When most people visit Verul (Ellora), they see two separate things: a famous cave system and a temple. But for a true devotee (Bhakta), this is not just a sightseeing trip it is a divine Yatra.
Located just 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), this sacred land is where art meets divinity. While tourists look for “ticket prices” and “hotels,” devotees look for Darshan, History, and Peace.
In this guide, Kirtankar.com presents the Complete Spiritual Route covering the Swayambhu Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, the hidden Shivalaya Tirth, and the miraculous Kailasa Temple.
The Spiritual Significance of Verul
Verul is not just a tourist spot; it is a Tapobhoomi (Land of Penance). It is the home of the 12th and final Jyotirlinga, Grishneshwar, and the site of the world’s greatest rock-cut monument, the Kailasa Temple.
To experience the true power of this place, one must follow the traditional path: Darshan first, then Art.
The Perfect Yatra Route (Step-by-Step)
Total Distance: Approx 1.5 km (Walkable)
To gain the maximum Punya (merit) and avoid the afternoon heat, we recommend starting your journey at dawn.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (The Beginning)
Best Time: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
The journey must begin with the blessings of Lord Shiva. Grishneshwar is considered the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas on earth.
- The History: The temple was restored in the 18th century by the great Ahilyabai Holkar, a queen known for her immense devotion. The temple architecture is a masterpiece of the Maratha style.
- For Men: If you wish to enter the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) to perform Abhishek on the Swayambhu Linga, men are required to enter bare-chested.
- The Experience: Attending the Kakad Aarti (Morning Prayer) at roughly 4:00 AM or the morning Darshan at 5:30 AM is a mesmerizing experience that sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Shivalaya Tirth Kund (The Hidden Gem)
Location: 200 meters from the Temple
Most tourists rush from the temple to the caves, completely missing this holy site. The Shivalaya Tirth is a sacred tank also built/restored by Ahilyabai Holkar.
- Significance: It is believed that the waters here have purifying properties. The tank is surrounded by 8 small temples (Ashta Tirtha) representing holy rivers.
- Ritual: Devotees traditionally sprinkle the water (Prokshan) on their heads before proceeding to the caves. It is a peaceful spot for 10 minutes of meditation.
Laksha Vinayak Temple (The Obstacle Remover)
Location: Verul Village (On the way to the Caves)
Before starting any great task (like climbing the caves!), one must bow to Lord Ganesha. The Laksha Vinayak Temple in Verul village is one of the 21 ancient Ganpati Peethas.
- Why Visit: It is believed that visiting here removes all obstacles (Vighna) from your life. It is just a 5-10 minute walk from the Grishneshwar temple.
Ellora Caves & The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
Opening Time: 8:00 AM (Closed on Tuesdays)
After taking the blessings of Shiva and Ganesha, walk towards the Verul Leni (Ellora Caves). While there are 34 caves (Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain), the heart of the Yatra is Cave 16: The Kailasa Temple.
The Mystery of Kailasa
This is not a building; it is a sculpture.
- The Miracle: It was carved out of a single rock mountain from the top down. This means the sculptors started at the shikhara (spire) and dug downwards.
- The Legend: It is said that a Queen vowed not to eat until she saw the Shikhara (top) of the temple to save her sick husband. An architect named Kokasa carved the top first within a week so she could break her fast.
- The Devotion: It is estimated that 200,000 to 400,000 tons of rock were removed. A single mistake by a sculptor would have ruined the entire temple. This perfection is not just engineering; it is supreme Bhakti (Devotion) to Lord Shiva.
Kirtankar Note: When you stand in front of Kailasa, do not just take a selfie. Close your eyes and imagine the chant of “Om Namah Shivaya” that must have echoed here for centuries while the chisels were at work.
Practical Guide for Devotees
How to reach from Grishneshwar to Ellora Caves?
You do not need a rickshaw! It is a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk (approx 1 km).
- Exit the Grishneshwar Temple.
- Walk past the shops and the Shivalaya Tirth.
- Follow the road straight to the Ellora Caves entrance.
Best Time to Visit?
- Months: June to February (Monsoon and Winter are best).
- Day: Avoid Tuesdays (Caves are closed).
- Festival: Mahashivratri is the biggest festival here, but expect massive crowds.
Is Food Available?
Yes, there are many small canteens near the temple offering pure vegetarian Maharashtrian food (Pithla Bhakri, Wada Pav, Thali).
Conclusion
A visit to Verul is more than just a history lesson. By following the path from the Jyotirlinga to the Tirth and finally to the Kailasa, you complete a spiritual circle.
May your Yatra be filled with peace and devotion.
Jay Hari!
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