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{{Short description|Shiva temple in Pune district, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}{{Use Indian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name              = Bhīmāshankar Temple
| name              = Bhimashankar Temple                                                
| native_name        = Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga                                   
| image              = Bhimashankar.jpg
| image              = Bhimashankar.jpg
| alt          =
| alt          =
| caption            = Bhīmāshankar (Maharashtra, India)
| caption            = Bhimashankar mandir in its namesake village
| map_type        = India Maharashtra
| map_type        = India Maharashtra
| map_caption        = Location in Maharashtra
| map_caption        = Location in Maharashtra        
| coordinates        = {{coord|19.072|73.536|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates        = {{coord|19.072|73.536|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| country            = [[India]]
| country            = [[India]]
| state    = [[Maharashtra]]
| state    = [[Maharashtra]]
| district          = [[Pune]]
| district          = [[Pune district|Pune]]
| taluka    = [[Khed]]
| taluka    =  
| locale            = [[Bhimashankar]]
| locale            =  
| elevation_m        =
| elevation_m        =934
| deity      = Bhīmāshankar ([[Shiva]])
| deity      = Bhimashankar (Shiva Shankar)
| festivals= [[Mahashivratri]]
| festivals= [[Mahashivratri]]
| architecture      = [[Nagara architecture|Nagara]]
| architecture      = [[Nagara architecture|Nagara]]{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
| temple_quantity  =
| temple_quantity  =2
| monument_quantity=
| monument_quantity=
| inscriptions      =
| inscriptions      =
| year_completed        =
| year_completed        =
| creator            =
| creator            =
| website            =  
| website            =https://shreebhimashankar.com/hi/
Official Site: http://Jyotirlingabhimashankar.com
|religious_affiliation=[[Hinduism]]|length=26|width=14|location=''Bhimashankar'' village, Khed taluka, [[Pune district]], Maharashtra}}
Www.bhimashankar.org.in ,
{{Saivism}}
 
www.bhimashankar.co.in
|native_name=भीमाशंकर मंदिर|native_name_lang=Marathi}}
{{Saivism}}
'''Bhimashankar Temple''' is a [[Jyotirlinga]] shrine located 50 km  [[Khed taluka]] (alias Rajgurunagar), near [[Pune]], in [[Maharashtra, India]]. It is located 127 km from Shivajinagar (in Pune) in the [[Ghats|Ghat region]] of the [[Western Ghats|Sahyadri Mountains]]. Bhīmāshankar is also the source of the [[Bhima river|river Bhima]], which flows southeast and merges with the [[Krishna river]] near [[Raichur]]. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are [[Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple|Trimbakeshwar]] near [[Nashik]] and [[Grishneshwar]].


==Jyotirlinga==
'''Bhimashankar Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to ''[[Shiva]]'' situated in its [[eponym]]ous village, Bhimashankar, in [[Pune district]] of [[Maharashtra]]. It is a key [[pilgrimage]] centre and contains one of the 12 ''[[Jyotirlinga]]s''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग: इथं सूर्योदयानंतर पूजा केल्याने पापांपासून मिळते मुक्ती, अशी आहे कथा |url=https://lokmat.news18.com/religion/twelve-jyotirlinga-interesting-facts-about-bheemashankar-in-marathi-mhrp-827334.html |website=Lokmat News18 |date=12 February 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816210511/https://lokmat.news18.com/religion/twelve-jyotirlinga-interesting-facts-about-bheemashankar-in-marathi-mhrp-827334.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The temple's Shiva [[lingam]] is one of the three<ref>{{Cite web |title=12 Jyotirlinga of India |url=https://www.makemytrip.com/tripideas/jyotirlingas-in-india}}</ref> ''Jyotirlingas'' of Maharashtra.<ref name=":2" /> The ''mandir'' is situated on a mountain, 110 kilometers away from Pune. The temple's vicinity has rare plant and animal species.<ref name=":1" /> The mandir is located in ''[[Khed taluka]]'', in the [[Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary|Bhimashankar forest range]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Landslide on Bhimashankar Temple road; no casualties |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/landslide-on-bhimashankar-temple-road-no-casualties-8023460/ |website=[[The Indian Expresse]]|date=12 July 2022 }}</ref>
As per the [[Shiva Purana|Shiv Mahapuran]], once [[Brahma]] (the Hindu God for creation) and [[Vishnu]] (the Hindu God for protection) had an argument about creation.<ref name="R.">R. 2003, pp. 92-95</ref> To test them, [[Shiva]] pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the ''jyotirlinga''. Vishnu and [[Brahma]] split their ways to search downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either direction. Brahma lied that he found out where it ends, while Vishnu conceded defeat.  Shiva appeared as the second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that He would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity.  The ''jyotirlinga'' is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The ''jyotirlinga'' shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.<ref>Eck 1999, p. 107</ref><ref name="Gwynne">See: Gwynne 2008, Section on Char Dham</ref>  


