Bhimashankar Temple
Also known as: பீமாசங்கர் கோயில் · భీమశంకర ఆలయం · भीमाशंकर मंदिर
Maharashtra Shiva
A Jyotirlinga temple in the Sahyadri hills of Pune district, near the source of the Bhima river.
- Deity
- Bhimashankar (Shiva)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Bhimashankar (Khed), Pune
- State
- Maharashtra
- Era
- Dated to the 13th century. Hall and dome added by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century.
Sthala Puranam
The asura Tripura got a boon from Brahma and became almost unbeatable. He conquered the three worlds, including Indra's realm. Indra asked Shiva for help, and Shiva promised to destroy him.
On a peak of the Sahyadri, Shiva took the form of Bhima Shankara at the request of the gods.
The Bhima river is said to come from the sweat that fell from Shiva's body after the battle.
Speciality
- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of three in Maharashtra. The lingam is said to be self-formed.
- Black stone, in Nagara style. A Portuguese bell donated by Chimaji Appa after his 1739 victory hangs here.
- The 13th-century temple seems fairly new in its present form. Nana Phadnavis built the central hall and designed the dome in the 18th century.
- The Bhima river begins in Bhimashankar village.
Festivals
- Mahashivratri
How to reach
By airPune Airport, about 110–130 km.
By trainPune Junction or Karjat, then road.
By roadReached from Pune via Manchar and Khed, or from Mumbai via Karjat. MSRTC buses run in season.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Monsoon brings heavy rain and slippery steps. Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays are very crowded.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
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