The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is located in the green Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra. It is a true symbol of people’s faith. This old temple is one of the 12 main Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Many people come here to get blessings, peace of mind, and to feel close to nature. Surrounded by green forests and beautiful waterfalls, the Bhimashankar Temple is very special. It’s not just a place for prayer — it’s a journey where faith meets the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. Let’s learn about the history, stories, and travel tips of Bhimashankar Temple in simple and easy language.
History of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Bhimashankar Temple is more than 800 years old. It connects old stories from mythology with real history. Ancient books like the Shiva Purana talk about a self-formed (Swayambhu) Shiv Linga here. The temple is believed to have been built around the 13th century, when the place was known for peace and meditation.
The temple building changed and grew over time. In 1437 AD, a devotee named Chimaji Antanji Nayik Bhinde from Pune built a big court hall. Later, in the 18th century, during the Maratha rule, Nana Phadnavis improved the Sabhamandap (meeting hall) and the Shikhara (temple tower). He added some new designs in the Nagara style. The great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave strong support for daily prayers and temple rituals. After him, leaders like Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Raghunath Rao helped to keep these traditions alive.
Today, the temple is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Government. In 1972, this area was declared the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary to protect the forest and animals under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga beautifully joins spiritual history with nature protection. It stands as a living example of India’s rich culture and tradition.
Captivating Legends of Bhimashankar Temple
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is full of interesting stories and legends. These stories show Lord Shiva as both a protector and a destroyer of evil.
One famous story from the Shiva Purana talks about a demon named Bhima. He was the son of Kumbhakarna, who was the brother of Ravana from the Ramayana. Bhima became very angry after his father was killed by Lord Rama. So, he did strong penance (tapasya) to please The Bhimashankar Temple has many old and interesting stories. These stories tell how Lord Shiva protects good people and destroys evil.
One main story from the Shiva Purana is about a demon named Bhima. His father Kumbhakarna was the brother of Ravana from the Ramayana. When Lord Rama killed Kumbhakarna, Bhima became very angry. He prayed hard to Lord Brahma and got great power. After that, Bhima started troubling gods and people. He also caught King Kamarupeshwar, who was a big devotee of Lord Shiva.
Even in jail, the king kept praying to Shiva. He made a small Shiv Linga from sesame seeds. When Bhima tried to break it with his sword, Lord Shiva suddenly appeared in bright light, fought with Bhima, and killed him. Then Shiva stayed there as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. People say that during the fight, Shiva’s sweat formed the Bhima River, which gives new energy and peace.
Another story is about the demon Tripurasura. He built three flying cities after getting a boon from Brahma and started troubling everyone. Lord Shiva destroyed these cities and killed him with the help of Goddess Parvati, who appeared as Ardhanarishvara — half man and half woman. Near the temple, there is also a Kamalaja Mata Temple, where people worship Parvati as the goddess sitting on a lotus.
There is one more story. A pilgrim lost in the forest prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Then a farmer and his wife came and showed him the right way. Later, people believed that they were Shiva and Parvati in disguise.
Saints like Rishi Kaushika and Sant Jnaneshwar also came here to meditate. All these stories teach us that true faith and devotion can win over anger, pride, and evil.
Stunning architecture of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
The Bhimashankar Temple has beautiful Nagara-style architecture. This is common in North Indian shrines. It also shows influences from the Deccan Hemadpanthi tradition. At 1,034 feet in the fog, the temple features tall shikharas, strong pillars, and lovely wall carvings. These carvings show Hindu myths, divine figures, and sacred symbols. Famous Vishwakarma sculptors created the interiors. They display Buddha-style Amba-Ambika designs and plaster images on the ceilings.
At the center is the Garbhagriha (sanctum), set a bit below ground. It features the shining Swayambhu Shiv Linga, the sixth Jyotirlinga. A grand Nandi statue welcomes visitors at the entrance. Nearby, spiritual spots honor Shani Dev and Kamalaja Mata. Four sacred kunds (ponds) are in the complex. They are Mokshakund Tirtha, Sarvatirtha, Kusharanya Tirtha, and Jnanakund. These ponds offer inviting ritual baths. Nearby, the mysterious Gupt Bhimashankar (hidden Shiv Ling) lies in a cave. The forest path allows you to reach it, and it is 4-5 km away. Here, the Bhima River disappears and then reappears. This combination of stone sculpture and natural beauty produces a powerful aura
Importance of Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar Temple, a Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, symbolizes Shiva’s eternal light. It provides mental purification and moksha (salvation) to devoted followers with pure hearts. The temple shows dharma’s victory over adharma. This place attracts Lord Shiva’s devotees who come here to get healing, good fortune, and spiritual peace.
The site fits perfectly with the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. This place has the big Malabar squirrel and many different types of plants that are hard to find.
It highlights nature’s importance and supports eco-tourism for spiritual journey.
Each day, the temple fills with devotion through its rituals. The Kakada Aarti begins at 4:30 AM, unveiling the Linga, which is usually decorated with a silver kavacham. Following this, the Rudrabhishek ceremony features offerings of milk and bilva leaves. At noon, the Madhyan Aarti happens. In the evening, visitors can enjoy the Shringar Darshan from 4 PM to 9:30 PM. During this time, you can offer flower chains. If you’re interested in special poojas like Laghurudra, you can book them at the counter.
Myths On Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir is full with stories and legends. These stories boost its cultural and spiritual significance. These stories add mystery to the temple’s history, attracting both devotees and tourists. Here are some important narratives are associated with the Bhimashankar Mandir:
1. The Birth of the Bhima River
This story tells how the Bhima River, also called Chandrabhaga, was formed. Lord Shiva fight a strong battle with the demon Tripurasura.During the fight, he hit the ground with his trishul (trident).
This action formed the Bhima River.this river is flows next to the temple and It is worshipped to its worshippers.
- New Power of Lord Shiva
Another story says that Lord Shiva appeared on his own at Bhimashankar as a Jyotirlinga. After deep meditation, he regained his full strength. This shows that Shiva never ends and is always powerful. People come here to feel his blessings, energy, and calmness.
It is also believed that meditating or praying here can help remove problems and bring peace, strength, and happiness in life. The temple is a place where spiritual power and nature meet together.
3. Bhima’s Devotion
In mythology, Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, is linked to this temple.It is said that he made the Shiv Linga (a symbol of Lord Shiva) and worshipped it with great devotion. His love and respect for the Lord Shiva are why the temple is called Bhimashankar.
- Chariot like temple
The temple is built like a chariot, and this has a special meaning. People call it “Rathachala” because it looks like a chariot. This shows Lord Shiva as the divine charioteer, guiding and protecting the whole world.
.
5. Healing Waters
Devotees believe the waters of the Bhima River have healing properties. They think that taking a dip in the river or Bathing or washing here is believed to cleanse the soul and help cure illnesses.
The myths and legends of Bhimashankar Temple create a unique attraction. They attract worshippers and interested visitors who want to discover its spiritual and historical importance in Maharashtra.
Festivals boost the energy:
- Maha Shivratri (February-March 2025) features night-long vigils and kanwar yatras.
- Sawan (July-August) hosts Ganga jal processions.
- Kartik Purnima lights up the hills with lamps.
Visiting Guide: Timings, How to Reach, and Best Time for Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Planning a trip to Bhimashankar Temple is easy. In 2025, new facilities will make darshan smoother.
