Introduction
Hidden deep in the dense forests of the Sahyadri Hills, where clouds drift through the trees and streams rush down the slopes, lies the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar is also the source of the Bhima River, which flows southeast to join the Krishna.
Bhimashankar is a place where devotion and nature meet. The temple stands within a protected wildlife sanctuary, and the journey here, especially during the monsoon, feels like a pilgrimage through a living forest.
According to legend, Lord Shiva destroyed the powerful demon Bhima at this very spot to protect his devotees, and then remained here as a Jyotirlinga. For pilgrims, Bhimashankar is a symbol of Shiva's strength and his promise to protect those who worship him with faith.
History of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, and in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram it is named as "Dakinyam Bhimashankaram", Bhimashankar in the land of Dakini.
The temple's structure combines older and newer parts. The main shrine is built in the Nagara style, and much of its present form, including the shikhar, was built in the 18th century under the patronage of the Maratha statesman Nana Phadnavis. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is also believed to have made endowments to the temple.
One of the temple's famous features is a large bell, brought here by Chimaji Appa, the brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, after the Maratha victory at the Vasai fort in 1739.
It is worth knowing that a few other places are also associated with this Jyotirlinga, including a temple near Guwahati in Assam, based on the word "Dakini" in the stotram. The Maharashtra temple is the most widely accepted and visited.
Mythological Significance of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
According to the Shiva Purana, Bhima was the son of Kumbhakarna, the giant brother of Ravana. When Bhima learned that his father had been killed by Lord Rama, he was filled with anger and vowed revenge against the gods.
Bhima performed intense penance to Lord Brahma and received a boon of great strength. Using this power, he defeated the gods and began to persecute devotees. He even imprisoned King Kamrupeshwar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and ordered him to stop his worship.
Even in prison, the king continued to worship a Shivling. When Bhima raised his sword to destroy it, Lord Shiva appeared in a blazing form and fought the demon. After a fierce battle, Shiva reduced Bhima to ashes.
The gods then requested Shiva to remain here forever, and he manifested as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. According to legend, the sweat that flowed from Shiva's body after the battle became the Bhima River.
Architecture of Bhimashankar Temple
The Bhimashankar temple is a beautiful example of the Nagara style, built from dark stone with finely carved pillars, doorways, and walls showing gods, celestial beings, and scenes from mythology.
The Jyotirlinga in the sanctum is located slightly below floor level, and devotees step down to offer their prayers. A brass Nandi faces the shrine, and the courtyard holds the historic bell from Vasai.
Despite its modest size, the temple's setting in the forest, often wrapped in mist, gives it a mystical and timeless atmosphere.
Religious Importance
Bhimashankar is worshipped as the protector who destroys evil and fear. Devotees come here to pray for courage, strength, and freedom from hardship. Many pilgrims also complete a short forest walk to Gupt Bhimashankar, believed to be the true source of the Bhima River.
Along with Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar, it is one of three Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra, and many devotees visit all three in a single yatra.
Major Festivals
- Mahashivratri: The biggest festival, with a large fair and night-long worship.
- Shravan Month: The monsoon and Shravan Mondays draw huge crowds.
- Kartik Purnima (Tripuri Purnima): The temple is lit with lamps.
Bhimashankar Temple Timings
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening and Kakad Aarti | Around 4:30 AM |
| General Darshan | Morning to night, with short breaks for aarti |
| Madhyanha (Afternoon) Aarti | Around 3:00 PM (darshan pauses briefly) |
| Temple Closing | Around 9:30 PM |
Note: Timings are approximate and may change during festivals. Please confirm with the temple before your visit.
Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
October to February
The weather is cool and pleasant, and the forest roads are safe and dry. This is the most comfortable time for families and elderly pilgrims.
Monsoon and Shravan (July to September)
The forest is at its most beautiful, full of waterfalls and mist. However, roads and trekking paths can be slippery, so travel carefully.
Maha Shivaratri
A grand festival with a large fair. Arrive early, as the roads and temple get very crowded.
How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
By Air
Pune airport is the nearest, about 110 km away. Mumbai airport is about 220 km away.
By Train
Pune Junction is the most convenient railway station. From there, buses and taxis are available to Bhimashankar.
By Road
State transport buses run from Pune (Shivajinagar) to Bhimashankar via Manchar. The last stretch of road climbs through the hills and forest.
