Bhimashankar Temple
Architecture
The existing structure of the temple seems to be of relatively recent origin, the shrine Bhimasankar has been noted in literature dating back to the 13th century. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, this temple is a humble yet graceful temple and dates back to the 18th century. One can also find acquired characters from the Indo-Aryan style of architecture.
Timings of Temple
Mandir opening time 4.30 am.
Morning Aarti 4:45 am to 5.00 am.
Nijarup darshan 5:00 am to 5.30 am.
Normal Darshans and Abhishek am 5:30 am to 2:30 pm
No Abhishek am between 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
Maha Puja (Naivedya Pooja) 12.00 pm. to 12.30 pm
Afternoon Aarti 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Shringar Darshans 3:30 am to 9:30 pm
Evening Aarti 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Legend
There are several stories connected with the Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga. Here are two of them:
A demon called Tripura Sura offered repentance in the Bhimasankar jungle to gratify Bhagwan Shiva and asked him for the reward of eternity. Bhagwan Shiva was happy with his dedication and awarded him immortality on the provision that he would use his power to help the local people. Tripurasura agreed with Bhagwan Shiva. However, over time, he forgot his promise and began to harass both humans and the Devas. When the Devas pleaded with Bhagwan Shiva to do something to end the ensuing turmoil, Bhagwan Shiva prayed to his consort Devi Parvati. Both of them appeared as Ardhanari Nateshwara and killed Tripurasura, after which harmony prevailed.
Another legend depicts that, in the Dakini forests which are situated on the ranges of the Sahyadri Mountains lived a demon named Bhima with his mother Karkati. He was the son of Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of King Ravana. When he learned that Bhagwan Vishnu had annihilated his father in his avatar as Rama, he was enraged. He pledged revenge and offered severe repentance to gratify Bhagwan Brahma. In answer, Bhagwan Brahma bestowed him with tremendous strength, which he used to terrorize the universe. He detained a loyal believer of Bhagwan Shiva i.e, Kamrupeshwar, and commanded that he pray to him instead of Bhagwan Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar denied it, Bhima raised his sword to annihilate the Shivalinga. That is when Bhagwan Shiva emerged before him and reduced him to ashes. The place where Bhagwan Shiva revealed himself is the spot the Shivalinga is deemed to be now.
History
Historical figures like Chatrapati Shivaji and Rajaram Maharaj were remembered to attend this shrine. This was a popular place for Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Raghunath. Raghunath Peshwa had a well drilled up here. The Diwan of the Peshawar, Nana Phadnavis rehabilitated this temple. A court hall was built by a Pune trader by the name Chimanji Antaji Nayik Bhinde in 1437 AD.
How to reach ?
By Train: Pune Railway Station is the closest railway station. The station is connected to cities like Puri, Mysore, New Delhi and Jaipur. After reaching Pune Railway Station, hire a taxi to drive down to Bhimasankar.
By Air: Pune Airport is the near to Bhimasankar. From Pune airport, Bhimasankar is around two and half hour drive away. The airport is well connected to all the major cities of the country.