There are 64 forms of Shiva, not to be confused with Jyotirlingas.  Each of the twelve ''jyothirlinga'' sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva.<ref name="Lochtefeld">Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 324-325</ref>  At all these sites, the primary image is ''[[lingam]]'' representing the beginningless and endless ''[[Stambha]]'' pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.<ref name="Lochtefeld"/><ref name="E. U. Harding">Harding 1998, pp. 158-158</ref><ref name="paris_congress">Vivekananda Vol. 4</ref> The twelve ''jyothirlinga'' are [[Somnath Temple|Somnath]] in [[Gujarat]], [[Mallikarjuna Swamy|Mallikarjuna]] at [[Srisailam]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga|Mahakaleswar]] at [[Ujjain]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Omkareshwar]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Kedarnath Temple|Kedarnath]] in [[Himalayas]], Bhīmāshankar in [[Maharashtra]], [[Kasi Viswanath Temple|Viswanath]] at [[Varanasi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple|Triambakeshwar]] in Maharashtra, [[Vaidyanath]] in [[Jharkhand]], [[Nageshvara Jyotirlinga]] at [[Dwarka]] in [[Gujarat]], [[Ramanathaswamy Temple|Rameshwar]] at [[Rameswaram]] in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Grishneshwar]] in Maharashtra.<ref name="R."/><ref name="Chaturvedi">Chaturvedi 2006, pp. 58-72</ref>
Dating back to the 13th century this temple is carved in black stone, the ''sabhamandap (central hall)'' and the ''shikhara (dome)'' were improved upon in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis.


==Architecture==
The [[Bhima River]] originates from the Bhimashankar village, and the hills of the Manmad village are present near it, there are old rock carvings of the God Bhimashankar, ''Bhootings'' and ''Amba-Ambika'' on these hills.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2009-06-04 |title=Welcome to the Official Website of Pune District, Maharashtra. |url=http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html |access-date=2023-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604021424/http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html |archive-date=2009-06-04 }}</ref>
[[Image:bull BM.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Stone bull]]
[[Image:bell BM.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bell at the temple]]
The Bhimashankar temple is a composite of old and new structures in the [[Nagara architecture|Nagara]] style of architecture. It shows the excellency of the skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to the 13th century while the ''sabhamandap'' was built in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis. The [[Sikhara|shikhara]] was built by [[Nana Phadnavis]]. The great Maratha ruler [[Shivaji|Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj]]  is said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.


Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century CE. [[Dnyaneshwar|Saint Jnaneshwar]] is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar. A unique bell (Roman style) can be seen in front of the temple. This bell has an idol of Mother Mary with Jesus. This large bell was presented by [[Chimaji Appa]] (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of [[Nanasaheb Peshwa]]). On 16 May 1739, [[Chimaji Appa]] collected five large bells after he won a war against the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] from the [[Vasai Fort]]. He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the others at [[Menavali]] near [[Wai, Maharashtra|Wai]] in front of a Shiva Temple on the banks of the Krishna river, Banshanker temple (Pune), [[Omkareshwar]] Temple (Pune) and Ramlinga temple (Shirur).
==History==
According to [[Namdev]], a saint in the medieval era, Saint Jnaneshwar went to Tryambakeshwar and then Bhimashankar. Namdev himself has also visited this place.<ref name="Temples and Legends of Maharashtra">{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S. |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |location=Bombay |pages=129 |language=English}}</ref>


==Surroundings==
Bhimashankaram shrine and the Bhimarathi river have been talked about in writings as far back as the 13th century;<ref name="Temples and Legends of Maharashtra" /> however, the current construction of the temple seems to be fairly new.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pant Bansal |first=Sunita |title=Hindu Pilgrimage |publisher=V&S Publishers |year=2012 |isbn=978-93-505725-1-1 |location=Delhi |pages=69 |language=English}}</ref>
There are Buddha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, Bhootling, and Bhimashankar in the hills of Manmaad near Bhimashankar at a height of 1034 metres. A big bell in Hemadpanthi structure built by Nana Phadanavis is a feature of Bhimashankar. Places that can be visited in the vicinity include Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Origin of River Bhima, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, and Sākshi Vinayak. Bhimashankar is a reserved forest area of 130.78&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. This sanctuary is a part of the Western Ghats, so it is rich in floral and faunal diversity. A variety of birds, animals, insects and plants can be seen. A rare animal Malabar Giant squirrel locally called as "Shekaru" can be found in the deep woods. The [[Bhorgiri fort]] is close to Bhimashankar.


