The Bhimashankar Temple near Pune perfectly combines ancient spirituality with biodiversity. The temple’s name ‘Bhimashankar’ is a combination of 2 words – Bhima and Shankar, which directly represent the nature – Bhima river and spirituality – God Shiva. The temple is nestled deep inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to wild animals and rare plants. In this blog, learn about the mythological story and unique facts of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. Also, get to know the mysterious temples hidden inside the Bhimashankar forest. Many people visit the main Bhimashankar temple, but miss out on visiting the small yet unique temples hidden inside Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Mythological Story of Bhimashankar Temple
The story of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is noted in Shiva Purana, Kotirudra Samhita, Chapters 20 to 21. It begins with Kumbhakarna, the mighty brother of Ravana. Kumbhakarna and his wife Karkati had a son named Bhima Asura (demon). Upon hearing that his father was killed in the Ramayana war, he decided to avenge his father’s death. So he did severe penance for 1000 years to gain immense powers. God Brahma, pleased with his penance, granted him incomparable strength.
Armed with his new boon from God Brahma, he unleashed terror on earth and conquered the gods, including Indra and God Vishnu. He also conquered the kingdom of Kamarupa, which belonged to a great devotee of God Shiva. When the King of Kamarupa was captured and imprisoned by the demon Bhima, he made a small earthen Shivalinga inside the prison and started worshipping it. God Shiva was delighted by his devotion, and after listening to the pleas of other Gods, he says to the King of Kamarupa, “I shall kill Bhima, who is wicked, whose power is enhanced by the boon of Brahma, and who has insulted you.”
Bhima was threatened by the King’s intense worship of God Shiva. So when he was meditating, the demon Bhima struck his sword upon the Shivalinga. At once, God Shiva manifested in his full form. A battle ensued between God Shiva and Bhima Asura (demon). God Shiva finally reduced Bhima to ashes with only the ‘hum’ sound of his Trishula.
Bhima River & Bhimashankar Shivalinga
It is believed that after this great battle, God Shiva took some rest at this place. The sweat from his body fell onto the earth, and the holy Bhima River originated from this place. A powerful Shivalinga was self-manifested here, which is now inside the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. This unique Shivalinga has a distinctive groove/cut which divides the Shivalinga into 2 parts, and aligns perfectly with the above story. It is also a common belief that these 2 parts of a Shivalinga symbolise the union of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This is the only Jyotirlinga temple in India where the Shivlinga is believed to be in Ardhanareshwara form – ie, representing both male and female energies.
A Moksha Kunda Teertha (pond) is located just behind the temple. It is customary to take a bath in this Kunda (pond) before visiting the temple. It is believed that there are a total of 108 Teerthas (ponds) in Bhimashankar. The most popular ones are – Mokshakunda Teertha, the Saravateerth, the Kusharanya Teertha, Krida Teertha, Papmochan Teertha and the Gyankunda Teertha.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Unique Location of Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar Temple is the most unique Jyotirlinga in India, also because of its unique natural location. It offers an experience of walking into a portal of divine energy, in the middle of nowhere. Imagine a dense forest which is home to rare wildlife like the Giant Indian Squirrel (Shekru) and numerous rare plants of great medicinal value. Now, imagine a Shiva temple right in the middle of this forest, which is known as the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. And imagine how a Hindu temple with thousands of devotees visiting per day coexists with a declared wildlife sanctuary. Moreover, this temple is perched at a height of approximately 1000 meters, in the Sahyadri mountains. It is often lost in the misty clouds in the monsoon season, adding to the mysterious vibes of the temple.
Architecture of Bhimashankar Temple
The Bhimashankar Temple’s architecture has been greatly influenced by Chalukyas and Marathas. The main temple complex is more than 800 years old. It was first constructed by King Karna of the Chalukya dynasty from 6th to 12th century. The divine figures, flower motifs, and symbols from the Chalukya period are found on the doorframes and massive pillars inside the temple. Later, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj facilitated many religious ceremonies at this temple. After him, in the 18th century, Nada Phadnavis from the Maratha empire built the Sabhamandap (outer halls) and rebuilt the Shikhara (pinnacle) of the temple.
The Bhimashankar temple has a combination of old Hemadpanti and modern Nagara style of architecture. Both are commonly found in temples of western and northern India. The Shivalinga at Bhimashankar Temple is said to be a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga. The Garbagriha (inner sanctum) is at a lower level below the ground. Sages and Hindu scholars like Sant Kaushika Maha Muni and Sant Dyaneshwar Maharaj have also visited this temple, and performed severe penance at this temple. Many leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajaram Maharaj, Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, Raghunath Rao, have visited this temple, contributed to the renovations and performed religious ceremonies at this temple. Thus, the Bhimashankar Temple still remains an important centre of divine power.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Mysterious Temples in Bhimashankar Forest
Below are a few mysterious temples which I discovered inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, with the help of the local guide. Out of these, the Gupt Bhimashankar spot inside the forest is very popular, but the others are lesser-known temples.
Gupt Bhimashankar
The Marathi word Gupt translates to hidden. Gupt Bhimashankar is located about a 20-30 minute hike inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is believed to be the original site where God Shiva appeared to slay the demon Bhima. Locals believe that this is the most spiritually powerful spot in the entire Bhimashankar region. There is no grand temple structure here, but still, this place will give you some goosebumps.
