Panchgani, Maharashtra, India

Panchgani

 

• Destination: Maharashtra, Satara

Panchgani is a vibrant hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is situated 48 km away from its district headquarters. Panchgani, basically means the place of five hills. This pictersque hill resort is located at an altitude of 1,334 metres. It is an exotic destination and its beauty multiplies with the backdrop of spectacular hilly terrains on one side and coastal plains at the other side. This town had been once used by the British officials as their summer resort.
The Panchgani hill station is popularly known for its unpolluted aroma and it is believed that the oxygen content in atmosphere is more here as compared to other regions. The ambience of this place is very cool and tranquil.
Panchgani was founded in 1854 by Sir John Chesson. It had been taken over as the best place for army retirees. The area was originally spread over five villages namely Dhandeghar, Khingar, Amral, Godavli and Taighat. In an attempt to build up a new township, the then Superintendent invited all kinds of workmen including building contractors, tailors and other professionals to construct and frame the entire township from scratch.
The place allocated for the Indian workmen was called Gaothan and it exists below the bazaar area even today also. Sir Chesson himself is buried in the St Peter’s Church graveyard, which he had helped construct. It is well known that dynasties of Mauryas, Chalukyas, Bahmani and Rashtrakutas once ruled over this region. Then, the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Marathas along with Peshwas and then Satavahanas also enjoyed their stay over a period of time at this very place. Later, it was conquered by the Mughals and then the British, almost all had left their footprints and historical facts at Panchgani.
After the advent of British, the attractive hill station became famous for its boarding schools as most of these schools were set up here in the early 19th century. This place is now renowned for its international quality education. It is also the preferred residential address for Parsis. Panchgani is also famous for its strawberry farms. Apart from trekking and hiking, one can also enjoy paragliding, as it is the most popular sport among tourists and adventure lovers who comes to this paradise.

Major Attractions

Sydney Point
Table Land
Parsi Point
Devil’s Kitchen
Mapro Garden
Kamalgad Fort
Rajpuri Caves
Serbaug
Lord Karthikeya Temple

Fast Facts

Taluka: Wai District: Satara
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: All Seasons Weather: 10°C to 35°C (Max.)
STD Code: 02168 Pin Code: 412805

How to Reach

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest one, 109 km away and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Satara, which is just 52 km away. It lies on the Mumbai-Madgaon rail route and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

MSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Panchgani from the major cities of state. The best way to reach here in less time is by your own means of transportation like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Mahabaleshwar – 20 km
Pune – 98 km
Kolhapur – 171 km
Mumbai – 244 km
Panjim – 373 km

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, INDIA

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Mahabaleshwar

• Destination:

Mahabaleshwar is situated among the lush green hills and the farms of strawberries with awe-inspiring scenery. It is one of the highly visited tourist spots of not only Maharashtra, but also the country, especially during monsoons.
Mahabaleshwar is located in Satara district of Maharashtra amidst the Western Ghats. It is in close vicinty to Pune and Mumbai. It boasts several attractions that are tourist hotspots such as Venna Lake, the Mahabaleshwar temple, Pratapgad Fort and over 25 mesmerizing and adventurous points such as Arthur’s Seat, Babington Point, Lodwick Point etc. with exotic views of this lovely hill station.
The nearest landmark to Mahabaleshwar is Panchgani which is also known as “Old Mahabaleshwar”.

History

The word Mahableshwar has been derived from the word Mamleshwar which means “God of Mavalas”, who is Lord Shiva. The origin of Mahabaleshwar can be trailed back to the year 1215 and it is said that King Singhan, the ruler of Deogiri, built a small temple with a water tank near to the Krishna River in Old Mahabaleshwar. Then, a Brahmin dynasty ruled the city during 1350. The city came into stature around 16th century when this dynasty was defeated by Chandarao More. During this time, the old temple was reconstructed.
The historical Pratapgad fort was constructed in 1656 under the reign of great Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj, when he captured Maharashtra and Javli. During the British rule, the district of Satara came into the territory of Raja of Satara. Mahabaleshwar was a place often visited by army troops and soldiers. The famous point Arthur’s Seat was named after Sir Arthur Mallet. The current hill station of Mahabaleshwar, however, came into actual existence around 1829. This place was also referred as Malcolm Peth as per the old records.
By the end of the 19th century, it had become one of the most attractive hill stations of the world. Raj Bhavan, the summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra, is also situated here. The mighty river Krishna which flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka originates from Mahabaleshwar.
Mahabaleshwar is undoubtedly the “Paradise of Maharashtra”.