==Other temples and shrines==
The temple is built in the ''[[Nagara Style|Nagara]]'' style, which combines traditional and modern designs. The temple hall was constructed during the 18th century by Nāna Phadnavis of Peshwa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhimashankar Temple - DOT-Maharashtra Tourism - Maharashtra Tourism |url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/-/bhimashankar-temple |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=DOT-Maharashtra Tourism |language=en-US}}</ref> The village of Kharosi was granted to the temple by King [[Shivaji]]. The daily religious observance was funded through the financial resources derived from the people of the area.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S. |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |location=Bombay |pages=128–129 |language=English}}</ref>
There is a shrine known as Kalmaja near the Bhimashankar temple. Kalamaja is a Goddess dedicated to a tree named Kalamb. She is a local tribal Goddess and many stories have been spawned due to the influence of Hinduism on this region.


The ''Mokshakund thirtha'' is behind the Bhimashankar temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika.  There are also the Sarvathīrtha, the Kusharanya thirtha - where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.
He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the others in [[Menawali|Menavali]], near [[Wai, Maharashtra|Wai]], in front of a ''Shiva'' temple on the banks of the [[Krishna River]], the Banshanker Temple in Pune, the [[Omkareshwar Temple|Omkareshwar]] Temple in Pune, and the Ramlinga Temple in Pune ([[Shirur, Maharashtra|Shirur]]).<ref name="GoM" />


==Worship==
[[Chimaji Appa]] (brother of [[Bajirao I]]) donated a big bell to the temple, which is visible in front of the temple.<ref name="GoM" /> This is one of the many [[Portuguese India|Portuguese colonists']] [[Church bell|church's bell]], which Chimaji and his army brought from [[Fort Vasai|Vasai fort]] as souvenirs after defeating the Portuguese at the [[Battle of Vasai|Battle of Baçaim]] on February 1739. This type of bell is also present at the [[Khandoba Temple, Jejuri|Khandoba temple]] and Naro Shankar mandir in [[Nashik]].<ref name="V" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/why-bells-from-portuguese-era-churches-ring-in-temples-across-maharashtra/story-YYcaRl2vQ7rlULOu1oztzI_amp.html&ved=2ahUKEwi1grbxvNuAAxUUTGwGHWDcBrYQFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0ZnJgr6ceeTweaJo4Agtyg | title=Why bells from Portuguese-era churches ring in temples across Maharashtra | date=22 December 2018 }}</ref><ref name=":3" />
Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine, one of the 12 [[Jyotirlinga]]s of Shiva. Far away from the tumult of urban life, peeping through the white clouds, Bhimashankar can be termed a pilgrim's paradise. The dense forests surrounding the high ranges are an abode for rare species of flora and fauna. Situated at the extreme end of the [[Western Ghats|Sahyadri Ranges]], this place gives a wonderful view of the world around the local rivers and hill stations.


Bhimashankar is the source of the [[Bhima River]], which flows southeast and merges with the [[Krishna River]]. With endless stretches of virgin forests, lofty peaks that seem to reach out to the heavens, and the whispering waters of the Bhimā River, Bhimashankar is definitely one of God's choicest creations.
== Legend ==
The shrine is linked to the legendary ''[[asura]]'' known as ''[[Tripura Sundari|Tripura]]''. The story goes that Tripura did penance, and Brahma, delighted with Tripura's penance, manifests and grants him three wishes. Tripura demanded that he be invulnerable to the gods, devils, ''[[yaksha]]s'', and ''[[gandharva]]s''. His three "puras" should be unbreakable, and he should be able to travel anywhere in the universe. All his desires were fulfilled. Tripura embarked on a conquest to subjugate three [[Loka]]. [[Indra]], the deity associated with the heavens, was also vanquished. Indra made the decision to seek blessings from the deity Shiva and performed penance. Shiva made a vow to annihilate Tripura.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |pages=122–125 |language=English}}</ref>


It seems as if Lord Shiva is keeping a silent vigil over the majestic ranges of the Sahyadris. The serenity interrupted only by the silent murmuring of the cool breeze and the occasional chirping of birds, Bhimashankar is a trekker's delight and a traveller's sojourn.
On the peak of the [[Sahyadri]] hills, it is said that Shiva assumed the form of "Bhīmā Shankara" at the behest of the gods, and the sweat that spilled from his body after the battle is said to have formed the ''Bhimarathi'' river.<ref name=":0" />


==Transportation==
==Architecture==
One route to Bhimashankar from Pune is via Manchar. Another route is from Rajgurunagar (alias Khed) via Wada.
The architectural style of Bhimashankar is characterised by the use of the Nagara style, which is commonly found in northern India. The building style has some similarities to the [[Hemadpanti architecture|''Hemadpanthi'' style]], which is common in the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] region.<ref name=":3" /> It is claimed that the old temple was built on a ''[[Swayambhu]] Shiva [[Lingam|Linga]]''.
 
