Nestled in dense forests, the Shiva temple in Bhimashankar is sixth jyotirlinga and one of the most popular places for the worship of Lord Shiva.It is located on the banks of the Bhima river and it is believed that Bhima river originates from this place.
A pristine natural environment with hills, waterfalls and forests; a wild life sanctuary and an ancient temple! Bhimashankar offers the best setting to seek out spirituality. it’s also the right place for journey lovers with a superfluity of treks. furthermore this is often where you’ll notice the shekru the large flying squirrel that is additionally the state animal of geographical region.
ALSO READ: ABOUT MAHAKALESHWAR UJJAIN TEMPLE
There was a demon Tripurasura who did penance within the jungle of Bhimashankar very long ago i.e. in Tretayug, to please Lord Shiva so as to attain the gift of immortality.
Lord shiva, who is specially known for his kindness towards his devotees, was pleased with Tripurasura’s commitment towards him. So as usual, he blessed him with the power of immortality with a condition that, “He should strive in the best interest of people, or he may be sued permanently for violating the condition. “
With the flow of time, Tripurasura forgot the condition to which he was abided, and eventually started harassing people as well as other deities. There was a chaos for which all the deities approached Lord Shiva for remedy.
So as to sue Tripurasura, Lord Shiv prayed to divinity Parvati (Kamalaja Mata) so as to assist him to accomplish this task.. Accordingly Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati underwent a new form which is popularly known as “Ardha-Narya-Nateshwar” and killed Tripurasura on Kartik Pournima which is known as “Tripurari Pornima”.
After the death of Tripurasura his wives (Dakini and Shakini) visited Lord Shiva with an issue of their existence while not Tripurasura. so Lord Shiva blessed each of them, with the power of immortality that he did to Tripurasura. henceforward the realm Bhimashankar is thought as “Dakinyam Bhimashankaram”
CHECK IT: ABOUT TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE
The Bhimashankar temple is a composite of old and new structures within the Nagara type of architecture. It shows the excellency of the abilities achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. it’s a modest however yet temple and it dates back to the thirteenth century whereas the sabhamandap was in-built the eighteenth century by Nana Phadnavis. The shikhara was designed by Nana Phadnavis
The shikhara was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj is claimed to own created endowments to the present temple to facilitate worship services. like different Shiva temples in this area, tthe sanctum is at a lower level.
Quick Facts:-
- Address: Shivtritha, Shree kshtrea, Bhimashankar, Maharashtra 410509
- District: Pune
- Altitude: 3500 ft above sea level
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Bhīmāshankar (Shiva)
- Festivals: Mahashivratri
- Best time to visit :The best period to visit Bhimashankar is between September to February
Pooja Timings
| Timings | Pooja |
| 4.30 AM | Kakada Aarti |
| 5.00 AM | Nijarup Darshan |
| 5.30 AM | Regular Pooja,Abhishek starts |
| 12.00 PM | Naivedya Pooja (No Abhishek inside) |
| 12.30 PM | Regular Pooja,Abhishek starts |
| 3.00 PM | Madhyan Aarti (No Darshan for 45min) |
| 4.00 PM to 9.30 PM | Shringar darshan (No Abhishek inside) |
| 7.30 PM | Aarti |
| 9.30 PM | Mandir Closed |
Interesting Facts
- Bhimashankar has been declared a wildlife sanctuary; it is a reserved forest area, and as it is part of the Western Ghats, it is rich in flora and fauna.
- The state animal of Maharashtra, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is a rare animal found here.
- It is located on the banks of the Bhima river and it is believed that Bhima river originates from this place.
- It is believed that the ancient shrine was built around a swayambhu linga i.e. a linga that originated on its own. The linga is exactly at the center of the floor, in the temple’s sanctum. There are intricate carvings of divine and human beings on the pillars, and doorframes of the temple. You can also see scenes from mythology depicted here.
- There is also a shrine for Lord Shaneeshwara inside the temple. A statue of Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi, can be found at the entrance of the temple as is common in Shiva temples.
How To Reach:
By Air
Bhimashankar is 250 km from Mumbai and 127 kms from Pune. The nearest airport is Pune
By Rail
Bhimashankar does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is the Pune station which is located at a distance of around 110 Km. You can take a bus or a taxi from here. It takes two hours to three hours to reach the temple from the station.
By Road
You can take the route of Pune-Rajgurunagar-Manchar- Ghodegaon–Pokhari Ghat Bhimashankar. State Transport buses are available at regular intervals from the Shivajinagar Bus Terminus and the last bus is at 5 pm. Private transport is more convenient if you would like to visit places around Bhimashankar.
READ ALSO: ABOUT BRIHADEESHWARA TEMPLE
Where To Stay
Natraj Holiday Resort
Natraj Holiday Resort is located at Bhimashankar 8 km before the Temple right side on the road, they have pure Veg Restaurant .They have 23 Non Ac Deluxe rooms, for Small and Bigger Family as well. You can find a room easily at a feasible price of 2000INR.
Address: SH 112, Bhimashankar Temple Road, Bhimashankar, Nigdale, Maharashtra 410509
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.