Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
घृष्णेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
Shiva as Grishneshwar
Meaning: Lord of Compassion
Represents Shiva's boundless compassion and grace towards his devotees.
Spiritual Benefits:
- Fulfillment of desires, family well-being, and moksha.
Grishneshwar is the twelfth and last Jyotirlinga on Earth. It is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves. The temple is revered as the place where Lord Shiva manifested to bless a devoted woman named Kusuma.
A devout woman named Kusuma used to worship a Shiva lingam by immersing it in a tank daily. Her husband's jealous first wife killed her son. Still, Kusuma continued her devotion. Pleased by her dedication, Lord Shiva resurrected her son and appeared as a Jyotirlinga at this site. The deity came to be known as Grishneshwar, meaning 'Lord of Compassion.'
Scriptural Sources:
Temple Name: Grishneshwar Temple
Style: South Indian Hemadpanthi Style
Highlight: Located near the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.