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As an avid traveler and spiritual seeker, visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas in India has been high on my bucket list for years. So when I finally planned a trip to Aurangabad to see the incredible Ajanta and Ellora caves, I knew I had to make a quick visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga as well.
Grishneshwar temple is one of the astounding Jyotirlinga shrines located about 30 km from Aurangabad and can be easily covered on a day trip. After my enriching yet hectic sightseeing in Aurangabad, an excursion to this invigorating temple turned out to be the perfect break I needed.
Planning the Trip from Aurangabad
The best way to make a day trip is to rent a private cab from Aurangabad to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and back. There are plenty of travel agents and hotels that can arrange this for INR 1500-2000 based on the type of vehicle. Always fix the timings and total kilometers with the driver beforehand.
If you have your own vehicle, it takes around an hour to reach the Grishneshwar temple. You can also take one of the few direct buses departing in the morning from the Aurangabad central bus stand. The temple itself is open from 5 AM to 9 PM so plan your travel accordingly.
Also, carry some food and water since there are not many options near the temple.
My Spiritual Journey to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
As our cab left the crowded streets of Aurangabad early morning, I was excited about what this less explored temple would offer. The landscape gradually changed from urban sprawl to quaint hamlets, lush green fields with grazing cattle and sweet paan shops beckoning the travelers.
As we neared our destination, the raw rural environs around the temple made me forget that we were just half an hour away from the cosmopolitan Aurangabad!
Walking into the Grishneshwar temple courtyard flooded me with divine vibrations and bliss. The ancient temple has been mentioned in several Hindu scriptures and was awe-inspiring in its beautiful carvings and imposing architecture filled with age-old stories.
As I joined the short queue waiting to offer prayers, it was delightful to see saffron-clad sadhus, village women with flower baskets on their heads and excited families with curious kids around - all coming together irrespective of caste or creed to seek blessings.
The special Abhishek puja conducted by the priests clad in traditional dhotis allowed me to connect with the Shiva Lingam on a deeper level while chanting the soothing mantras. It was absolutely ethereal to see multicolored flowers adorning the black stone Lingam next to the burning diyas.
Once the crowd thinned down a bit, I could meditate and feel Lord Shiva's profound energy as the priests kept the chants going. That spiritual surrender and vibration stayed with me long after I embarked on my journey back.
Also read - How Old is Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur
Key Tips for Travelers
If you are visiting Grishneshwar from Aurangabad like me, the key tips would be:
Hire a private cab for a hassle-free and customized day trip
Start early around 6 AM to avoid traffic and beat the heat
Carry some snacks and water as limited options are available nearby
Wear light and modest clothing to properly experience the spiritual ambiance
Attend the special puja for a distinctive blessing from Lord Shiva
Allow extra time for meditation or rituals once the crowd lessens
Capture the memories but maintain the temple's sanctity
Conclusion
Visiting this antiquated yet vibrant temple gives you that perfect mix of culture, architecture, spirituality and warm rural hospitality - making Grishneshwar an unmissable gem for any Indian traveler.
As I returned to Aurangabad by evening, tired but thoroughly rejuvenated, the chants, mystic vibes and magical memories stayed with me for a long time, reminding me of Lord Shiva's eternal presence.
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