Bhimashankar is 74 miles or 127&nbsp;km from Pune by road. Private vehicles and cabs travel from Pune to Khed (Rajguru Nagar) to Manchar to Taaleghar and finally to the Bhimashankar temple. State buses go there from Pune daily and take more than five hours. During the Mahashivaratri festival, when there is a great fair at the temple, buses ply to and fro daily. It is accessible from [[Karjat]] on the Pune&nbsp;— Mumbai section of the Central railway. There is no proper road from Karjat to Bhimashankar and only the devotees who wish to go to the temple on foot during festivals use this road.
 
===From Mumbai===
If coming from [[Mumbai]], take Pune road. About 31.02&nbsp;km from [[Deonar]] traffic junction lies the Mumbai Pune Expressway (NH-4) after crossing Navi Mumbai and Panvel. After 52&nbsp;km from Panvel is Lonavala and 50&nbsp;km from there is on NH-4 is Talegaon Dabhade. At Talegaon Dabhade, turn left on the State Highway towards Chakan which is about 12&nbsp;km. At Chakan, take NH 50 towards Manchar which is around 65&nbsp;km to Bhimashankar. From Mumbai direct State Transport buses are available from Kurla Nehrunagar and Kalyan. you can go by changing buses. ST buses are available for Ghodegaon and Manchar from Mumbai central, Parel and Kurla Nehrunagar. after reaching Ghodegaon or Manchar next journey is easy due to more frequency of buses. Traveling from Mumbai to Bhimashankar takes 6 hours by private car and state transport vehicles take 8 hours.
 
===From Pune===
If starting from Pune, drive along the Pune-Nasik highway and turn off at the road leading to Bhimashankar. The mountain road is quite a steep climb. The distance is about 120&nbsp;km from Pune.
 
Government [[MSRTC]] buses (non-luxury) run from [[Pune]] to Bhimashankar every 30 minutes from 5:30 am till 4:00 pm. You can get State Transport buses from Shivajinagar, Pune. The fare is Rs. 155 and it takes around 4–5 hours to reach there from Pune.
 
==Accommodation==
The local [[upajjhaya]]s (priests) make arrangements for the lodging and boarding of pilgrims at a small cost. Visitors are accommodated in either temporary hutments or in Dharamshala near the village. Natraj Holiday Resort located less than 8&nbsp;km from the temple, has 23 rooms. A new Dharamshala is under construction. There are several hotels near Bhimashankar. Places like Shinoli and Ghodegaon are good for staying near Bhimashankar. Accommodation at Bhimashankar mainly comprises two bungalows (with a capacity of 8 beds) and tents.
 
==Visit times==
The best time to visit is between August and February. Though any time of the year is good to visit Bhimashankar, it is better to avoid visiting it during summer. Similarly during monsoon, unless one likes trekking, it is better to avoid a visit. That leaves the best period to seven months between August and February.
 
==City details==
The [[Khed (taluka of Pune)|Khed]]/Rajgurunagar is the administrative taluka in [[Pune]] district, comprising the upper reaches of the Ghod and Bhīmā rivers. Bhimashankar Temple has located in the village of Bhorgiri 50&nbsp;km in the north west of Khed. It is located 127&nbsp;km away from Pune in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. It is also the location of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is about 130&nbsp;km from Pune by road and 62&nbsp;km away from Manchar. Bhimashankar is in Pune District.


==History==
Furthermore, it can be seen that the ''Ling'' is located precisely in the center of the ''[[Garbhagriha]]'' (''[[Sanctum sanctorum]]'') of the temple. The ''[[garbhagriha]]'' and ''[[antarala]]'' are constructed using indigenous stone in the Indo-Aryan architectural style, which is also commonly found in [[Jain temple]]s. The pillars and door frames of the temple are covered with intricate [[carving]]s of deities and human figures.<ref>DR. M. B. POTDAR and DR. RUPA CHAVAN TOURISM IN BHIMASHANKAR : A GEOGRAPHICAL REIVIEW : Golden Research Thoughts (April; 2012)</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S. |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |location=Bombay |pages=127–128 |language=English}}</ref>
[[File:Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra.JPG|thumb|Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra]]
Although the present structure of the temple appears to be of comparatively recent origin, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, this temple is a modest yet graceful temple and dates back to the 18th century. One can also find borrowed influences from the Indo Aryan style of architecture.


