Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is one of the most sacred places for Hindus in Maharashtra, India. Located in the Sahyadri Mountains, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This ancient temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, who come to seek blessings and experience spiritual upliftment.
In this article, we will explore the significance of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Hindu mythology, the legends and myths surrounding it, the architecture of the temple, the best time to visit, accommodation options, trekking and adventure activities in the Sahyadri Mountains, other temples and attractions nearby, and how to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated in the village of Bhorgiri in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is located at the source of the Bhima River. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The lingam is said to have been self-manifested and is believed to be the source of the Bhima River. The temple complex also includes other shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati.
According to Hindu mythology, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is associated with several legends and stories. One of the popular stories is that the demon Tripurasura had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma, which made him invincible. He then created three cities in the sky, earth, and underworld, and started tormenting the gods.
Lord Shiva then appeared as Bhimashankar and destroyed the three cities with a single arrow.
Another legend is that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a tiger to kill a demon named Bhima, who was terrorizing the people in the region. The lingam at the temple is said to represent the spot where Lord Shiva appeared.
Apart from the above-mentioned legends, there are several other myths and stories associated with Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. One of the stories is that the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata had visited the temple during their exile and had offered prayers to Lord Shiva.
Another legend is that the temple was built by a Brahmin named Sudharm along with his disciples. They had performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva, who then appeared to them and asked them to build the temple.
The architecture of Bhimashankar Temple is a blend of Nagara and Hemadpanthi styles. The temple has a shikhara (spire) that rises to a height of 50 feet and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The entrance of the temple has a huge Nandi bull statue, which is considered as the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva.
The temple complex also includes a large sabha mandap (assembly hall), which has several pillars and carvings. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the lingam of Lord Shiva, which is adorned with flowers and other offerings.
The best time to visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is during the winter months from November to February. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided as the region receives heavy rainfall, which may cause landslides and roadblocks.
There are several accommodation options available near Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, ranging from budget to luxury. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) operates a resort near the temple, which offers comfortable rooms and cottages. There are also several private hotels and lodges available in the nearby towns of Bhimashankar and Manchar.
Visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is a spiritual experience that can be felt by every devotee. The peaceful surroundings, the sound of the river, and the fragrance of flowers create a serene atmosphere that helps in connecting with the divine. The temple priests perform several rituals and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, which can be witnessed by the devotees.
The temple also conducts several festivals and events throughout the year, which attract a large number of devotees. The Mahashivratri festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is considered one of the biggest festivals at the temple.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri Mountains, which offer several trekking and adventure activities for tourists. The region is rich in biodiversity and is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. The trek to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular activity, which offers glimpses of several species of birds, animals, and reptiles.
The region also has several waterfalls and streams, which are ideal for rappelling and other adventure activities. The nearby town of Lonavala is also a popular tourist destination, which offers several adventure activities like rock climbing and paragliding.
Apart from Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, there are several other temples and attractions located near the temple. The Kamalaja Devi Temple, located atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The Hanuman Lake, located near the temple, is a popular picnic spot, which offers boating and other recreational activities.
The nearby town of Manchar is famous for its strawberry fields, which attract several tourists during the harvesting season. The town of Junnar, located at a distance of 50 km from Bhimashankar, is famous for its ancient Buddhist caves, which date back to the 2nd century BC.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located at a distance of 110 km from Pune and 220 km from Mumbai. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is well connected to several major cities in India. The nearest railway station is in Pune, which is connected to several major cities in India.
From Pune, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. The road journey takes around 3 hours and offers scenic views of the Sahyadri Mountains.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is a must-visit destination for every devotee of Lord Shiva. The temple is steeped in mythology and legends, which add to its spiritual significance. The architecture of the temple, the peaceful surroundings, and the sound of the Bhima River create a serene atmosphere that helps in connecting with the divine.
Apart from the temple, the Sahyadri Mountains offer several trekking and adventure activities, which add to the overall experience. The nearby attractions like the Kamalaja Devi Temple, Hanuman Lake, and Junnar Buddhist caves offer glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
So, if you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or someone who is seeking spiritual upliftment, then Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
