Deep in the forested Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, stands Bhimashankar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple lies within a protected wildlife sanctuary, surrounded by dense green hills.
FACT: A TEMPLE INSIDE A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Bhimashankar is one of the very few Jyotirlingas located inside a designated wildlife sanctuary. The forest around the temple is home to the endangered Indian giant squirrel, locally called Shekru, the state animal of Maharashtra. Pilgrims here often combine their darshan with a walk through genuinely rare forest habitat.
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्
Transliteration: Paralyaam Vaidyanatham cha, Dakinyaam Bhimashankaram
Meaning: At Parali resides Vaidyanath, and in the Dakini region resides Bhimashankar.
Source: Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, from the Shiva Purana tradition
The Story of Bhimashankar
According to the Shiva Purana, a powerful demon named Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna, once troubled the world and even tormented a devout king named Sudakshina who was a great devotee of Shiva. As the demon tried to attack the king during his worship, Lord Shiva himself emerged from the Shiva Linga that the king was praying to. A fierce battle followed between Shiva and the demon Bhima.
When Shiva finally destroyed the demon, the exertion of the battle caused Shiva's sweat to flow down the hills, giving rise to the river that is still known today as the Bhimarathi. The devotees who witnessed this prayed that Shiva remain there forever, and he agreed to stay as the Jyotirlinga Bhimashankar.
A Hidden Second Shrine
A short distance from the main temple, deep in the forest, lies a lesser known spot called Gupt Bhimashankar, where a natural spring is believed to be the true origin point of the Bhimarathi river. Many pilgrims who have already visited the main temple make a point of trekking to this quieter, more secluded site as well.
FACT: ORIGIN OF A RIVER
The Bhimarathi river, which later joins the Krishna river, is believed by devotees to have originated from this very spot as a mark of Shiva's victory over evil.
FACT: ORIGIN OF A RIVER
The Bhimarathi river, which later joins the Krishna river, is believed by devotees to have originated from this very spot as a mark of Shiva's victory over evil.
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Transliteration: Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning: Salutations to Shiva. This is the Panchakshara Mantra, the five-syllabled mantra of Lord Shiva (Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya), chanted by pilgrims at every Jyotirlinga as a simple, complete offering of devotion.
Source: Panchakshara Mantra, found in the Sri Rudram of the Yajurveda and repeated throughout the Shiva Purana
How to Reach Bhimashankar
- Nearest major city and railway station: Pune, about 110 kilometres away.
- The route passes through ghat sections with several turns; hired taxis and state buses both operate this route.
- The temple itself is at the base of the hill, with a short walk from the parking area.
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Location |
Khed taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra |
|
Nearest Railway Station |
Pune Junction (about 110 km) |
|
Nearest Airport |
Pune International Airport |
|
Temple Darshan Hours |
4:30 AM to 9:30 PM (approximate) |
|
Best Time to Visit |
October to February |
|
Wheelchair Access |
Limited; forest terrain involves some walking |
Estimated Cost for a 2-Night Stay (Per Person)
|
Expense |
Approximate Cost |
|
Budget lodge near temple |
Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per night |
|
Mid-range hotel in Pune (if staying there instead) |
Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000 per night |
|
Taxi from Pune to Bhimashankar (return) |
Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,500 |
|
Meals |
Rs. 150 to Rs. 350 per day |
What Else Can You See Nearby
- Gupt Bhimashankar - the hidden secondary spring shrine in the forest.
- Bhorgiri Caves - ancient rock-cut caves a short trek away.
- Manchar town - a convenient stop for food and rest on the way from Pune.
TIP FOR SENIOR PILGRIMS
The ghat road can take longer than expected, so plan for a full day trip from Pune rather than a rushed visit. The cooler months from October to February are most comfortable; the monsoon brings heavy rain and occasional landslides in this region.
CLOSING MYTH: THE RIVER THAT REMEMBERS
Local belief holds that the Bhimarathi river still carries the blessing of that ancient battle. Devotees who bathe in its waters near the temple believe they are cleansed not just physically, but of the burdens they carry within.