caves. Walk or drive the short distance, deposit your phone, and allow 30 to 60 minutes on an ordinary day. Carry some small change for the locker and flowers if you wish to make an offering. For the rules at other shrines nearby, see the temples page.
Questions
Grishneshwar Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple?
Early morning for soft light on the carved spire and a short queue; late afternoon for warm colour on the stone from outside the gate. Stand on the lane outside the main gate and take a straight-on photo of the carved spire above the compound wall before you leave your phone at a locker.
Is there an entry fee at Grishneshwar Temple?
Entry to Grishneshwar Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Grishneshwar Temple?
Grishneshwar Temple is open 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM.
What should I wear at Grishneshwar Temple?
Saffron, cream and rust photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Grishneshwar Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning for soft light on the carved spire and a short queue; late afternoon for warm colour on the stone from outside the gate.
What food should I try near Grishneshwar Temple?
Try shrikhand at spots close by.
Why do men remove their shirts at Grishneshwar?
It is a long-standing custom at this temple for men entering the inner sanctum. You can visit the rest of the temple with your shirt on.
Can I take my phone into Grishneshwar temple?
Generally no. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside, and lockers are available near the footwear stand. Take any outside photos before you deposit your phone.
Who built the present Grishneshwar temple?
The current temple dates from the 18th century and is credited to the Holkar rulers of Indore, most often Ahilyabai Holkar, after earlier temples on the site were destroyed.
How far is Grishneshwar from the Ellora caves?
About 1.5 km. It is an easy walk or a short drive, and most people visit both on the same day.