Major Attractions

Arthur’s Seat
Kate’s Point
Needle Hole Point/Elephant Point
Wilson Point
3 Monkey Point
Pratapgad Fort
Venna Lake
Chinaman’s fall
Dhobi Falls
Lingmala Falls

Fast Facts

Taluka: Mahabaleshwar District: Satara
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: July-March Weather: 13°C to 35°C (Max.)
STD Code: 02168 Pin Code: 412806

How to Reach

By Air

Pune Airport, is the nearest one, 130 km away and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Satara, which is just 60 km away. It lies on the Mumbai-Madgaon rail route and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

MSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Mahabaleshwar from the major cities of state. The best way to here is by your own means of transportation like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Pune – 120 km
Kolhapur – 179 km
Mumbai – 231 km
Panjim – 380 km

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur ,india

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Taj Lake Palace

• Destination: Rajasthan, Udaipur

Location & History

Taj Lake Palace is a luxury hotel, which is an exotic abode of 83 beautiful rooms and suites featuring white marble walls, managed by Taj Group of Hotels, in picturesque city of Udaipur. It is situated on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola and its natural foundation spans across 4 acres. The hotel runs a speed boat which transports tourists through a jetty from the City Palace Complex to the hotel. It has also been voted continuously over the years as the most romantic hotel of India.
The bright and striking moonlight, the picturesque lake side, what could the princess resist. Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd successor of royal Mewar dynasty, used to have moonlight picnics with the ladies of Zenana on this beautiful lake island. It was only till the time his father found out about it and closed this option for him. Therefore, he decided to make his own palace. It was built between 1743- 1746 AD and the palace was named as Jag Niwas, after the name of its founder.
As the years gone by, this palace started to lose its charm. But, Maharaja Bhagwat Singh, who was the last ruler of the Mewar, decided to convert this palace into Udaipur’s first luxury hotel as it was the only way visible through which the palace could be preserved for years to come. This beautiful palace was turned into a luxury hotel in 1971. Jamshyd D. F. Lam of the Taj Group greatly helped in the restoration of the original property with his works and experiences. He was also the first General Manager of the Taj Lake Palace & the youngest at that time in India. Later in 2000, a second restoration was also undertaken.

Architecture

The palace was erected facing east, so as to allow its inhabitants to pray to the Surya, the Hindu Sun God, at the crack of dawn. The successive rulers used this exotic palace as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards. The upper room of the palace is a perfect circle and is about 21 feet in diameter. Its floor is studded with black and white marbles. Also, the walls are ornamented with niches and adorned with arabesques of different colored stones. There are many courtyards present inside the premises with fountains, open terraces, beautifully done gardens. Many rooms by names of Ajjan Niwas, Bada Mahal, Phool Mahal, Khush Mahal and Dhola Mahal are there in Lake Palace. These rooms are exquisitely done with pink and green lotus leaves, glass work, unique paintings and carved arches.
At present, this hotel is placed among the top 10 luxurious hotels of the world. This breathtaking palace cannot be described in words and just one look at this heavenly creation will take your breath by its charm and beauty. The quiet Pichola Lake and the tranquil locations around will give one that needed break from the hustle bustle of the city. Taj Lake Palace is also a perfect movie location. Famous movies shot here are namely James Bond Octopussy, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Ram Leela to name a few.

Address

Taj Lake Palace
P.O. Box 5, Lake Pichola,
Opposite to City Palace Complex,
Udaipur,
Rajasthan

Details

Area: Udaipur Phone: 0294-2428800
Website: www.tajhotels.com
Room Reservations: Refer the website

Fast Facts

State: Rajasthan District: Udaipur
Languages: Hindi, Mewari, English Weather: 18°C to 43°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: August-March
STD Code: 0294 Pin Code: 313001

How to Reach

By Air

Udaipur has its own airport, 24 km away from Taj Lake Palace and is well connected to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.

