Photo spot in Ellora
Grishneshwar Temple
Ellora, Maharashtra
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, a red-stone temple near Ellora rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar, with fine Deccan carving and daily worship.
Best time
Early morning, when the carved tower is in soft light and the queue is short; evening, when the lamps are lit for aarti.
Best angle
Take a photo of the carved tower from outside the main gate before you leave your phone in a locker, because phones are not allowed inside.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple
Early morning, when the carved tower is in soft light and the queue is short; evening, when the lamps are lit for aarti. Crowds here are typically high. 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
Take a photo of the carved tower from outside the main gate before you leave your phone in a locker, because phones are not allowed inside. 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 temple
In the courtyard
Outfit guide
What to wear at Grishneshwar Temple
For photos at Grishneshwar Temple, saffron, red and white 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 Ellora.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Grishneshwar Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Grishneshwar Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for maharashtrian thali nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Come early in the morning for a shorter queue, then go on to the caves.
Leave your phone, camera, belt and wallet in the lockers before you join the queue.
Men should wear a shirt that is easy to take off and put back on.
Take your photos of the tower from outside before you hand in your phone.
Buy flowers and prasad from the stalls in the lane if you want to make an offering.
Expect long queues on Mondays, through Shravan and at Mahashivratri.
Keep some small change for the lockers and the footwear stand.
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas
Grishneshwar is a Shiva temple in Verul village, about 1.5 km from the Ellora caves. It is counted as the twelfth of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. It is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, and its name is linked to Ghushma, a devotee whose faith Shiva rewarded by staying here. Unlike Kailasa, this is a busy working temple, with pilgrims all day.
The building
The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The present building dates from the 18th century and is linked to the Holkar rulers of Indore, with Ahilyabai Holkar the name most people give. It is built of dark stone, and its walls and tower are covered in carved gods, dancers and animals. A large Nandi faces the sanctum. Near the temple is a sacred tank, the Shivalaya.
Before you go in
Leave phones, cameras, belts and leather in the lockers outside. Men must remove shirts and vests to enter the sanctum. Women should wear a saree, salwar kameez or other traditional clothes. Devotees here may touch the linga with their own hands, which is rare among the Jyotirlingas. Aartis are usually held at dawn, midday, evening and closing time; check locally.
When it is busiest
Mondays are busier than other days. The month of Shravan, usually July to August, and Mahashivratri in February or March bring very long queues.
Getting there
Walk or take an auto from the caves. Pair an early darshan with a day at the Ellora Caves.
Questions
Grishneshwar Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple?
Early morning, when the carved tower is in soft light and the queue is short; evening, when the lamps are lit for aarti. Take a photo of the carved tower from outside the main gate before you leave your phone in a locker, because phones are not allowed inside.
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, red and white 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 high. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the carved tower is in soft light and the queue is short; evening, when the lamps are lit for aarti.
What food should I try near Grishneshwar Temple?
Try maharashtrian thali, available at nearby restaurants.
Can I take my phone into Grishneshwar Temple?
No. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside. Lockers are available outside the temple.
Why do men remove their shirts at Grishneshwar?
It is the local tradition for entering the sanctum, also followed at some other Maharashtra temples. You can keep your shirt on in the outer parts of the temple.
Can non-Hindus visit Grishneshwar?
Yes. Anyone can enter the temple and its halls, as long as they follow the dress rules and leave phones outside.
How far is Grishneshwar from the Ellora caves?
About 1.5 km. It is an easy walk or a short auto ride from the cave entrance.