Deity
Shiva (Bhimashankar)
Main deity
श्री भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is a Shiva shrine revered as a Jyotirlinga, set amid forested Sahyadri hills at Bhimashankar in Pune district, Maharashtra. The temple is associated with the Bhimashankar form of Shiva and reflects a Nagara architectural style.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Jyotirlinga
Primary tag
Architecture
Nagara
Style
Location
Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra
City/District/State
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founder
- Nana Phadnavis and Chhatrapati Shivaji
- Construction
- 18th century CE
- References to the shrine date to the 13th century, while the modern Nagara-style stone structure was developed by Maratha statesman Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century. Maratha commander Chimaji Appa gifted a large Portuguese bell seized during the Battle of Vasai. The temple is set in a wildlife sanctuary at the source of the Bhima River.
Significance
- Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, revered as the site where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. The temple is surrounded by a forest sanctuary home to the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru). Devotees gather here for Abhishekam, Mahashivratri celebrations, and nature pilgrimages.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Confirm timings on arrival
Timings are marked approximate (04:30–21:30). Recheck at the entrance or local notice boards before planning rituals.
Start early for smoother darshan
Arriving closer to opening time can help avoid peak queues, especially on weekends and Shiva-observance days.
Carry essentials for a hill setting
The temple is described as forest-surrounded in the Sahyadri hills; keep water and basic rain/sun protection as needed.
Keep footwear and belongings organized
Use designated areas for footwear and keep valuables minimal for easier movement in crowded periods.
Respect temple protocols
Follow queue discipline and any instructions for sanctum access, photography, and offerings as displayed on site.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
04:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Kakad Aarti is performed at 04:30 AM.
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Feb–Mar • Major annual observance
Maha Shivaratri
Night-long worship and abhishekam cycles draw high pilgrim participation.
Jul–Aug • Monthly observance
Shravana Somvar
Shravana Mondays are observed with Shiva-focused vrata and offerings.
Oct–Nov • Festival period
Kartik Deepam
Lamp-lighting rituals and evening devotion are widely observed.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
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