Ancient Bara Jyotirlinga Temple / Vishwakarma Temple Verul, Khulatabad, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar

The tallest Shivling in the country is located at Ellora in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. This twelve Jyotirlinga Shivalaya (temple), shaped like a Shivling, is situated a short distance from the Grishneshwar Temple—the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga—and within the premises of the Vishwakarma Temple. The temple features a sixty-foot-tall replica of a Shivling, and inside the sanctum sanctorum, all twelve Jyotirlingas have been consecrated in a single place. The construction of this temple continued for twenty-three years. It was opened to devotees on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri on March 1, 2022.

The fame of Ellora, which is home to world-renowned sites such as the Ellora Caves, the Kailasa Temple, the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, the Lakshmivinayak Temple, and the Sant Janardan Swami Ashram, has been further enhanced by this Twelve Jyotirlinga Shivalaya. The temple is located on the road from Ellora to Kannad. This temple was built under the initiative of Mahendrabapu of Shri Vishwakarma Tirthdham with the intention of allowing devotees to have the darshan of all twelve Jyotirlingas in one place. Construction of the temple began in 1999. However, due to certain reasons, the work was halted. As obstacles arose in the construction, Mahendrabapu observed a vow of silence (Maun Vrat). Subsequently, overcoming all challenges, the temple was completed. In 2022, five days before the temple’s inauguration ceremony, a Shivling Pran-Pratishtha Yajna and various religious programs were conducted.

The temple premises span 108 feet in length and 109 feet in width. The height of the Shivling atop the temple is 60 feet from the ground and 40 feet from the roof. The base (Shalunka) of the Shivling is 38 feet wide. During the monsoon season, all the water falling onto this Pindi flows down from this magnificent Shalunka. The structure of this temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). This open-style Sabha Mandap features arches on all sides. A statue of Nandi is situated in front of the Garbhagriha. One must descend five steps to enter the Garbhagriha, which is located in the center of the Sabha Mandap. In the center of the Garbhagriha lies the Pindi of Someshwara. Behind it, in a semi-circular space, there is first an idol of Lord Ganesha. Following this are replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas, from Mallikarjuna to Rameshwar. These replicas were crafted and brought from Ujjain. There is also a special path provided to perform circumambulation (Pradakshina) around all twelve Pindis at once. An idol of Goddess Parvati is placed in the midst of these Shiva Pindis. Nearby, there are also idols of Lord Maruti and Goddess Sharada. In the temple courtyard, an idol of Shani Dev is installed on a raised platform. Devotees are permitted to perform Abhishek, Puja, and Aarti in this temple. (Contact: Bara Jyotirlinga Shivalaya, Mob. 9370411800) 

A few steps away from this temple stands a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the deity of creation and craftsmanship. The design of this temple, which stands four to five feet above the ground, is unique. The idol of Lord Vishwakarma was consecrated here on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami on 10 February 2000. The temple premises span three acres. It is said that this is the tallest and largest temple of Lord Vishwakarma in the country. The temple measures 108 feet in length and 86 feet in width, with a height of 108 feet. Behind the temple, there is a dining hall (Bhojanshala) and a pilgrim rest house (Dharmashala).

This marble temple consists of an open assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The arches of the pillars in the assembly hall feature exquisite craftsmanship. There is a large dome above the assembly hall. A sacrificial fire pit (Yajnakunda) is also present in the assembly hall. Outside the sanctum sanctorum, there are statues of gatekeepers (Dwarapalas) on both sides, and in the niches on the adjacent walls, there are idols of Lord Ganesha, Radha-Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Mahishasuramardini, and Shri Ram Panchayatan. An idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on the lintel of the sanctum entrance. Inside the sanctum, the marble idol of Lord Vishwakarma is enshrined in a beautifully carved, gold-plated canopy (Makhar). There are idols of other deities on both sides of this main idol.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery