Famous temples of Maharashtra

Maharashtra has a very rich culture. It is also known as the land of Saints. There are many places of pilgrimage. I will mention some of the famous temples which have heavy flow of Pilgrims. Starting with the Renuka Devi Temple at Mahur as shown above.

Mahur or Mahurgad is a town and religious place in Nanded district of Maharashtra, India. Mahur is the birthplace of Hindu God Dattatreya.Dattatreya parents Atri Rishi and Sati Anasuya Mata lived here. Brahmadev, Vishnudev and Lord Shiva once got a news about Anusaya Mata that there is no one more pious and pure as her. To test her piousness they arrived under the garb of asking Alm (bhiksha). Near Mahur,

There is a Pious confluence of River Penganga and River Pus at Hiwara Sangam village, Tal. Mahagaon Vidarbha, from where the river flows northward. Penganga river forms a border between Vidarbha and Marathwada. Mahur falls just about 3kms inside Marathwada due to river banks. There are three mountains in Mahur. The first one is having Renuka Mahar devi mata Temple, who is mother of the god Parshuram. Other two are called Datta Shikhar and Atri Anasuya Shikar Temples. Datta Shikhar is highest of all. Mahur has a sacred temple to Renuka Mata, which is considered one of the three and half Shakti Peethas (temples) in the state. A big fair is held here every year on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

Sahasrarjun attacked Renuka Mahar Devi while somewhere in today's Telangana, for he wanted to grab the sacred Kamdhenu cow — this cow has the divine power to fulfill wishes. When Renuka Mahar Devi refused to him that saying asking gift of your own choice by the guest visitor is uncalled. He attacked her & injured her. She dies in this & when Lord Parshuram knew about it, he went berserk. Then the elderly people pacified him & asked him to do the last rites in Mahur under Dattatreya's guidance. Then he was told by him that Mahar devi Renuka Mata will appear on first mountain for you to worship. This became the famous Mahar Devi Renuka Mata temple. The "Matru Tirth" (means sacred place for Mother's worship) Place on this Mountain is the one which is where today stands a lake, is "Antyeshti Sthan" (Means place where last rites were performed).[citation needed]

There are many other temples in Mahur like Rishi Jamdagni Mahar Temple, Lord Parshuram Mahar Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, Devdevshwar Temple, and also the Caves called Pandav Leni.[citation needed] There is Fort in Mahur. This was built by Gond kingdom of Chandrapur. This fort is quite large, but very few visitors travel inside.

Khandoba Mandir at Jejuri: Yelkot Yelkot Jay Malhar. The character of Khandoba developed during the 9th and 10th centuries from a folk deity into a composite god possessing the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Kartikeya (Skanda). He is depicted either in the form of a linga, or as an image of a warrior riding on a bull or a horse. Malhari Mahatmya is a literary work done in Marathi language that narrates the story of Khandoba. Khandoba is said to be the divine incarnation of Lord Shiva that descended in order to put an end to the demons namely Malla and Mani. It is also said that at the place where Khandoba killed the demons, two Shivlingas appeared.

Khandoba’s other name is Martanda Bhairava who is fondly worshipped in the region even by the members of the other religions. The deity also has links with the Jain and Vaishnava traditions. Khandoba is one of the most popular among the deities of Maharashtra. He is earnestly worshipped by the people of farming and herding castes as their family deity. Crossing over the borders of present Maharashtra, Khandoba has been even worshipped by the hunters and gatherers of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka known as Mallanna and Mallaya respectively. Khandoba is said to possess the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Karthikeya and Surya together in one form.

And in this regard, we may say he is a composite deity whose mention is found in the history since 9th century. Once the seven sages were happily spending their austere lives in their own respective hermitages set up in the Manichurna hills involving themselves peacefully in penance and contemplation. Their freedom and happiness was challenged and disturbed by the demon named Malhasur who destroyed all their hermitages and caused havoc in their lives. The sages gathered together and approached Amaravati, the abode of the gods, seeking protection from Indra, the king of gods. Indra said it was beyond his powers to fight the demon and therefore advised them to put up the case to Lord Vishnu in Vaikunta.

