Bhimashankar Temple

Bhimashankar temple is situated at about two hundred kilo meters from Mumbai city. It is one of the twelve temples that are part of the Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is located at the source of the River Bhima, which flows in the south east direction, and then joins the River Krishna.

The Bhimashankar temple is a Nagara style temple which was built some time in the 18 th century. Apart from the Nagara style of architecture, the temple has some traces of influences from the Indo Aryan form of architectural styles. Popular belief says that the temple was constructed over a Swayambhu Linga or a Self Emanated Shiva Linga (phallus). The Linga is situated exactly at the center of the Sanctum or the Garbagriha ( womb chamber ) of the temple. There are elaborate engravings on the door frames, pillars and walls of the temple.

There is also a minuscule shrine that is devoted to Lord Shani within the temple area. A statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s Vahan, or transport, is placed right at the entry point of the temple. The shikara, or the superstructure of the sanctum, was built by Nana Phadnavis. Shivaji, the great Maratha king, was said to have helped in carrying out the services. Same as all temples of Shiva in the area, the lower level of the temple houses the Sanctum.

There are no hotels in the vicinity of Bhimashankar temple. There are some dharamshalas that are reserved for temple visitors. The priests or upadhyays of the temple can arrange accommodation for pilgrim tourists for a small cost. There are temporary hutments where you can be accommodated, as well as some dharamshalas in the villages. There is a new dharamshala that is being built now.

Information –

State - Maharashtra

District - Pune

Altitude - 110 m

Famous for / as - Jyotirlinga, Wildlife

Weather - Winter 13 – 30 ° C ; Summer 23 – 37 ° C,

Languages - Marathi, Hindi

Best Season - Oct – Mar