Temples in Ellora
Ellora has two very different Shiva temples a short walk apart. Kailasa is an 8th-century rock-cut monument run by the ASI, while Grishneshwar is a working Jyotirlinga temple with its own rules at the door.
On Ellora Caves
A temple within Ellora Caves, with its own deity and its own rules.
Grishneshwar, the working temple
Grishneshwar is counted as the twelfth of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. It is in Verul village, about 1.5 km from the caves. 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. Its walls are covered in carved gods and animals.
Rules at Grishneshwar
Men take off their shirts and vests to enter the sanctum. Women should wear a saree, salwar kameez or similar. Phones, cameras and leather are not allowed inside, and lockers are provided outside. Unusually, devotees here may touch the linga with their own hands. Aartis are usually held at dawn, midday, evening and at closing time; check the day's times locally. Anyone may enter the temple and its inner halls, whatever their faith.
When Grishneshwar is busiest
Mondays, sacred to Shiva, bring longer queues. The month of Shravan, usually July to August, is much busier, and Mahashivratri in February or March brings the biggest crowds of the year. On those days, go at dawn or expect a long wait.
Kailasa, the temple as monument
Kailasa Temple was carved as a Shiva temple and still has its linga, but today it is a protected monument with a ticket gate, not a temple with daily worship. Behave as you would in any shrine: no climbing on carvings, and quiet around anyone who stops to pray.
Jain and Buddhist shrines
Above the Jain caves, a Jain temple on the hill holds a carved image of Parshvanath about 5 m tall. It is still in worship, cared for by a local Jain gurukul, and reached by a long flight of steps. In the Buddhist caves, Cave 10's seated Buddha is treated with respect by Buddhist visitors, so keep your voice down.
Khuldabad, a few kilometres away
Khuldabad, up the road from Ellora, is known as the valley of saints for its Sufi dargahs. It also has Bhadra Maruti, one of the few temples where Hanuman is shown lying down, busiest on Saturdays. Security has been tight around Aurangzeb's grave there since 2025, so expect police checks.
Questions
Ellora — FAQ
Can non-Hindus enter Grishneshwar Temple?
Yes. Anyone can enter the temple and its inner halls. Men of any faith must remove their shirts to go into the sanctum, and everyone leaves phones in the lockers.
Can I touch the Jyotirlinga at Grishneshwar?
Yes. Grishneshwar is one of the few Jyotirlingas where devotees may touch the linga with bare hands. On crowded days, the queue keeps moving, so you may only have a moment.
Is Kailasa Temple still used for worship?
It is managed by the ASI as a monument, and there is no daily temple ritual. Some visitors still offer a quiet prayer at the linga, so treat the shrine with respect.
When is Grishneshwar most crowded?
On Mondays, through the month of Shravan (usually July to August) and above all at Mahashivratri in February or March. Go at dawn on those days.