Listening to their plea, Lord Vishnu in turn said it is right for all of them to seek the help of Lord Shiva in this matter. Lord Shiva in all his bounteous grace blessed them with his divine protection and assured that he would prepare to war with the demon. The armies of gods prepared themselves for the battle. Meanwhile, a female demon named Dhrutmari was born. Lord Shiva took the form of Martandabhairav and led the army. A fierce battle broke out between the gods and demons. In a series of wars, Lord Kartikswami (Murugan) killed Khadangdanshtra, Shree Gajanan (Ganpati) killed Ulkamukh and Nandi vanquished Kutiloma. Following this, Martandbhairav put an end to the arrogant demon Mani.

Despite the efforts by Vishnu for peace, Mallasur declines and prefers a war. Initially, Dhrutmari was defeated by Mallasur and then Marthandabhairav defeats Mallasur in the subsequent battle. Mallasur praised Lord Shiva in several terms and sought his blessings. At the site where Mallasura was killed, two Shivlinga appeared and the place came to be known as Prempuri, a famous pilgrim site. The divine descent and story of Khandoba is inseparably linked with the social and religious lives of people in this region. They strongly believe that Khandoba has become a sort of guardian deity for them protecting them always with his benign grace.

Bhimashankar: Although the present structure of the temple appears to be of comparatively recent origin, the shrine Bhimashankaram (Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to 13th Century. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, this temple is a modest yet graceful temple and dates back to the 18th century. It is believed that the ancient shrine was erected over a Swayambhu Lingam (that is the self emanated Shiva Lingam). It can be observed that the Lingam is exactly at the centre of the floor of the Garbagriham (the Sanctum Sanctorum) of the temple. Intricate carvings of divine beings, interspersed with human figurines adorn the pillars and the doorframes of the temple. Scenes from mythology find themselves captured in these magnificent carvings.

Within the temple precincts, there is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shani Mahātma (also called Shanaeshwara). The idol of Nandi, Lord Shiva's vāhan (vehicle) has been installed as is the case with all the Siva Temples, just at the entrance of the temple. This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurāsura associated with the invincible flying citadels, the "Tripurās". Shiva is said to have taken abode in the 'Bhima Shankara' form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from His body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.

The Gopura-shikhara of the temple was built by Nāna Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler, Shivāji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level. The 'Shani temple' is located inside the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar.

Between the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes across an ancient huge Portuguese bell. Behind the temple, there is a small pathway that leads one to the banks of a river. "Stepping out of the Temple, one is awed with a bewitching view of the virgin wilderness, occasionally interrupted by the glimpses of the majestic forts on the surrounding mountains."

History unveils itself in the peaks of the Sahyadris. Bhimashankar – a place where spiritual splendor merges with nature's magnificence is definitely a pilgrim's paradise. There are other temples and shrines, near the main temple. There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankar temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvathi, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Brahma.

There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini and Daakini who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon, Bhima. Kaushika Maha Muni is said to have done 'Tapas' (penance) there. The place where he bathed is called Mokshakund thirtham, which is located behind the Bhimashankar temple. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha - where the Bhīmā river begins to flow eastward, and the Jnyanakund.

Shiva is said to have taken abode in the 'Bhima Shankara' form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from His body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river. The Gopura-shikhara of the temple was built by Nāna Phadnavis.

Shri Tulja Bhavani Mandir, Tuljapur, Dist. Solapur. Tulja Bhavani Temple (Marathi: ???? ??????? ????? ????? ????????) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It is located in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, India, and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is situated 45 km from Solapur. The temple was built in 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Māradadeva Kadamb. The management and priestly rights of the temple are held by the Kadamb Bhope clan, the descendants of Māradadeva. Goddess Tulja Bhavani is known by the names Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, durga, parvati, Ambā and Jagadambā in different regions.

Tulja Bhavani is a form of goddess Parvati who is worshiped in Maharashtra, and also by people of Telangana, Northern Karnataka and Nepal[2] Bhavani translates to "giver of life", meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is considered to be a mother who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the founder of the Maratha kingdom, always visited this temple to seek blessings.[citation needed] The legend has to its credit to say that the Goddess gave him a sword called ‘Bhavani kadga’' by using which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was successful in his expeditions.

