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Bhimashankar Temple is a Jyotirlinga shrine located 50 km northwest of Khed (alias Rajgurunagar), near Pune, in India. It is located 127 km from Shivajinagar (in Pune) in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri Mountains. Bhīmāshankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna river near Raichur. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Trimbakeshwarnear Nashik and Grishneshwar.
Bhimashakar is the roots of the river Bhima which flows from the southeast and is integrated with the Krishna river near the city Raichur.
Festivals celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple
- Kartik Poornima
- Mahashivratri
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Dipawali
Architecture
The holy shrine of Bhimashankar is a work of Naga-style architecture. The temple brilliantly showcases the intelligent work of Vishwakarma sculptors of ancient times. Bhimashankara temple is a composite of both the old and the new structures in the Nagara Style of architecture.
The Nana Phadnavis are also responsible for building the shikhara. The endowments of the ancient temple are believed to be made by the great Maratha ruler, Shivaji to facilitate the worshipping of Lord Shiva. The sanctum is constructed at a lower level.
A unique bell, made in Roman style is seen in front of the temple. It is a holy idol of Mother Mary with Jesus. Chimaji Appa presented the large bell as a token of his victory against the Portuguese on 16 May 1739.
Legend / Local stories
According to legend, a demon Tripurasura did penance in the Bhimashankar jungle ages ago in order to please Lord shiva. He hoped that by pleasing the Lord he would be given the gift of immortality. The Lord, pleased by Tripurasara’s devotion, blessed him with immortality on the condition that Tripurasara would use his boon for the welfare of the local folk and help them. In case Tripurasara forgot his vow, the Lord would be entitled to sue him in any way he deemed suitable.
As time went on, Tripurasara forgot all about his vow and began harassing the local folk as well as other deities. Chaos reigned and the deities approached the Lord to help them.
The Lord prayed to Goddess Parvati to help him. Together, in the form of “ardh-narya-nateshwar”, on the eve of Kartik Poornima, they killed Tripurasara and the day is now known as Tripurasara Poornima.
After Tripurasara’s death, his wives Dakini and Shakini approached lord Shiva, questioning their existence without Tripurasara. The Lord blessed them both with immortality.
Demon named Bhima – son of Kumbhakarna younger brother of demon king Ravana lived with his mother Karkati in the dense forest Dakini on the ranges of the Sahyadri hills. Once he got to know from his mother about his father and how Kumbhakarna was killed by the Lord Shree Ram – the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He had decided to take revenge and performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma. Demon Bhima was blessed with a superpower from the Lord Brahma and started using his power on Rishi, Gods, people etc. Once, Bhima imprisoned Kamrupeshwar – the true devotee of Lord Shiva. And order to worship him in place of Lord Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar refused to do as he said Bhima raised his sword at Shivlinga. Then Lord Shiva appeared from Shivlinga and reduced him to ashes. This is the place Bhimashakar Jyotilinga where Lord Shiva appeared and release all from the torture of the demon Bhima.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
The distance between the Bhimashankar temple and Pune is about 160 km. Government MSRTC buses (non-luxury) run from Pune to Bhimashankar every 30 minutes. They operate from 5:30 AM till 4:00 PM. The bus can be taken from Shivajinagar, Pune. The fare for the same is Rs. 132. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach the temple from Pune.
Address
Shree kshetra Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashakar, Khed, Pune
Contact Details
Website: http://www.bhimashankar.in
Email Id: ganesh@bhimashankar.in
Bhimashankar temple Contact Number: 9130633033,9422883330
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year and during festivals
Activity: Daily Darshan, Rituals and Natural Environment