The fastest way to reach Grishneshwar Temple is via Aurangabad Airport (IXU), followed by a 45-minute taxi ride. For train travelers, Aurangabad Station (AWB) is the nearest hub, connected to Mumbai and Pune. Drivers should use the Samruddhi Mahamarg, taking the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar exit for the smoothest route.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is not just a spiritual powerhouse; it is a UNESCO neighbor, sitting merely 1 km from the world-famous Ellora Caves. Yet, most pilgrims struggle with the “last mile” connectivity—getting scammed by private taxis at the railway station or getting lost finding the right bus in Aurangabad.
This guide fixes that. Whether you are driving via the new Samruddhi Mahamarg, taking the Janshatabdi Express, or looking for a budget MSRTC bus, we cover exact routes, 2026 fare estimates, and verified travel tips to get you to Verul village hassle-free.
Quick Facts: Timings, Entry & Best Time
Before you book your tickets, save this “Cheat Sheet” to your phone. These are the verified operational details for 2026.
| Parameter | Details (Verified 2026) |
| Temple Timings | 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM (General Darshan)(Opens at 3:00 AM during Shravan Month) |
| Entry Fee | Free (General Darshan)VIP/Shighra Darshan passes available at counter |
| Dress Code | Men: Must be bare-chested (no shirts/vests) to enter the Sanctum.Women: Traditional wear (Saree/Punjabi Suit). |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter).Avoid Mondays if you dislike 4+ hour queues. |
| Mobile/Electronics | Strictly Prohibited inside. Lockers available near the gate. |
Distance Chart: Major Cities to Grishneshwar
If you are planning a road trip, here are the real-world driving distances to the temple in Verul:
- Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): ~30 km (45 mins)
- Shirdi: ~105 km (2.5 hrs via Shirdi-Aurangabad Rd)
- Nashik: ~175 km (3.5 hrs via Sinnar)
- Pune: ~256 km (5 hrs via Ahmednagar)
- Mumbai: ~335 km (6 hrs via Samruddhi Mahamarg)
How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple by Air
Flying is the quickest option if you are coming from North or South India. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (IXU), formerly known as Aurangabad Airport.
Flight Connectivity:
- Direct Flights: You can get direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
- Connecting Flights: If you are coming from Bangalore, Chennai, or Kolkata, you will likely have a layover in Mumbai or Hyderabad.
Airport to Temple Transfer:
Once you land, the Grishneshwar Temple is about 35 km away. You have two reliable options to reach the temple:
- Prepaid Taxi: Available inside the arrival terminal. Expect to pay around ₹800 – ₹1,200 for a drop-off.
- App-Based Cabs: Uber and Ola are active in the city, but availability can be low during early mornings or late nights.
How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple by Train
For most travelers, the train is the most budget-friendly and comfortable choice. The primary station is Aurangabad Railway Station (Code: AWB).
Top Trains to Aurangabad (AWB):
| Train Name | Train No. | Route | Best For |
| Janshatabdi Express | 12071 | Mumbai (CSMT) → AWB | Speed (Day trip, AC Chair Car) |
| Devagiri Express | 17057 | Mumbai (CSMT) → AWB | Sleep (Overnight Journey) |
| Tapovan Express | 17617 | Mumbai (CSMT) → AWB | Budget (Day trip, Non-AC seating) |
| Sachkhand Express | 12716 | Delhi → AWB | North India Travelers |
Alternative Station: Manmad Junction (MMR)
If you cannot find a direct train to Aurangabad, book a ticket to Manmad Junction. It is a major hub connected to almost every city in India.
- Distance: Manmad to Grishneshwar is 100 km.
- Travel: You can take a State Transport (ST) bus or a private taxi from Manmad directly to the temple (approx. 2.5 hours).
Reaching by Road: Bus & Self-Drive
For many travelers from Pune or Nashik, the road trip is actually faster than the train. The roads in Maharashtra have improved significantly in 2026.
By Bus (MSRTC):
- Where to catch the bus: Go to the Central Bus Stand (CBS) in Aurangabad. Do not go to the CIDCO bus stand; CBS is the main hub for local travel.
- Bus Destination: Look for buses heading to “Verul” or “Ellora Caves”.