The history of the temple dates back to the days of ' Skanda Purana ' as it finds a mention in that holy script. According to the epic story, there was a sage "Kardam" and his consort "Anubhuthi’ with an infant, in this area. After his death his wife "Anubhuthi" performed a penance for goddess in the name of Bhavani on the banks of river "Mandakini" to look after her child. There was a demon (Rakshasa) by name "Kukur" who tortured her. Then Goddess Bhavani rescued Anubhuthi and killed the demon. The goddess on the prayer of her pet devotee settled on the hill of "Bala ghat". Since then the Mother Goddess came to be called as Bhavani of Tuljapur or Tulja Bhavani.

Mother Goddess Bhavani temple is the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj graced was blessed by Matha Bhavani.It is situated at Tuljapur as such it is popularly known as Tulja Bhavani Temple in district of Maharashtra. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peetas attributed to Goddess Parvati. The second among the 'Shaktipeetas' is Goddess Bhavani at Tuljapur. Bhavani is one who gives life and source of original power.

Tuljapur is at 45 km from Solapur. Historically this temple was built in 12th century. There is yet another Tulja Bhavani temple built in 1537-1540 in Chittorgarh. There is a third temple of Tulja Bhavani in the village of Patnakuva Gandhinagar in Gujarat. According to the priest, this Goddess came here from Tuljapur during 14th century. The Goddess is said to be swayambhu (self emanated). It is true that God or Goddess is always referred as ‘swayambhu’ in Vedas, Puranas and many legends. But it does not refer to the stone idol installed in a temple. What is attributed is to the invisible Supreme power. The second among the 'Shaktipeeths' is Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur. It is the family deity of the Bhosale Royal family, the Yadavs and of countless numbers of families belonging to different castes. The great ruler and founder of the Maratha kingdom, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited the temple as he was a prominent devotee of her, people believe that the Goddess gifted him a sword - 'The Bhawani Talwar' - to succeed in his expeditions. Tulaja word indicates to an old Hindu monastery at Tolaja village in the present Rawalpindi division of Pakistan.

Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple (also known as Ambabai Mandir) is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who resides here as Supreme Mother Mahalakshmi and is worshipped by locals as Ambabai. Goddess Mahalakshmi is considered to be Devi Lakshmi the consort of Lord Vishnu by Vaishnavites and to be Devi Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva by Shaivas and Shaktas. It is customary among Hindus to visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple and Padmavathi Temple as a yatra (pilgrimage). It is believed that visiting these temples as a pilgrimage helps achieve moksha (salvation).

The temple of the goddess Mahalakshmi was built by karndeva in 634 CE Chalukya reign. Mounted on a stone platform, the murti of the crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. A stone lion (the vahana of the goddess), stands behind the statue. The crown contains a five headed snake. Further, she holds a Matulinga fruit, mace, shield and a pānapātra (drinking bowl). In Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Goddess Lakshmi is praised as "Om Karaveera Nivasiniye Namaha" means "Glory to the Goddess who lives in Karaveera" and as "Om Sesha Vasuki Samsevyaa Namaha" means "Glory to Goddess who is served by Adi Sesha and Vasuki".

They are the 119th and 698th names of Lakshmi in Lakshmi Sahasranama. This is also the description mentioned in the Rahasya of Devi Mahatmya. Professor Prabhakar Malshe says, "The name of Karaveera is still locally used to denote the city of Kolhapur". Unlike most Hindu sacred images, which face north or east, the deity faces west (Pashchim). There is a small open window on the western wall, through which the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days around the 21st of each March and September.There are a number of other shrines in the courtyard to the Navagrahas, Surya, Mahishasuramardini, Vitthal-Rukmini, Shiva, Vishnu, Bhavani and others. Some of these images date back to the 11th century, while some are of recent origin. Also located in the courtyard is the temple tank "Manikarnika Kund", on whose bank is another shrine to Visweshwar Mahadev.