It is believed that the ancient shrine was erected over a Swayambhu Lingam (that is the self emanated Shiva Lingam). It can be observed that the Lingam is exactly at the centre of the floor of the Garbagriham (the Sanctum Sanctorum) of the temple. Intricate carvings of divine beings, interspersed with human figurines adorn the pillars and the doorframes of the temple. Scenes from mythology find themselves captured in these magnificent carvings.
In the 18th century, [[Nana Fadnavis|Nāna Phadnavis]] built the ''Sabhamandap''; he also designed and built the ''[[shikhara]]''. The Maratha King [[Shivaji|Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj]] endowed this temple to facilitate religious ceremonies.<ref name="GoM">{{Cite web |title=Bhimashankar Temple (Pune) |url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/-/bhimashankar-temple |publisher=Government of Maharashtra}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation |last=Sharma |first=Archana |title=Shiva Temples |date=2022 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87285-4_4 |work=Mandala Urbanism, Landscape, and Ecology: Interpreting classic Indian texts and Vaastupurusha mandala as a framework for organizing towns |pages=35–46 |editor-last=Sharma |editor-first=Archana |access-date=2023-02-12 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-87285-4_4 |isbn=978-3-030-87285-4|url-access=subscription }}</ref>


Within the temple precincts, there is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shani Mahātma (also called Shanaeshwara). The idol of Nandi, Lord Shiva's vāhan (vehicle) has been installed as is the case with all the Siva Temples, just at the entrance of the temple.
== Vicinity ==
{{refimprove section |date=March 2025}}
In addition to the Bhimashankar Mandir, devotees also take ''[[Darshan (Hinduism)|darshan]]'' of the deities of temples present in the vicinity. There is a shrine for ''Siva Ganams'', ''Shaakini,'' and ''[[Dakini|Daakini]],'' who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon [[Tripurasura|Tripurasur]].


This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurāsura associated with the invincible flying citadels, the "Tripurās". Shiva is said to have taken abode in the 'Bhima Shankara' form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from His body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.
There are other temples near the main temple, such as ''Kamalaja'' ''mata,'' who is an incarnation of Goddess [[Parvati|Parvathi]] and who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripurasur.


The Gopura-shikhara of the temple was built by Nāna Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler, Shivāji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.
Behind the Bhimashankar temple is ''Mokshakund Tirtha''. The custom is to take a bath in the ''kund'' before proceeding to the temple. The ''kund'' is the result of Maha-muni Kaushika's legendary penance here. Additionally, there are the Jnyankund that Dattatreya created and the Sarvatirth connected to the goddess Bhashitadevi. Kusharanya tirth is located to the south of the temple, and it is from here that the Bhima River begins to flow eastward.
The 'Shani temple' is located inside the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar.


Between the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes across an ancient huge Portuguese bell. Behind the temple, there is a small pathway that leads one to the banks of a river.
A minor shrine dedicated to [[Shani|Lord Shani]] can be seen within the temple's grounds.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Goyal |first=Anuradha |date=2021-03-25 |title=Bhimashankar Temple On Banks Of Bhima River Near Pune |url=https://www.inditales.com/bhimashankar-jyotirlinga-temple-bhima-river-pune/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Inditales |language=en-US}}</ref> There is a statue of ''[[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]]'' in front of the Bhimashankar ''Shiva Linga''.
"Stepping out of the Temple, one is awed with a bewitching view of the virgin wilderness, occasionally interrupted by the glimpses of the majestic forts on the surrounding mountains."


History unveils itself in the peaks of the Sahyadris. Bhimashankar&nbsp;– a place where spiritual splendor merges with nature's magnificence is definitely a pilgrim's paradise. There are other temples and shrines, near the main temple. There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankar temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvathi, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Brahma.
The "Shani Temple" is situated within the main complex of the Bhimashankar temple.


There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini and Daakini who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon, Bhima. Kaushika Maha Muni is said to have done 'Tapas' (penance) there. The place where he bathed is called Mokshakund thirtham, which is located behind the Bhimashankar temple. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha - where the Bhīmā river begins to flow eastward, and the Jnyanakund.
Between the two pillars in front of the "[[Shani]]" shrine, there is an enormous antique Portuguese [[bell]] donated by Chimaji Appa in 1739 after his victory against the Portuguese. Behind the temple, there is a narrow walk that goes to the riverbanks. Outside the temple, there is forest area surrounded by mountains and ancient forts on top of them.
[[Image:topView BM.jpg|thumb|[[Mandir kalash|Kalash]] of this mandir]][[Image:bull BM.jpg|200px|thumb|Stone bull]]
[[File:Temple front view3.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Temple top view1.jpg|thumb|312x312px]]
[[File:Temple front view 2.jpg|thumb|Temple front view 2|292x292px]]
[[File:Bhimashankar Naagphani kada1.jpg|thumb|]]