- Frequency: Buses leave every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Ticket Cost: The fare is very affordable, approximately ₹60 – ₹80 per person.
Self-Drive Routes:
- From Pune (4.5 – 5 hours): Take the Pune – Ahmednagar – Aurangabad Highway. The road is decent but can have heavy traffic near Ahmednagar.
- From Mumbai (5 – 6 hours): This is the best route. Take the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway) up to the Aurangabad exit. It is a smooth, high-speed drive.
- From Nashik (3.5 hours): Take the direct Nashik – Aurangabad road via Sinnar.
The “Last Mile”: Aurangabad to Grishneshwar
This is where most visitors get confused. The temple is in Verul village, which is 30 km away from Aurangabad city. Here is exactly how to cover that final distance.
Shared Cabs (Kali-Peeli):
- Location: You will find black-and-yellow jeeps (Kali-Peeli) right outside the Aurangabad Railway Station and Central Bus Stand.
- Cost: They charge per seat. Expect to pay around ₹100 – ₹150 per seat.
- Pros/Cons: It is cheap but cramped. They only leave when the jeep is full.
Private Auto/Taxi:
- Auto Rickshaw: A private auto from the station to the temple will cost about ₹600 – ₹800. Always agree on the fare before you sit.
- Private Taxi: A comfortable AC sedan drop will cost ₹1,000 – ₹1,200.
- Scam Alert: Drivers may tell you the “temple road is closed” to take you to expensive shops. Ignore them. The temple road is open daily.
Step-by-Step Local Transit Itinerary (Aurangabad to Grishneshwar)
Stepping out of Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) at dawn feels like emerging into a city mid-stretch. The platform exits onto a relatively quiet road, and the first thing you need to do is reach the Central Bus Stand (CBS), roughly 3 km away. Skip the metered cabs queued outside and walk straight toward the auto-rickshaw cluster. The ride costs ₹20 to ₹30, takes under 10 minutes, and the driver will know exactly where the CBS is the moment you say “Ellora bus.”
At the CBS, two options greet you. The shared Kali-Peeli jeeps are louder about it, with touts calling out “Ellora! Ellora!” near the exit gate. I chose the MSRTC bus instead, and I’d recommend the same. At ₹45 to ₹60 per seat, it’s far cheaper than the ₹100 to ₹150 you’d pay for a jeep seat, and the buses run frequently enough in the morning hours that you rarely wait more than 20 minutes. The air-con is inconsistent, but the windows open, which matters more at 6 AM anyway.
The 30 km stretch along the Aurangabad-Ellora highway takes roughly 45 to 55 minutes. The road passes through flat semi-arid land, then gently opens up near the Sahyadri foothills. There’s a quiet satisfaction to this ride when you’re heading to a Jyotirlinga at first light.
The bus drops you at the Verul village T-point, the junction where the Grishneshwar road meets the highway. From there, the temple complex is a 5 to 7 minute walk on a straight lane lined with flower sellers and small prasad shops. You can smell the incense before you see the shikhara.
Essential Visitor Tips (Dress Code & VIP Darshan)
Before you enter the temple complex, know these rules to avoid being stopped at the gate. The temple administration is strict about tradition.
Dress Code (Mandatory):
- Men: You must remove your shirt, t-shirt, and vest (upper body garments) to enter the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha). You can wear them in the outer hall, but not near the Shivling.
- Women: Traditional wear like a Saree or Punjabi Suit is preferred. Western wear (shorts, skirts) is generally frowned upon.
VIP Darshan (Shighra Darshan):
- Long Queues: On Mondays and during Shravan month, the general line can take 4 to 6 hours.
- The Solution: Go to the Temple Trust Office (near the main gate). Ask for the “Shighra Darshan” pass.
- Cost: It usually costs ₹200 per person.
- Warning: Do not buy “VIP passes” from flower vendors or random agents outside. They are fake. Only the Trust Office issues valid passes.
Mobile & Electronics:
- Strict Ban: Mobile phones, cameras, and leather belts are strictly prohibited inside.
- Locker Facility: There is a locker counter near the entrance (approx ₹10 – ₹20), but it gets crowded. It is safer to leave electronics in your hotel or locked car if possible.