Shri Saptashrungi Temple, Vani, Nashik . Saptashrungi or Saptashringi (Marathi: ???????????, Sapta?rr??gī) is a site of Hindu pilgrimage situated 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Nashik in Indian state of Maharashtra. According to Hindu traditions, the goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini dwells within the seven mountain peaks. (Sapta means seven and shrung means peaks.) It is located in Nanduri, Kalwan taluka, a small village near Nashik in India. The Marathas and some Bhil tribes worship the goddess from a long time and some worship as their kuldaivat. There are 510 steps to climb the gad. Devotees visit this place in large numbers every day. The temple is also known popularly as one of the "three and half Shakti Peethas" of Maharashtra. The temple is also one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati's (wife of Lord Shiva) limbs, her right arm is reported to have fallen. Its half shaktipeeth among three and half shaktipeeth of Maharashtra.

Saptashrungi is a hill range consisting of seven hills locally called Ghads and form part of the Sahyadri Range of hills in Western Ghats. Sahyadri Range is also known as Ajanta Satmala Range and the average height of the peaks is 4,500 feet (1,400 m). The Dhodap, in the center of this mountain range, is the highest peak with an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m), and Saptashrungi is towards its west There are 108 water bodies (ponds) located in the watershed of these hills, which are called Kundas. Nanduri, Kalwan and Vani are the villages nearest to the temple, which are situated at the foot of the hills. There are many approaches to reach the top of the temple location.

The route from Nashik and Vani via Dindori is 39 kilometres (24 mi) and via Pimpalgaon Baswant is 51 kilometres (32 mi). The route via Nadurgaon village is the easiest and is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Vani. It is at a distance of 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Nashik, the district headquarters. The State Highway 17 (Maharashtra) (SH-17) connected with the National Highway 3 (NH 3) links Nashik with the temple site near the villages of Vani and Nanduri. Bus facilities by state transportation are available to reach the temple precincts.[5] The forests in the hills are reported to have medicinal herbs. There is a circumlocutory path used by pilgrims to do parikrama around the temple. This path is in an elevation range between 1,230 metres (4,040 ft) and 1,350 metres (4,430 ft), and is stated to be in steep rock topography. The hills are covered with verdant forests.

Shri Gajanan Maharaj Mandir Shegaon. Shri Gajanan Maharaj Samadhi Temple is at the center surrounded by two specious entrance gatesin the north and the west directions respectively.

The Legendary soul Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj enlightened through his noble incarnation and brought out tremendous change in the lives of numerous people with his spiritual knowledge and power for a short period of 32 years and ultimately foretold in the year 1908 about drawing a line to his incarnated life. They also hinted at this place where exactly the Samadhi temple is located as a source of inspiration and spiritual insight for millions of devotees.

Shri Gajanan Maharajin his noble presence gave consent and directed for this Samadhi Temple. In the tunnel the holy existence of living body (Sanjeevan kaya) of Shri Gajanan Maharaj still exists where Shri Hari Patil laid the foundation stone.? The holy existence of this legendary soul in Samadhi Temple blesses and helps for solution to the millions in their difficulties when all optionsare blocked for them.

If all the saints prefer to gather at the holy place Shri Kshetr Pandharpur, (the headquarter of Warkari Sampraday which is the destination for all warkaries, i.e. devotees participating in Dindi or Plkhi, who ultimately aim to meet their beloved deities Viththal - Rukhumai), Shegaon is a perfect rendezvous for all devotees. The saints are truly noble in thier nature. They never discriminate with cast, colour, creed etc. Rather Saints always show a true path to devotees for an ideal and meaningful life. A true philosopher or guide (A true Guru) is the only ideal person who transforms people from their vices to virtues. A Saint is a synonym of pious life and a true devotee is known for his sincere faith.

Shree’s Samadhi Temple has been built in the most attractive marble stones, where the devotees can have distant glimpse of the idol of Lord Gajanana through an arrangement called ‘ Mukh Darshan’ or can directly go through the tunnel to pray and have a glimpse of Shree’s idol very closely. The precious space near the idol in Gabhara enables the devotees to pray and have a soothing glimpse of the omnipotent spiritual idol of Lord Gajanan. The Samadhi temple’s over part has various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses carved in an exquisite manner.?Such a grand Samadhi Temple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj has certainly added a lot in the assists of Shegaon and remains a unique landmark of this holy town.