==Pooja Details==
[[File:Bhimashankar Naagphani kada4.jpg|thumb|]]
[[Image:topView BM.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Top view of Bhimashankar Temple]]
[[File:Temple entry gate.jpg|thumb|]]
Three worship services are offered every day. Mahashivratri is a season of great festivity here.
[[File:Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra.JPG|thumb|Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra]][[Image:bell BM.jpg|200px|thumb|Portuguese church's bell of [[Vasai]] donated by [[Chimaji Appa]] in 1739 after the Marathas led by him won the war against the Portuguese<ref name=V>{{cite web | url=https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/Vasai-group-bells-abandoned-Portuguese-churches-missing-Mumbai-news-17688172 | title=Mumbai group turned sleuths to find missing bells from abandoned Portuguese churches | date=16 October 2016 }}</ref>]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+Temple Timings
!Event
!Timings
|-
|Mandir opening time
|4.30 am
|-
|Morning Aarti
|4:45 am to 5.00 am
|-
|Nijarup darshan
|5:00 am to 5.30 am
|-
|Normal Darshans and Abhishekam
|5:30 am to 2:30 pm
|-
|No Abhishekam between
|12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
|-
|Maha Puja (Naivedya Pooja)
|12.00 pm. to 12.30 pm
|-
|Afternoon Aarti
|3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
|-
|Shringar Darshans
|3:30 am to 9:30 pm
|-
|Evening Aarti
|7:30 pm to 8:00 pm
|}


This is not to be confused with the legendary Mruthyunjaya Lingam, where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purāna and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamaroopa country. However, there is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva&nbsp;— Bhimashankara&nbsp;—&nbsp; appeared on the Sahyādrīs.
== Other Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra ==
* [[Jyotirlinga]]
* [[Grishneshwar Temple]]
* [[Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple]]
* [[Shri Vaijnath Temple]]
* [[Aundha Nagnath Temple]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|3}}
{{reflist|3}}


==Notes==
==Bibliography ==
{{refbegin|2}}
{{refbegin|2}}
*{{Citation
* {{Citation
  | ref=Chaturvedi
  | ref=Chaturvedi
  | last=Chaturvedi
  | last=Chaturvedi
Line 155: Line 104:
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bchgql0em9YC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PA58
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bchgql0em9YC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PA58
}}
}}
*{{Citation
* {{Citation
  | ref=Eck
  | ref=Eck
  | last=Eck
  | last=Eck
Line 167: Line 116:
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J57C4d8Bv6UC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PA107
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J57C4d8Bv6UC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PA107
}}
}}
*{{Citation |ref=Gwynne|last=Gwynne|first=Paul |title=World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction|year=2009|publisher=Blackwell Publication | location  =Oxford |isbn=978-1-4051-6702-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tdsRKc_knZoC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PT271}}.
* {{Citation |ref=Gwynne|last=Gwynne|first=Paul |title=World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction|year=2009|publisher=Blackwell Publication | location  =Oxford |isbn=978-1-4051-6702-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tdsRKc_knZoC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PT271}}.
*{{cite book
* {{cite book
   | ref = Harding
   | ref = Harding
   | last = Harding
   | last = Harding
Line 179: Line 128:
   | isbn = 978-81-208-1450-9
   | isbn = 978-81-208-1450-9
}}
}}
*{{Citation | ref = Lochtefeld| last = Lochtefeld | first = James G. | title = The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M | year = 2002 | publisher=Rosen Publishing Group | isbn=0-8239-3179-X | page=122 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC}}
* {{Citation | ref = Lochtefeld| last = Lochtefeld | first = James G. | title = The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M | year = 2002 | publisher=Rosen Publishing Group | isbn=0-8239-3179-X | page=122 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC}}
*{{Citation
* {{Citation
  | last=R.
  | last=R.
  | ref=R.
  | ref=R.
Line 192: Line 141:
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtnNw_hiA9oC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PT113
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtnNw_hiA9oC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PT113
}}
}}
*{{cite book
* {{cite book
   | last = Vivekananda
   | last = Vivekananda
   | ref = Vivekananda
   | ref = Vivekananda
Line 199: Line 148:
   | chapter = The Paris Congress of the History of Religions
   | chapter = The Paris Congress of the History of Religions
   | chapter-url = http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/volume_4/translation_prose/the_paris_congress.htm
   | chapter-url = http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/volume_4/translation_prose/the_paris_congress.htm
   | volume = Vol.4
   | volume = 4
}}
}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
*http://www.bhimashankar.in
{{Portal|Hinduism}}
* http://www.bhimashankar.net.in
* Bhimashankar on Maharashtra gov tourism website -[https://web.archive.org/web/20080706012358/http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Shrines/Shrines.aspx?strpage=Jyotrilingas_Bhimashankar.html]
*https://www.bhimashankar.org.in
* The temple information on Pune district's website - [https://web.archive.org/web/20090604021424/http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html]
* https://web.archive.org/web/20150519081020/http://www.shinoli.com/bhimashankar/
* https://web.archive.org/web/20150407214954/http://bhimashankar.shinoli.com/
* https://templeknowledge.com/about-shree-bhimashankar-temple/
* https://web.archive.org/web/20080706012358/http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Shrines/Shrines.aspx?strpage=Jyotrilingas_Bhimashankar.html
* https://web.archive.org/web/20090604021424/http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html