By Rail

Udaipur has its own railway station, just 3 km away from Taj Lake Palace and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

RSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Udaipur from the major cities of state. The best way to reach here in less time is by your own means of transportation like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Chittorgarh – 116 km
Ahmedabad – 255 km
Jodhpur – 259 km
Ajmer – 271 km
Jaipur – 402 km

Vijayawada

• Destination: Vijayawada

Overview

Vijayawada, also called as “Bezawada”, is the commercial hub that lies on the banks of Krishna River. It is the second largest city of Andhra Pradesh after Visakhapatnam. The city is bounded by Budameru River in the north, Bay of Bengal in the east and Indrakiladri Hills towards west. It is the cleanest city of Andhra Pradesh as per the survey done by the Ministry of Urban Development recently. It has also been recognized as Global City of the Future by Mckinsey Quartely, a business magazine. Mainly inhabited by rich agriculture community and the fact that plenty of canals going through this place irrigate the farms throughout Krishna delta, makes Vijayawada a significant trade, commerce and administrative center of the Krishna district.
As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, the state capital Hyderabad will serve as the common capital of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of time not exceeding 10 years. Recently, on 4th September 2014, Andhra Pradesh State Assembly declared that the future capital of the state will be located around Vijayawada. Therefore, many Andhra Pradesh government departments will be located in Vijayawada until a permanent capital city is established.

History

There are several myths and legends related to the origin of the name “Vijayawada”. One legend says that, Goddess Durga killed a demon or Raksasha here and pacified herself in this place for some time. As she was victorious, the place got the name as Vijayawada which means “City of Victory”. Another legend says that, great warrior Arjuna secured Pasupathastra from Lord Shiva after a great penance on Indrakiladri hills and hence Arjuna created Vijayawada. It is also believed that Goddess Krishnaveni requested Arjuna to make a transit for her to merge into Bay of Bengal and hence, he made a bejjam or hole throught the mountains and thus the place came to be known as Bejjamwada and later as Bezawada. This place was also cited as Vijayavata and Rajendracholapura in some legends.
There is strong evidence that this city existed from the time of Stone Age. It is said that it was first ruled by King Madhava Varma, ancestor of Pusapatis of Vizianagaram. Huin Tsang, a famous Chinese Buddhist also visited this place in 639 AD. Then, it was conquered by Gajapathis of Orrisa and later by the Chalukyas. During the Chalukya’s reign under Krishnadeva Raya, this place was designated as its cultural and religious capital. Under the British rule, during the early 19th century, the city witnessed growth in its basic infrastructures and facilities. Prakasam Bridge and a railway bridge connecting Guntur over Krishna River were constructed during the British Era only.

Tourism

Vijayawada is a must visit place if one wants to go temple hopping in Andhra Pradesh. The city boasts various places of historical and religious importance. Major attractions of the city include:
Kondapalli Fort and Forest
Mogalarajapuram Caves
Undavalli Caves
Lenin Statue
Victoria Museum
Prakasam Barrage
Krishnaveni Mandapam
Bhavani Island
Gandhi Hill
Mangalagiri
Rajiv Gandhi Park
Amaravati (Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre)
Kanaka Durga Temple
Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple
Subramanya Swamy Temple
Hinkar Thirtha (Jain Temple)
Gunadala Mary Mata Church
Hazrat Bal Mosque

Accommodation

The city draws hordes of tourists every year as it is the business capital of Andhra Pradesh and holds a number of religious shrines and temples. Star and Super deluxe hotels are the best choice for those who wish to spend their vacations with great comfort. Air conditioning is available in all hotels and the need for A/C increases during summer when the temperature goes very high. The luxury hotels in Vijayawada pamper clients with incredible recreational facilities like Fitness club, Swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Most parts of the city and suburbs are connected together by city buses. Hiring taxis is a difficult task here.