Shree Swami Samarth Mandir Akkalkot. Akkalkot Niwasi Shri Swami Samartha also known as Swami Samartha Maharaj, Swami Maharaj is a household name in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Swami Samartha of Akkalkot is considered by many to be the very form of Sri Nrusimha Saraswati of Ganagapur.

Occasionally, Swamy said that he was Nrusimha Bhan and that he was from kardalivan near Srisailam confirmed that he was Nrusimha Saraswati. Swamy took up numerous names at different places which made it hard to trace his travels. Swami Samartha of Akkalkot is considered by many to be the very form of Sri Nrusimha Saraswati of Ganagapur. Occasionally, Swamy said that he was Nrusimha Bhan and that he was from kardalivan near Srisailam confirmed that he was Nrusimha Saraswati. Swamy took up numerous names at different places which made it hard to trace his travels. He died in 1878. As per "Shripad Shrivallabha Charitra" Guru Dattatreya took 3 Avatars: Shripad Shri Vallabha, Narasimha Saraswati and Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj.

Shri Swami Samartha is believed to be the incarnation of Shri Narasimha Saraswati, who in turn is the believed incarnation of Shri Shripad Shrivallabha. Although not much is known about Shri Shripad Shrivallabha, the life story of Shri Narasimha Saraswati is well documented. "Shripad Shrivallabh Charitramrut" (the book describing the life story of Shri Shripad Shrivallabh) has been recently publicised. Shri Narasimha Saraswati, about four centuries before the advent of Swami Samarth is believed to be the earlier incarnation of Shri Dattatreya.

The 'Guru Charitra' one of the most famous books gives lot of information about Him. As per the most popular belief, Shri Narasimha Swami, after helping and spiritually uplifting a large number of people over a few decades, went away to the Kardali vana for penance and went into Samadhi. In the Samadhi state He remained for about three hundred years. With the passage of time a huge anthill grew over him and he was lost to the outside world. One day accidentally a woodcutter’s axe fell on the bushes grown around the ant hill.

He was shocked to find blood stains on the blade of the axe. He cleared the anthill and Lo, he found a Yogi in meditation. The Yogi slowly opened his eyes and consoled the dumbfounded woodcutter saying that it was the Divine Will for Him to re-appear in the world to resume His mission. This Yogi, in his new role came to be known as Swami Samarth. In other accounts, Shri Narasimha Swami was stated to retreat 'in the Kardali Wilderness', whereas Swami Samartha purportedly has stated that he 'came from the Kardali Wilderness', after which he roamed about in China, Tibet, Nepal and Northern India, before settling down in Akkalkot.

Shri Vithhal Rukmini Mandir Pandharpur The parabrahma or the God of Pandharpur is worshipped and lovingly called by his devotees with many names in different course of the time, like Pandharinath, Pandurang, Pandhariraya, Vithai, Vithoba, Vithumauli, Vitthal gururao, Pandurang, Hari etc. However, today this God is well-known as Pandurang and Shri Vitthal. Many historians and researchers tried to find out the etymological origin of the word “Vitthal”. Some scholars believe that it is a distorted form of the original word Vishnu. The words like Vittharas, Vitta found in various Kannad epigraphs are basically the elaboration of the word Vishnu. The Great Saint poet Tukaram defines the word Vithoba in one of his abhangas that stands for ‘Knowledge’ + Thoba Stands for ‘form’ Thus Vithoba stands for the ‘form of ultimate Knowledge’ or ‘idol of ultimate Knowledge’.

It is also believed that Vi stands for bird Eagle + Thoba Stands for sitting place, thus Vithoba stands for the ‘God who sits on Eagle’. Vithoba is God Vishnu, standing on a brick and resting his arms on his west. It is believed that Shri Krishna, Shri Vishnu and Shri Vithoba are all different names and forms of the one and the same God. Shri Krishna is known as incarnation of Shri Vishnu which took place on Wednesday (Shravan Vadya Ashtami) at the end of Dwaparyuga. Vithoba is Shri Krishna only. Wednesday is known as the day of Vithoba. So devotees (varkari) of Vithoba never leave Pandharpur on Wednesday even now.

?There is a verse in Purana, the holy scripture of the Vedic religion.

