Lord Shankar Mahadev Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

According to Hindu Mythology there are 64 jyotirlingas out of these, 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. One of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga is Bhimashankar Temple. As other Jyotirlinga, it is said to have constructed over a Swayambhu (self-emanated) Shiva Linga.

Bhimashankar Temple is located at Bhavagiri village, 50 km northwest of Khed, at 110 Kms. from Pune in Maharashtra in the picturesque Sahyadri Ranges and provides a wonderful view of River Bhima. It is from here the Bhima River flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur. There is a dense forest surrounding the high ranges of Sahyadri village.

With the long stretches of undisturbed forests, towering peaks that seem to touch the heavens, and the tingling sound of water of the Bhima River, Bhimashankar is unquestionably one of God's choicest creations.

Bhimashankar Temple depicts the Nagara style of architecture and the excellency of the skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a simple yet graceful temple, and it dates back to the 13th century. 

At the entrance of the temple is the image of Nandi (the celestial bull). A unique bell that can be seen in front of the temple was gifted by Chimaji Appa (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa).

Chimney Appa had a fierce battle with the Portuguese. He won the war and collected two large bells from Vasai Fort. He offered one bell at Bhimashankar and the other at Menovali near Wai in front of a Shiva Temple on the banks of the Krishna river. The Mandap (Towering structure of the temple) and Shikhara developed in 18th century by Nana Phadnavis. The pillars and gateways of the temple are embellished with carvings of scenes from Hindu mythological stories.

There is a small temple devoted to Shani within the premises of the Bhima Shankar temple.

The great Maratha king Shivaji gave an immense donation to this temple to promote worship services.


Legend behind Origin of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Shrine and Bhimarathi River:

Many Years ago in the dense forests of Dakini, on the lofty ranges of the Sahaydris lived a demon named Bhima with his mother, Karkati. Bhima was unkind and cruel. Gods were scared of him a But he was faced with certain questions about his existence which continuously irritated him.

Bhima could not  sustain his agony and curiosity, he asked his mother to unveil the mysteries of his life. He urged his mother to tell him about his father and why he had abandoned them in the wilderness of the forest. Bhima's mother told him that he was the son of the mighty Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of the mighty King Ravana.

Rama killed Kumbhakarna in the war between them. After hearing this story, Bhima vouched to take revenge with Lord Vishnu. To achieve this, he started severe penance to please Brahma.

Brahma was pleased with his staunch devotee and granted him immense power. That was the great blunder from Brahma. After that, Bhima caused havoc in the three worlds. He defeated King Indra and conquered the heaven. He also defeated a devotee of Lord Shiva – Kamarupeshwar, and put him in the chains. He started torturing Sages and Saints.

All this angered the Gods. All Gods along with Lord Brahma went to Lord Shiva for his help for their rescue. Lord Shiva solaced the Gods and agreed to save them from Bhima. Meanwhile, Bhima insisted and ordered Kamarupeshwar to worship him in its place of Lord Shiva. When Kamarupeshwar refused, Bhima uplifted his sword to hit the Shiva Linga, to which Kamarupeshwar was praying. As soon as Bhima managed to raise his sword, Lord Shiva emerged from Shivalinga and appeared before him; then the fierce war began between Shiva and Bhima. Narada appeared and requested Shiva to put an end to this war. It was then that Shiva conquered Bhima and turned him to  ashes and thus concluded the saga of tyranny. All the Gods and the holy sages present there requested Shiva to make this place his abode. Shiva thus incarnated himself in the form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. It is believed that the sweat that oozed from Lord Shiva's body after the fierce battle created the Bhimarathi River... Read More