Fast Facts

State: Andhra Pradesh District: Krishna
Languages: Telugu, English, Hindi Weather: 20°C to 47°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: October-March
STD Code: 0866 Pin Code: 520001

How to Reach

By Air

Vijayawada Airport is located at Gannavaram, 20 km away from the main city and is well connected to major cities of India like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail

Vijayawada has its own railway station and is well connected to major cities of India. It is one of the largest railway junctions of India. It lies on the Chennai-Delhi route as well as on Chennai-Howrah route. More than 400 trains pass through this station every day.

By Road

Vijayawada is superbly connected to the rest of country as three national highways namely NH-5, NH-9 and NH-221 pass through it. APSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Vijayawada from major cities of Andhra Pradesh and the neighbouring states. Vijayawada’s Pandit Nehru Bus Station is the fifth largest and busiest bus terminal in Asia.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Guntur – 96 km
Hyderabad – 273 km
Visakhapatnam – 351 km

Panchavati- Nashik,India

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Panchavati- Nashik

• Destination: Maharashtra, Nashik

Location

Panchavati is a famous pilgrimage site which is situated in the holy city of Nashik of Maharashtra state. It lies on the banks of Godavari River. Panchavati means the garden of five trees. This place has a huge spiritual, historical and religious significance among Hindus. Pilgrims from all over India comes here in large numbers to take a dip in the holy Godavari River for purification of their sins. Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering of the world, is also organized here after every 12 years on rotation with Ujjain, Allahabad, and Haridwar. Over a 100 million people from different parts of the world visit this Mela to seek blessings. The northern part of Nashik is referred to as “Panchavati”, because of the presence of five Banyan trees which are believed to be existed here from the times of Ramayana till today.

History and Architecture

As depicted in Ramayana, Panchavati once used to be an integral part of the Dandakaranya forest. This was the very place where Lord Rama constructed his abode with his brother Laxman and wife Sita when he was sent to an exile of 14 years.
There is another popular religious place called Tapovan, which is in very close vicinity from Panchavati. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama cut off the nose of Surpanaka, the sister of Ravana here when she tried to kill Sita. The whole Aranya Kanda is set in Panchavati itself.
The famous attractions at Panchavati are:

Sita Gufa

One can enter this cave through a narrow staircase. It is located at the western end of the Kalaram Temple. It is the place where Goddess Sita is said to be kidnapped by Ravana. It is believed that she was resting at this place before the demon Ravana came here and abducted her. Inside this cave, the idols of Ramayana trinity – Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana can be seen. There is also a staircase inside the cave which leads to Shiv Linga.

Kalaram Temple

The Kalaram temple was constructed by the Peshwas.It took 12 years to build this temple. The black coloured deities of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana are present here festooned with knick-knacks. The temple is about 70 feet high and is all made up from black stones. The temple has a gold plated dome which is specially made from copper. There are many additional brilliant sculptures in this temple which represents the magnificent architectural beauty of that era. The Kalaram temple is one of the most historic temples of Nasik, and during special festivals like Dussehra and Ram Navami, it is filled with hundreds of devotees.

Ramkund

The popular belief is that Lord Ram had his bath at Ramkund, during some point of his exile. And therefore, thousands of devotees visit this place to take a holy dip in it. Mortal remains (Asthi) submerged in this Kund, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in this holy kunda is considered very religious. The ashes of Gandhiji were also dropped in Ramkund after he passed away on 30th January, 1948. During Kumbha Mela, thousands of Sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims dip themselves in the holy Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs.

Ganga Ghat

Nashik is a hub of religious activities, which mostly take place on the sacred banks of the Godavari River. The banks of this holy river are broad with scenic ghats and beautiful temples. These bathing ghats produces an echo with holy recites of people who come here to offer the last ritual to their beloved ones. Ganga Bathing Ghat, whose holy waters are presumed to cleanse the sins, offers an imposing view to the pilgrims. The majestic Ganga Ghat looks incredibly magical in the twilight, when the holy water of the sacred river is illuminated with multitude of oil lamps and hovers of flowers.
Other Major Attractions at Panchavati includes Godavari Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple and Naroshankar temple. Tapovan, Akshardham and Shri Kailash Math are also located in very close vicinity to Panchavati.
During the auspicious occasion of Kumbh Mela, millions of people flock here. The next Kumbh Mela will be held at Nashik in 2015 from 15th August to 13th September. If you want to experience the spiritual ecstasy, do visit Panchavati once in a lifetime.

Details

Area: Nashik Website: www.shrikalaramsansthannashik.org
Timings: Refer the website Phone: 0253-2621830/2516531
E-mail ID : info@shrikalaramsansthannashik.org

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Nashik
Languages : Marathi, Hindi, English Weather: 16°C to 34°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit:October-April
STD Code: 0253 Pin Code: 422003

How to Reach

By Air

Mumbai Airport is the nearest one, 170 km away from the site and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Nashik Road, 9 km away from Panchavati and is well linked with major cities of India.

By Road

Several buses ply to Nashik from major cities of the state. After reaching Nashik, you can take an auto or a private cab to reach Panchavati.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Mumbai – 170 km
Pune – 210 km
Ahmedabad – 478 km
Hyderabad – 668 km

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Antarvedi, Andhra Pradesh,India

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Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Antarvedi

• Destination: East Godavari

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in the temple town of Antarvedi of Sakhinetipalle Mandal in the East Godavari district of the Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at the point where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari, a branch of the Godavari River, meet. The primary deity of this temple is Lord Narasimha, who resides here with his consort, Goddess Rajyalakshmi.
The temple was built between the 15th and 16th century. There is also a temple nearby that is dedicated to Lord Shiva that is older than Narasimha Swamy temple. The original idol of Lord Siva is believed to be installed by Lord Sri Rama 2500 years back.
In the 18th century, the trustees were Peddapuram Rajas. They were mainly responsible for constructing the temple. Mogaltur Raja’s are the traditional trustees of Antarvedi Temple from the early 19th century. Late Shri Raja Kalidindi Kumar Ramachandra Raja Bahadur also donated a lot to the temple. He was the former chairman of temple development and the supreme trustee of temple. Later, the present temple was renovated and built by Kopanathi Adi Narayana, a famous merchant who was also an overseas businessman.
The Lord and temple was given many precious jewels by former kings of the erstwhile provinces, nobles and even the East India Company. These jewels have been kept in a vault at the treasury department for the last 50 years. Through the great work and efforts of then local M.L.A. Sri Alluri Krishnam Raju and the temple authorities, the age old jewels of the god is being brought to Antarvedi and the idols of the Lord are being decorated with it during the Kalyanotsavam.
 
There are five important spots of this holy abode namely the Sea, Sagar Sangam, Vasishta River, Raktakulya River and the Chakrateertham. It is believed that there will be no re-birth on taking a dip at this place and on offering charities here. Performing ceremonial formalities to the ancestors at this holy-shrine is identical to the ones done at Gaya and Ganges. People from very far off place, like Varanasi, also visit this place, especially to involve in Lord Narasimha’s Chariot procession in the month of Phalguna (January) and Dolepournami celebration in the month of Phalguna (March). During these celebrations, the Lord is worshipped with Panchamrita Abhishekam. This shrine blesses the pilgrims with Mukti, and so it is also called as the Mukti Kshetra. Antarvedi is also known as ‘Narasimhakshetra’. The great glory of this holy shrine is boundless.

Address

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Ashramam Road,Antarvedi,
Dist. East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

Details

b style=”font-size: 17px;”> Taluka: Sakhinetipalle Area: East Godavari
Website: www.antarvedisrilakshminarasimhaswamy.com
E-mail: antarveditemple@rediffmail.com Phone: 08862-259313
b style=”font-size: 17px;”> Timings: 5 AM- 10 PM (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Andhra Pradesh District: East Godavari
Languages: Telugu, English Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: September-March
STD Code:08862 Pin Code: 533252

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is at Vijayawada, 173 km away from the temple and is well connected to major cities of India. Other major airport nearby is at Visakhapatnam (267 km).

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Rajahmundry, 93 km away and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam section of Howrah-Chennai rail route.