?????????Vi karo vidhatay, tha karo nilakanthay |

?????????La karo lakshmikant, vitthalabhidhineeyame ||

Means-?

vi-Vidhata Brahmadev,

ttha-nilakantha God Shankar,

la-lakshmikant-Vishnu

thus it leads to say that all three deities Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are signified by one name Vitthal or are included in one God Vitthal.

Shri Shani Mandir, Shinganapur, Ahmednagar. Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Shanishingnapur’s legend in Taluk Naivasa of District Ahmednagar is famous, far and wide, as the shrine of countless devotees. The number of its unbelievable miracles finds its place of pride in The Guinness book of World Records. Ahmednagar’s population is known popularly as the place of saints. God Shani occupies a place of fear in the minds of most people in India.

There is needless terror about God Shani in the minds of people. Unlike other Gods in the pantheon, why are you scared of God Shani? Although he is your friend, and not your enemy? In our day to day life, there is a great place of importance for strength and mercy in our lives. In our routine lives, there is a great importance of the kindness and the power of God Shani. Shani occupies the seventh place among the nine planets which govern the world. This is viewed as unlucky in conventional astrology.Among the people of Maharashtra and India itself, the greatness and grandeur of Shanishingnapur if spread far and wide. But the fame of God Shani has reached far and wide, even beyond the seven seas. After the ‘darshan’ of this world famous Devasthan and God Shani, this information based on social.

Shri Ghrinsheshwar Temple Verul, Aurgangabad. Grishneshwar Temple is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This temple is nearly 3000 years old and the Linga faces east. The sanctum sanctorum includes Lord Grishneshwar and his consort Grishneshwari. The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga decorated with flowers and the holy beads of Rudraksha.

The significance of the temple is that the pilgrims believe that by paying a visit to the Grishneshwar temple, one can reap the benefits of worshiping all the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is also said that the Grishneshwar temple is a classic example of the pre-historic style of architecture and has beautiful carvings. Devotees can see the marriage scene of the Lord and his consort in the temple murals and carving. The Grishneshwar temple also houses a well that springs holy water. The history of Grishneshwar temple speaks of Maloji Bhosle, an ardent devotee and chief of the Verul village. He built the temple in the 16th century after he found a treasure hidden inside an anthill. Rani Ahilyabai Holker, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, renovated the temple in the 17th century.

According to the Shiva Purana, several legends are associated with this ancient place of worship: Legend of Shivalay. The legend of Shivalay states that during his hunting expeditions, the king of Verul killed animals living in the hermitage of Rishis. This angered the Rishis who cursed the king and insects swarmed over his body. The king wandered in the forest and came across a hole with water flowing from it. The moment he started drinking the water, the insects miraculously vanished from his body. The overwhelmed king did severe penance in that place. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma blessed the king and created a lake that came to be known as Shivalay.

Lord of Kumkumeshwar Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi were residing in the Sahyadri range, near Shivalay. One day, when the Goddess was about to apply vermilion, she mixed it with the Shivalay water. The vermilion then transformed into a Linga, emitting a radiant ray of light. Since the Linga emerged from the vermilion, this Jyotirlinga was initially called Kumkumeshwar. But the Goddess named it Grishneshwar since she believed the Linga came from the rubbing action, and the word Grish means friction.

Legend of Ghushmeswar. A great Brahmin scholar, Brahmavetta Sudharm and his wife, Sudeha, lived in the southern mountain of Devagiri (later known as Daulatabad). They were childless, and an agonized Sudeha persuaded her sister Ghushma to marry Sudharm so that they could have a child together. Eventually, Ghushma and Sudharm had a son much to the envy of Sudeha. The boy grew up to be a handsome young man and eventually got married. Unable to cope with jealous feelings, Sudeha killed the boy when he was asleep and threw the body into a lake.

A deeply grieving Gushma continued with her routine. During her morning ritual of visiting the lake where she usually made and worshipped a hundred Lingas, she saw her son emerging from the lake. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her and said that Sudeha had killed her son. Pleased with Gushma’s devotion, he gave back her son and also granted her a boon. Then Ghushma requested the Lord to forgive her sister and also to remain in the place. The Lord accepted her request and continued to reside there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Hence, he took the name Ghushmeswar in Gushma’s honor. Jay Shri Ghrushneshwar