Gupt Bhimashankar is a small Shivalinga formed in the natural rock. It is constantly bathed by the nearby waterfall. The small hike through the Bhimashankar forest to reach this place is easy, exciting and worth it. The entire atmosphere at this spot comes alive with the cascading waterfall, combined with the sounds of the surrounding forest. A visit to Bhimashankar is incomplete without a visit to Gupt Bhimashankar.
Sakshi Vinayak Mandir
To reach this small stone temple of God Ganesha, you have to cross the water streams. It is on the opposite side of the Gupt Bhimashankar spot, deeper into the forest. There is something spooky yet sacred about this place. People have an interesting ritual of balancing stone towers and making a wish at this temple. You can see how many people have made stone towers or circles at this place, hopefully, all their wishes come true.
Hanuman Tal & Forest Sadhus
On the other end of the forest, near the Bhimashankar bus stop, there is another hiking trail which leads to this hidden Hanuman temple and Hanuman Tal (lake/pond). The hiking trail to this temple is simple and flat. The Hanuman Tal and the forest all around it give a magical feeling. Some Sadhus live near this pond, performing their daily rituals and meditations. This is also a powerful spiritual place in the Bhimashankar forest.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Bhima River Origin Temple
This temple is not very deep inside the forest, it is just near the main Bhimashankar temple. It is easily reachable by a 2-minute walk from the main temple. This is a sacred spot from where the holy Bhima River originates. The Bhima River is one of Maharashtra’s most sacred rivers, worshipped as much as the Ganga River. This river originates in the Bhimashankar forest, and is just a tiny spring here. But as the river travels and reaches the holy town of Pandharpur, it becomes a mighty river, and it is known as the Chandrabhaga. Standing at this origin fills you with strange humility, because this tiny spring here is the origin of a river that sustains thousands of lives downstream.
Panchgadi Temple
The Bhima River origin temple is also considered extremely sacred because it is a Panchgadi Temple. Just next to the Bhima River origin spot, you will find the five deities together – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya (Sun), and Chandra (Moon). This rare combination of Gods makes this a powerful spiritual spot in Bhimashankar, which you must visit in your Bhimashankar trip. Despite being closer to the main temple, you will not find crowds here. It is a very peaceful place, and the silence will make you feel a deep energy in your bones. It is the best place to meditate, reflect and feel connected to something much older than time itself.
Kalamja Mata Mandir
This temple near the Bhimashankar temple’s entrance or parking area is the most recently renovated cement temple. Kalamja Mata is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She is the deity of the many Adivasi (tribal) people in Maharashtra. This temple has peaceful vibes and clean atmosphere. Some old discarded sculptures are found near this temple. They might have been a part of the old temple, but are now kept outside the temple.
Controversy of the Bhimashankar Temple
The Maharashtrians believe that the Bhimashankar temple near Pune is a Jyotirlinga Temple, but Assam also has another Bhimashankar Temple, which they strongly believe is the real Jyotirlinga Temple. The exact places, Kamarupa and Dakini hills, mentioned in the Shiv Purana, are found in Guwahati, Assam. But the Maharashtrians believe that the Dakini hills refer to this region of the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. There are many other versions of stories about the Bhimashankar temple of Maharashtra. Hindus and scholars are divided on this matter, where some believe the Jyotirlinga is in Maharashtra, while others believe it is in Assam based on the exact locations mentioned in the Shiv Purana. Nevertheless, visiting Bhimashankar Temple near Pune is a life-changing experience.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
How to reach Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
- Pune to Bhimashankar Temple distance: 110 km, 3 hours drive.
- Mumbai to Bhimashankar Temple distance: 191 km, 5 hours drive.
- Nashik to Bhimashankar Temple distance: 208 km, 5 hours drive.
- Best time to visit Bhimashankar Temple: Monsoons and the Shravan month are the best times to visit, but it is also beautiful all around the year.
- Other places to visit near Bhimashankar temple: Nagphani point and Matheran point for beautiful views of the Sahyadri mountains and valleys.
Exact Locations of Temples in Bhimashankar
Although I am listing out the locations here, I would suggest you take a local guide with you to explore the temples deep inside the forest. It adds some security, the local guides take you to the right spots faster, and you also help the local economy.
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MuDJGgHvD1H6ZCSv9
- Moksha Kunda Thertha: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZiAUR8T4wayfApBi6
- Gupt Bhimashankar Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rrfMyoksrqHwLtfMA
- Sakshi Vinayak Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SYQ2NuXqjQHTrZFm6
- Hanuman Tal & Forest Sadhus: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qKTgv2vBC8r59SNm9
- Bhima River Origin Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D5dgyeECzQY1z5F1A
- Panchgadi Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D5dgyeECzQY1z5F1A
- Kalamja Mata Mandir: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JuEHDzr8GQLFBqM3A
Explore Bhimashankar Beyond the Jyotirlinga
Visiting any Jyotirlinga temple in India is not just about ticking off a temple from your list. You must go to experience the soul of the temples. The Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra is a spiritual journey and an adventure into wild nature. The main temple attracts thousands of devotees, but it’s the forgotten paths, walks among the whispering trees and the hidden temples in the forest that truly transform you. Every step you take here feels like stepping back into the time when Gods walked the earth and forests were sacred. You can certainly feel the divine presence of Shiva on hills, valleys and in the forest around this temple. Next time you visit Bhimashankar, feel the magic, find the mysteries and take the forest trails.