By Trek
Adventurous pilgrims can also trek up from Khandas village near Karjat. These forest routes are beautiful but steep, and should be attempted only with a guide, especially during the monsoon.
Things to Remember Before Visiting
- Wear modest clothing and comfortable, non-slip footwear.
- The temple is reached by a flight of steps from the parking area, which can be tiring for elderly visitors.
- Carry a raincoat or umbrella in the monsoon, and warm clothes in winter.
- Stay options near the temple are limited, so book in advance or plan a day trip from Pune.
- Respect the wildlife sanctuary: do not litter or feed animals.
- Network coverage can be weak in the forest, so plan your route in advance.
- If you plan to wear a Rudraksha, choose a certified one. Read our guide on how to identify authentic Rudraksha.
Nearby Places to Visit
Gupt Bhimashankar
A peaceful forest spot with a small waterfall, believed to be the hidden source of the Bhima River.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
A protected forest that is home to the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru), Maharashtra's state animal, along with many birds and plants.
Nagphani Point
A viewpoint shaped like a cobra's hood, offering sweeping views of the valleys and the Konkan below.
Hanuman Lake
A quiet lake on the forest trail near the temple, especially beautiful after the rains.
Kamalja Devi Temple
A small temple of the Goddess near Bhimashankar, often visited by pilgrims along with the Jyotirlinga.
Shivneri Fort
The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, near Junnar, a short drive from the Bhimashankar route.
Lenyadri and Ozar Ganpati
Two of the Ashtavinayak temples of Lord Ganesha, located in the Junnar area.
Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar
The other Maharashtra Jyotirlingas, Trimbakeshwar near Nashik and Grishneshwar near Ellora, complete the state's Jyotirlinga circuit.
Interesting Facts About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
- Bhimashankar is the source of the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna.
- The stotram names it as "Dakinyam Bhimashankaram".
- According to legend, Shiva's sweat after defeating Bhima became the river.
- The demon Bhima was the son of Kumbhakarna.
- The temple's large bell was brought from Vasai fort by Chimaji Appa in 1739.
- The temple lies inside a wildlife sanctuary, home to the Indian Giant Squirrel.
- Much of the present temple was built under Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century.
- It is one of three Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
Carry Shiva's Strength with You
Just as Shiva protected his devotee King Kamrupeshwar at Bhimashankar, many devotees wear Rudraksha as a symbol of Shiva's strength and protection:
- 11 Mukhi Rudraksha: Associated with the eleven Rudras, the fierce forms of Shiva.
- 5 Mukhi Rudraksha: The most widely worn bead, considered suitable for everyone.
- 1 Mukhi Rudraksha: Revered as the direct form of Lord Shiva.
- Protective Kavach: Sacred lockets traditionally worn for protection.
Explore our certified Rudraksha collection, or read our mukhi-wise Rudraksha guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga famous?
Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the source of the Bhima River, and is famous for its beautiful forest setting inside a wildlife sanctuary.
2. Where is Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga located?
It is located in the Sahyadri Hills in the Khed taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, about 110 km from Pune.
3. Is it safe to visit Bhimashankar in the monsoon?
Yes, by road, if you travel carefully, as the roads can be slippery and foggy. Forest treks during heavy rain should be avoided or done only with a guide.
4. Can Bhimashankar be visited as a day trip from Pune?
Yes. Many pilgrims leave Pune early in the morning, complete darshan, and return the same evening.
5. Is there another Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga?
A few other places, including one near Guwahati in Assam, are also associated with this Jyotirlinga. The Maharashtra temple is the most widely accepted and visited.
6. Which Jyotirlingas are near Bhimashankar?
Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar in Maharashtra. See our 12 Jyotirlinga guide for the full list.
7. What is the best time to visit Bhimashankar?
October to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon is the most scenic, and Mahashivratri is the most auspicious.
8. What animal is Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary known for?
It is known for the Indian Giant Squirrel, locally called Shekru, which is Maharashtra's state animal.
Conclusion
Bhimashankar is a temple where the power of Shiva meets the peace of nature. Its legend of Shiva defeating the demon Bhima to protect a faithful devotee reminds us that Mahadev never abandons those who keep their faith.
Walk through its misty forests, bow before the Jyotirlinga, and continue your 12 Jyotirlinga yatra to Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Somnath, and Kedarnath.
Explore more sacred destinations in our Spiritual Places in India series.
Jai Bhimashankar! Har Har Mahadev! 🙏