{{Shaivism}}
{{Shaivism}}
{{Shiva temples}}
{{Shiva temples}}
{{Hindu temples in Maharashtra}}
{{Hindu temples in Maharashtra}}
[[Category:Hindu temples in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Jyotirlingas]]
[[Category:Jyotirlingas]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Pune district]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Pune district]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Temples in India]]
[[Category:Shaivism]]
[[Category:Pilgrimage in India]]
[[Category:Hindu holy cities]]

Latest revision as of 20:31, 19 February 2026


Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPune
DeityBhimashankar (Shiva Shankar)
FestivalsMahashivratri
Location
LocationBhimashankar village, Khed taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra
StateMaharashtra
CountryIndia
Bhimashankar Temple is located in Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Temple
Location in Maharashtra
Coordinates19°04′19″N 73°32′10″E / 19.072°N 73.536°E / 19.072; 73.536
Architecture
TypeNagara[citation needed]
Specifications
Length26
Width14
Temple2
Elevation934 m (3,064 ft)
Website
https://shreebhimashankar.com/hi/
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Bhimashankar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva situated in its eponymous village, Bhimashankar, in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is a key pilgrimage centre and contains one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.[1] The temple's Shiva lingam is one of the three[2] Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra.[3] The mandir is situated on a mountain, 110 kilometers away from Pune. The temple's vicinity has rare plant and animal species.[1] The mandir is located in Khed taluka, in the Bhimashankar forest range.[4]

Dating back to the 13th century this temple is carved in black stone, the sabhamandap (central hall) and the shikhara (dome) were improved upon in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis.

The Bhima River originates from the Bhimashankar village, and the hills of the Manmad village are present near it, there are old rock carvings of the God Bhimashankar, Bhootings and Amba-Ambika on these hills.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

According to Namdev, a saint in the medieval era, Saint Jnaneshwar went to Tryambakeshwar and then Bhimashankar. Namdev himself has also visited this place.[5]

Bhimashankaram shrine and the Bhimarathi river have been talked about in writings as far back as the 13th century;[5] however, the current construction of the temple seems to be fairly new.[6]

The temple is built in the Nagara style, which combines traditional and modern designs. The temple hall was constructed during the 18th century by Nāna Phadnavis of Peshwa.[7] The village of Kharosi was granted to the temple by King Shivaji. The daily religious observance was funded through the financial resources derived from the people of the area.[8]

He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the others in Menavali, near Wai, in front of a Shiva temple on the banks of the Krishna River, the Banshanker Temple in Pune, the Omkareshwar Temple in Pune, and the Ramlinga Temple in Pune (Shirur).[9]

Chimaji Appa (brother of Bajirao I) donated a big bell to the temple, which is visible in front of the temple.[9] This is one of the many Portuguese colonists' church's bell, which Chimaji and his army brought from Vasai fort as souvenirs after defeating the Portuguese at the Battle of Baçaim on February 1739. This type of bell is also present at the Khandoba temple and Naro Shankar mandir in Nashik.[10][11][12]

Legend[edit | edit source]

The shrine is linked to the legendary asura known as Tripura. The story goes that Tripura did penance, and Brahma, delighted with Tripura's penance, manifests and grants him three wishes. Tripura demanded that he be invulnerable to the gods, devils, yakshas, and gandharvas. His three "puras" should be unbreakable, and he should be able to travel anywhere in the universe. All his desires were fulfilled. Tripura embarked on a conquest to subjugate three Loka. Indra, the deity associated with the heavens, was also vanquished. Indra made the decision to seek blessings from the deity Shiva and performed penance. Shiva made a vow to annihilate Tripura.[13]

