Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Temple is one of the ancient 12th Jyotirlinga shrines situated 50 km from Rajgurunagar near Pune. It is situated 127 km from Shivajinagar in the Ghat area of the Sahyadri Mountains in the state of Maharashtra, India. Bhīmāshankar is also the origin of the river Bhima, which runs southeast and joins with the Krishna river near Raichur. Bhimashankar has been listed as a wildlife sanctuary. It is a reserved forest area and is rich in flora and fauna. This sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats.

Legend

There are several stories connected with the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Here are two of them:

A demon called Tripurasura offered repentance in the Bhimashankar 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 Kumbharkarna, 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 Peshwar, Nana Phadanvis rehabilitated this temple. A court hall was built by a Pune trader by the name Chimanji Antaji Nayik Bhinde in 1437 AD.

Architecture of Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, Maharashtra

The existing structure of the temple seems to be of relatively recent origin, the shrine Bhimashankaram 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.

How to reach Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, Maharashtra?

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 Bhimashankar.

By Air: Pune Airport is the near to Bhimashankar. From Pune airport, Bhimashankar is around two and half hour drive away. The airport is well connected to all the major cities of the country.