| Address: | Bhimashankar, Khed, Maharashtra 410509 |
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| How to go: | You can easily start your journey from Pune. Around 14 MSRTC buses run daily from the Shivajinagar–Wakdewadi bus stand between 5:30 AM and 4 PM. These buses depart from platforms 14 to 18 and take approximately 3.5 hours to cover the 125 km distance. Initially, I thought of taking a bus, but since I had only one day and multiple places to explore in Bhimashankar — and because my mom was travelling with me — I decided to rent a car for a more comfortable trip. I booked a round trip car through MakeMyTrip, which cost ₹3000 for 17 hours. |
| Pros: | Public transport is available from Pune/ Manchar. Local market and few stays are available. |
| Cons: | Nothing such |
| What to visit ? |
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| Company: | Solo, family |
| Minimum day/time to visit: | 1 full day |
| Locality: | Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghati ( Sahyadri mountain range) |
| Expenses: |
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| More Information: | Hidden deep within the misty Sahyadri forests of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple stands as a powerful symbol of devotion, history, and ancient architecture. Surrounded by dense greenery and echoing with the chants of Lord Shiva, this sacred shrine is not just one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, but also a place where mythology, Maratha history, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Every stone of the temple tells a story of faith that has endured for centuries. There are two stores involved how the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga was formed. Story 1: The Legend of Tripurasura Long ago, the Sahyadri mountains were ruled by a powerful demon named Tripurasura. Through intense penance, he pleased Lord Shiva and received a boon that made him almost invincible. However, blinded by pride and power, Tripurasura began terrorizing sages, destroying temples, and disturbing the balance of the universe. Unable to tolerate his cruelty, the Devas and Rishis prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. Since Shiva Himself had granted the boon, divine balance required another force to intervene. At this point, Mata Kamalaja, an incarnation of Mata Parvati and the Kuldevi (family deity) of the local people, joined Shiva. Together, Shiva and Parvati manifested as Ardhanarishwara, the divine form symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies. A fierce cosmic battle followed — the mountains shook, rivers overflowed, and the skies thundered. Finally, on Kartik Purnima, Mata Kamalaja defeated Tripurasura, restoring peace to the universe. This auspicious day is still celebrated as Tripurari Purnima, commemorating the victory of divine forces over evil. Story 2: The second legend associated with Bhimashankar involves Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna (brother of Ravana), and his mother Karkati. After learning that Lord Rama had killed his father during the Lanka war, Bhima sought revenge. Through severe penance, he pleased Lord Brahma and gained immense strength. Misusing this power, Bhima began tormenting sages and Shiva devotees. He imprisoned King Priyadharman (Kamrupeshwar) and Queen Dakshinadevi of Kamrupa. Despite their suffering, the royal couple continued their devotion to Lord Shiva. Moved by their prayers, Shiva appeared, defeated Bhima, and manifested as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga at that spot. Some traditions believe this event occurred in Kamrup, Assam, where devotees associate the Jyotirlinga with the Brahmaputra River instead of the Bhima River. Architectural Features of Bhimashankar Temple Bhimashankar Temple is a fine example of traditional Indian temple architecture, as it combines elements of the Nagara style of North India with the Hemadpanthi style of the Deccan region. The Nagara style is recognized by its tall and layered shikhara (spire) built above the sanctum, giving the temple a strong vertical presence and highlighting the artistic stone carvings. The Hemadpanthi style, on the other hand, uses locally available stone blocks, fitted together with very little mortar, which gives the structure great strength and durability. Together, these two architectural styles make the temple appear simple yet majestic, beautifully reflecting both deep devotion and skilled craftsmanship. In front of the sanctum of the Bhimashankar Temple, Nandi Maharaj and Kachhap Dev (the sacred tortoise) are seated facing the Shivling. At the left side of the temple entrance, there is a murti of Bhagwan Ganesh, while on the right side stands the murti of Bhagwan Kalabhairav, who is worshipped as the protector of Lord Shiva. The Shivling inside the sanctum has a vertical hole and is considered very unique. It is believed to have two parts — Shiva on one side and Shakti on the other, symbolizing the union of divine energies. On the front side of the temple, there is also a murti of Devi Parvati. Inside the temple, different deities are placed in different directions. On the south wall, there is a murti of Bhagwan Krishna. In the west direction, devotees can see the murti of Bhagwan Hanuman, and on the north side is the murti of Sri Mahishasur Mardini, the divine form of the Goddess who defeated Mahishasura. The walls of the temple are also adorned with murtis of Rishi and Munis, representing sages from ancient times. In front of the assembly hall, there is a separate temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shani. Near the Shani temple, a stone lamp known as Shikha is placed, which is used for traditional worship rituals. The Historic Bell One of the most distinctive features of Bhimashankar Temple is the large stone bell near the entrance. This bell was brought from Vasai Fort after the Maratha victory over the Portuguese in 1739 and presented to the temple by Chimaji Appa, a respected Maratha warrior. Weighing several hundred kilograms, the bell still rings powerfully, echoing through the temple grounds. Its presence adds both historical depth and a unique character to the temple complex. Rich Historical Background The history of Bhimashankar Temple goes back several centuries. The original shrine was built in the 13th century, most likely during the rule of the Yadava dynasty, who were known for constructing many important temples in this region. Over the years, the temple was preserved and expanded by several rulers and devotees. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha king, is believed to have supported the worship and religious ceremonies at Bhimashankar. Later, in the 18th century, Nana Phadnavis, an important Maratha statesman, added the Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and constructed the Shikhara (spire) above the sanctum. Along with them, many other Maratha nobles and devotees also contributed to the maintenance and renovation of the temple. These continuous efforts over centuries show that Bhimashankar was not only a sacred place of worship but also an important cultural and historical landmark of the region. Harmony with Nature Bhimashankar Temple does not stand alone — it is part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forest area rich in flora and fauna. The forest around the temple is known for species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel (Shekru) and many bird varieties. This natural setting not only enhances the beauty of the temple but also creates a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. The cool mountain air, green canopy, and distant bird calls make the pilgrimage feel like a journey into the heart of nature and devotion. Places to Visit Around Bhimashankar Apart from the Jyotirlinga temple, Bhimashankar offers many sacred and scenic attractions:
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