Ghrishneshwar: The Compassionate Lord

The devotee whose murdered son was revived

Visit Ghrishneshwar near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the last of the 12 jyotirlingas. Learn the touching story of Kusuma (or Ghushma), whose devotion to Shiva was so pure that when her jealous co-wife murdered her son, Shiva revived him. Discover the connection to the Ellora rock-cut temples.

The Twelfth and Last

In the traditional enumeration of the twelve jyotirlingas, Ghrishneshwar holds the final position, the twelfth. This placement is not about rank but about completeness. Just as a twelve-month year encompasses all seasons, the twelve jyotirlingas encompass all aspects of Shiva's manifestation.

Ghrishneshwar sits near Ellora, Maharashtra, one of the world's great sacred sites, where Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves carved from living rock testify to centuries of spiritual aspiration. The jyotirlinga temple is modest compared to Ellora's grandeur, but its legend touches something universal: the power of unwavering devotion to overcome even death.

The Legend of Ghushma (Kusuma)

The Brahmin's Two Wives

In the Devagiri mountains (modern Daulatabad region), there lived a Brahmin named Sudharm with his wife Sudeha. Their marriage was happy but childless. In those times, this was considered a great misfortune, who would perform the ancestral rites? Who would continue the lineage?

Out of desperation, Sudeha suggested that Sudharm marry her younger sister, Ghushma (also called Kusuma in some versions). Perhaps Ghushma could bear the children Sudeha could not. Sudharm agreed, and Ghushma entered the household as a second wife.

The Practice and the Blessing

Ghushma was a devoted worshipper of Shiva. Every day, she would fashion 101 small Shiva lingas from clay, worship each one with flowers, water, and mantras, and then immerse them in a nearby lake. This practice, called Parthiva Linga Puja, is ancient, representing the creation and dissolution of form. By making and releasing lingas daily, Ghushma participated in Shiva's cosmic rhythm.

Year after year, she continued this practice with unwavering faith. Eventually, Shiva, pleased by her devotion, blessed her with a son. The household rejoiced. Sudharm had an heir, Ghushma had a child, and even Sudeha seemed happy for her sister.

Jealousy and Murder

But happiness birthed shadow. As the boy grew, Sudeha's joy curdled into jealousy. The child was Ghushma's, not hers. He would inherit. He would perform the rites. She, the first wife, would be forgotten.