Grishneshwar: Maintenance, Upkeep, and Management, Unbecoming for a Jyotirlinga Shrine

Verul (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district): The intricate sculpture in multiple layers and patterns of the holy Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga shrine is mesmerising, transporting you to a world of its own, near the renowned Ellora caves. However, the maintenance, upkeep, and management are equally disgusting, as the area before entering the temple complex remains in shambles, with multiple rows of shops all along.

A small entrance: To begin with, a small entrance greets you as you come close to the temple premises, and from the beginning and until close by, you are accosted by any number of hawkers, pestering you to buy puja materials and whatever else they have to sell!

Lured to arrange special darshan: Despite a moderate crowd, some people give it a try to lure you under the guise of arranging special darshan. People come from far and near just to have a glimpse of the deity for a few seconds and cherish the moments of remaining in the premises for a few minutes. Yet, such a small span of time is marred by unpleasant and unnecessary developments.

Pilgrims scared to move out: Generally, two types of devotees keep flocking to the temples; If most of them are inclined just to have darshan and keep going, there are some very particular about doing the rituals. Likewise, some prefer to perform the abhisheka rituals and buy special coupons for the same. But once you enter the Garbhagriha, there will be total confusion among the darshan seekers and those willing to do abhisheka, while the security guys will be screaming to pack you off!

Smallest and last of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines: Grishneshwar also happens to be the smallest and last of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Somnath, in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat, is revered as the first and oldest Jyotirlinga. Mallikarjuna, in Srisailam, on the Nallamala hills in Andhra Pradesh, is revered as both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha as well. Mahakaleshwar is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and is known for its unusual south-facing Dakshinamukhi idol.

Resembling the Om symbol: The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on Mandhata island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, and resembles the sacred Om symbol. Kedarnath, located in the picturesque Himalayan mountainous terrain in Uttarakhand, along the Mandakini River, is accessible only during April/May and November.

Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range: Bhimashankar is in the Sahyadri mountain range, near Pune in Maharashtra. Vishwanath's abode is in Kashi, in the spiritual heart of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the holy Ganga. Trimbakeshwar rests near Nashik, Maharashtra, at the birthplace of the River Godavari. 

Revered as a place of healing: Vaidyanath, also known as Baidyanath Dham, in Deogarh, Jharkhand, is revered as a destination for healing. Nageshwar in Devabhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat, is the 10th Jyotirlinga. 

Established by Lord Rama: The 11th Jyotirlinga on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu is believed to have been established by Lord Rama before proceeding to Sri Lanka.  Grishneshwar at Verul village, near the Ellora Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district of Maharashtra, is the last or 12th Jyotirlinga shrine.

A blend of the Hemadpanti and South Indian traditions: Grishneshwar is described as a distinct blend of the Hemadpanti architectural style and the typical South Indian traditions. Hemadpanti style of architecture has its origins in the 13th century medieval pattern of temple construction in the Deccan region, bridging the Northern and Southern traditions through mortarless dry masonry!

Named after the prime minister: Hemadri Pandit, or Hemandpant, was the prime minister of the Seuna(Yadava) dynasty of Devagiri. Temple construction in this fashion flourished mostly in Northern Karnataka, Maharashtra, and regions of Madhya Pradesh, and the style has come to be known after Hemadri Pandit.

Chalukyan influence: In fact, Hemadpanti architecture is attributed to a direct borrowing and adaptation of structural elements from earlier South Indian and Western traditions, and more particularly the Western Chalukya and Hoysala styles. 

Polygonal and zig-zag wall layouts: Generally, in most of the Hoysala temples in Southern Karnataka, Hemadpanti pilgrimage centres deploy polygonal and zig-zag wall layouts, ensuring a maximum exterior surface by creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow. In a way, the stellate or star-shaped ground plans are more or less signature-style of the Hoysala architecture.

A regional extension: The Vesara, or hybrid Deccan architectural movement, mixing aspects of Nagara(North Indian) spires with Dravida or South Indian spatial and pillar layouts, is evinced in Bhumija-style offshoots.

Red volcanic rock: The temple has been built with red Basalt stone or volcanic rock, in order to ensure that the temple gets a warm, earthy hue that stands out at sunset.

An area of 240'x185': Grishneshwar temple is spread over an area of about 240'x185', including the main sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha, an ante-chamber or Antarala, and a spacious court hall or Sabha Mandapa.

Renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar: Although the history of the temple goes back several centuries, it goes to the credit of the Maratha queen Rani Ahilyabai Holkar for the present structure, which was rebuilt and renovated during the 18th century.

Carvings of Dashavatara: Five tiers of the temple tower are the speciality of Grishneshwar temple, heavily adorned with detailed sculptures, cultural motifs, and carvings of Dashavatara, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Intricately carved 24 pillars: The temple also boasts a large court hall resting on 24 intricately carved pillars. All of them are adorned with delicate reliefs illustrating various myths, legends, and stories related to Lord Shiva.

17'x17' Garbhagriha: Grishneshwar temple's sanctum sanctorum is spread over the dimensions of 17'x17', while the Jyotirlinga made of black stone faces towards the east. 

Only Jyotirlinga temple in India: According to the temple's website, Grishneshwar is the only Jyotirlinga temple in India, where you can find the carving of  Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya sitting on Nandi, in white stone. This sculpture can be clearly seen from the south entry.