By Road

APSRTC and other private travels operate regular buses to Narsapur. After reaching there, you can take a ferry ride to Antarvedi. Also,there are also regular buses from Rajahmundry, Kakinada and Amalapuram which takes you to the Antardevi. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transport like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Rajahmundry – 97 km
Kakinada – 109 km
Vijayawada – 184 km
Visakhapatnam – 263 km
Hyderabad – 470 km

Grishneshwar Temple Aurangabad, Maharashtra

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Grishneshwar Temple

• Destination:

Location

Grishneswar Temple, popularly known as “Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga” is located amidst the village named Verul in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is situated 30 km away from its district headquarters. It’s one of the most famous Shiva temples of India. The place is considered as the home of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The presiding deity here is of Lord Shiva. The name ‘Grishneshwar’ means ‘Shiva generated by friction’. It is said that Parvati was born as a tribal here and then united with the Lord at this holy place. It is located in close proximity to very famous tourist spot, Ellora Caves.

History of the Temple

According to a legend, there was a Brahmin couple named Brahmavetta Sudham and wife Sudeha who lived in the Devagiri Mountains many years ago. Sudeha was very deeply saddened by the fact that she cannot give a child. When all prayers went unanswered, she tells her sister Ghushma to marry her husband and give them a child. Ghushma used to make 101 lingams to please Lord Shiva and released them in a lake nearby every day. Due to his great devotion and penance, she was blessed with a child. When her elder sister started to know his husband closeness to her younger sister after the birth of child, due to jealousy, she killed the child and throws him off the cliff where Ghushma used to make holy lingams. When Ghushma came to know about it next morning, she was neither happy nor sad and remained calm. She then went to that cliff and started her penance. She was pretty sure that Lord Shiva, who blessed her, will also protect her child from any mishappening. And then the miracle occurs, she saw her child emerge out from the river.
When the Lord appeared before her, she asked mercy for her sister and also prayed him to remain at the place eternally for the benefit of others in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The wish was accepted and soon Lord Shiva acquired the Jyotirlinga form and took the name of Ghushmeshwara. The lake is called the Shivalaya after that incident.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple was built in the 16th century by a devotee Maloji Bhosle and renovated in the 17th century by the Queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holkar. The structure of the temple is beautiful to look at, with Dashavataras (forms of Lord Vishnu) leading up to the temple in red stone. The architecture of the temple is of medieval style and it is built mostly of red sandstone. The temple is engraved with paintings, carvings and statues. The pillars of the main court hall too have exquisite carvings. The temple is constructed in ‘Shikara’ style with five tires.
You have to enter the temple complex through a small open way. The main structure itself houses the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Antarala and the Sabha Mandapa (24 pillared hall). The Garbha Griha of the temple measures 17 sq feet, and bears the Jyotirlinga, which is self-oriented. The Shiva ling in the sanctum has also a marble engraving of Goddess Parvati. There is also an idol of Nandikeshwari in the court hall. Devotees offer prayers to the Nandi as well.
Devotees can perform the ‘Abhishekham’ themselves, directly on the lingam. They are allowed to recite the ‘Rudram’. It is the only Jyotirlinga out of all the 12 Jyotirlingas where the devotees are permitted to touch the lingam and offer prayers, irrespective of any caste or religion. It is said that a glimpse of the Shiva lingam cleanses all sins of one’s life and brings happiness. People who wish to have children visit here to take blessings from the Lord. Devotees believe that visiting this Jyotirlinga is equivalent to visiting all the 12.
Maha Shivratri, Shravan Mela and Vaikuntha Chaturdashi are the major festivals celebrated here. During the month of “Shravana”, i.e. during months of August and September, the temple remains open from 3AM to 11PM every day.

Address

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Road, Verul,
Dist. Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Details

Taluka: Khultabad Area: Aurangabad
Timings: 5:30 AM- 9:30 Pm (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Aurangabad
Languages: Marathi, Hindi Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: August-March
STD Code: 02437 Pin Code: 431102

How to Reach

By Air

Aurangabad Airport is the nearest one and has direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Aurangabad and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Manmad-Secunderabad rail route. The major railway junction is at Manmad (100km).

By Road

Both the state owned and private buses are available to and from Aurangabad. You can hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach the temple from there. Local buses ply to Verul village from Aurangabad very frequently.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Aurangabad – 30 km
Pune – 257 km
Mumbai – 352 km
Hyderabad – 568 km