Complete Puja & Aarti Schedule for 2026
Planning your arrival time around the temple schedule is the single biggest factor in how meaningful your darshan ends up being. Here’s the verified 2026 timetable:
Morning Rituals (06:00 AM to 11:30 AM)
The main gates open at 06:00 AM for morning darshan and Abhishekam. This is the most sought-after window of the day. During Abhishekam, priests perform the ritual bathing of the Shivlinga with Jal, milk, and other offerings, and the atmosphere inside the Garbhagriha carries a density of devotion that’s hard to describe in practical terms. If you can position yourself for darshan between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM on a non-Monday, this is the sweet spot.
During Shravan month (July-August), the temple shifts its opening time to 03:00 AM to accommodate the surge of pilgrims, many of whom queue through the night.
Afternoon Darshan (12:00 PM to 04:00 PM)
The midday session runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The crowd thins noticeably in the early afternoon, particularly between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM. This is when I got my second darshan on the same visit with almost no queue.
Evening Darshan & Aarti (04:00 PM to 09:30 PM)
Gates reopen at 4:00 PM and the temple closes at 9:30 PM. The evening Aarti is worth staying for if your return schedule allows it. The lamps, the bells, and the chanting in that relatively compact sanctum create an immersive close to the day.
Personal tip: If you’re visiting during Shravan or on a Monday, factor in a crowd that can multiply the queue time three to four times over. The Tuesday to Friday morning window, specifically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, gives you the best combination of ritual timing and manageable footfall.
Nearby Attractions: Make it a Trip
Since Grishneshwar is far from the city, combine your visit with these nearby gems. They are all within a 15-minute drive.
1. Ellora Caves (UNESCO Site):
- Distance: Just 1 km from the temple. You can walk or take an auto (₹20 – ₹30).
- Highlights: Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) is the main attraction.
- Note: The caves are closed on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.
2. Bhadra Maruti Temple:
- Distance: 5 km from Grishneshwar.
- Uniqueness: This is one of the only temples where Lord Hanuman is in a reclining (sleeping) posture.
- Timing: Open daily, but Saturdays are very crowded.
3. Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri):
- Distance: 13 km (on the way back to Aurangabad).
- Challenge: It requires a steep trek up 750+ steps. Best for fit travelers.
Conclusion
Grishneshwar is the smallest Jyotirlinga, but it holds massive spiritual weight. Do not let the “last mile” travel stress ruin your Darshan.
My Final Recommendation:
- If you want comfort: Book a round-trip taxi from Aurangabad (approx. ₹2,000 – ₹2,500). App-based cabs (Ola/Uber) might drop you there, but finding a return ride from the village is difficult.
- If you are on a budget: The MSRTC bus from Central Bus Stand is safe, frequent, and costs less than a chai.
- Make a plan: Temple in the morning (8 AM) → Ellora Caves (11 AM) → Daulatabad Fort (4 PM) → Back to City.
Share this guide with your Yatra group to save them from travel scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which railway station is near to Grishneshwar?
Aurangabad Station (AWB) is the best-connected station (30 km away). Daulatabad Station is closer (15 km) but very few trains stop there.
Q: How much time for darshan in Grishneshwar Temple?
On normal days, it takes 1 to 2 hours. On Mondays or during the holy month of Shravan, the queue can take 4 to 6 hours.
Q: How to reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga from Aurangabad railway station by bus?
Take an auto from the station to Central Bus Stand (CBS) (1.5 km away). From there, take any MSRTC bus heading to “Verul” or “Ellora”.
Q: How much is a taxi from Aurangabad to Grishneshwar?
A private sedan (Dzire/Etios) costs ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 for a one-way drop. Always negotiate or book a prepaid taxi to avoid overcharging.
Q: Does Aurangabad have Ola?
Yes, Ola and Uber work in Aurangabad City. However, you may not find a cab from the Temple back to the city, so book a rental package or keep a driver waiting.
Q: Can we stay in Grishneshwar?
Yes, you can stay in Verul village. Hotel Kailas (facing Ellora Caves) and Bhakta Niwas (Pilgrim Lodges) are good options within 1 km of the temple.
Q: How to do VIP darshan at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga? Visit the Temple Trust Office near the main gate and ask for a “Shighra Darshan” pass (approx. ₹200). Do not buy passes from flower vendors outside; they are often fake.