On the peak of the Sahyadri hills, it is said that Shiva assumed the form of "Bhīmā Shankara" at the behest of the gods, and the sweat that spilled from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.[14]

Architecture[edit | edit source]

The architectural style of Bhimashankar is characterised by the use of the Nagara style, which is commonly found in northern India. The building style has some similarities to the Hemadpanthi style, which is common in the Deccan region.[12] It is claimed that the old temple was built on a Swayambhu Shiva Linga.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the Ling is located precisely in the center of the Garbhagriha (Sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. The garbhagriha and antarala are constructed using indigenous stone in the Indo-Aryan architectural style, which is also commonly found in Jain temples. The pillars and door frames of the temple are covered with intricate carvings of deities and human figures.[15][16]

In the 18th century, Nāna Phadnavis built the Sabhamandap; he also designed and built the shikhara. The Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj endowed this temple to facilitate religious ceremonies.[9][14]

Vicinity[edit | edit source]

In addition to the Bhimashankar Mandir, devotees also take darshan of the deities of temples present in the vicinity. There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini, and Daakini, who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon Tripurasur.

There are other temples near the main temple, such as Kamalaja mata, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi and who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripurasur.

Behind the Bhimashankar temple is Mokshakund Tirtha. The custom is to take a bath in the kund before proceeding to the temple. The kund is the result of Maha-muni Kaushika's legendary penance here. Additionally, there are the Jnyankund that Dattatreya created and the Sarvatirth connected to the goddess Bhashitadevi. Kusharanya tirth is located to the south of the temple, and it is from here that the Bhima River begins to flow eastward.

A minor shrine dedicated to Lord Shani can be seen within the temple's grounds.[12] There is a statue of Nandi in front of the Bhimashankar Shiva Linga.

The "Shani Temple" is situated within the main complex of the Bhimashankar temple.

Between the two pillars in front of the "Shani" shrine, there is an enormous antique Portuguese bell donated by Chimaji Appa in 1739 after his victory against the Portuguese. Behind the temple, there is a narrow walk that goes to the riverbanks. Outside the temple, there is forest area surrounded by mountains and ancient forts on top of them.

Kalash of this mandir
Stone bull
Temple front view 2
Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra
Portuguese church's bell of Vasai donated by Chimaji Appa in 1739 after the Marathas led by him won the war against the Portuguese[10]

Other Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग: इथं सूर्योदयानंतर पूजा केल्याने पापांपासून मिळते मुक्ती, अशी आहे कथा". Lokmat News18. 12 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  2. ↑ "12 Jyotirlinga of India".
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Welcome to the Official Website of Pune District, Maharashtra". 4 June 2009. Archived from the original on 4 June 2009. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  4. ↑ "Landslide on Bhimashankar Temple road; no casualties". The Indian Expresse. 12 July 2022.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mate, M.S. (1962). Temples and Legends of Maharashtra (1st ed.). Bombay: Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 129.
  6. ↑ Pant Bansal, Sunita (2012). Hindu Pilgrimage. Delhi: V&S Publishers. p. 69. ISBN 978-93-505725-1-1.
  7. ↑ "Bhimashankar Temple - DOT-Maharashtra Tourism - Maharashtra Tourism". DOT-Maharashtra Tourism. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  8. ↑ Mate, M.S. (1962). Temples and Legends of Maharashtra (1st ed.). Bombay: Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. pp. 128–129.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Bhimashankar Temple (Pune)". Government of Maharashtra.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Mumbai group turned sleuths to find missing bells from abandoned Portuguese churches". 16 October 2016.
  11. ↑ "Why bells from Portuguese-era churches ring in temples across Maharashtra". 22 December 2018.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Goyal, Anuradha (25 March 2021). "Bhimashankar Temple On Banks Of Bhima River Near Pune". Inditales. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  13. ↑ Mate, M.S (1962). Temples and Legends of Maharashtra (1st ed.). Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. pp. 122–125.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Sharma, Archana (2022), Sharma, Archana (ed.), "Shiva Temples", Mandala Urbanism, Landscape, and Ecology: Interpreting classic Indian texts and Vaastupurusha mandala as a framework for organizing towns, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 35–46, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-87285-4_4, ISBN 978-3-030-87285-4, retrieved 12 February 2023{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  15. ↑ DR. M. B. POTDAR and DR. RUPA CHAVAN TOURISM IN BHIMASHANKAR : A GEOGRAPHICAL REIVIEW : Golden Research Thoughts (April; 2012)
  16. ↑ Mate, M.S. (1962). Temples and Legends of Maharashtra (1st ed.). Bombay: Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. pp. 127–128.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

  • Bhimashankar on Maharashtra gov tourism website -[1]
  • The temple information on Pune district's website - [2]
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