About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of twelve Jyotirlinga temples, is located near the small village of Bhorgiri, on the banks of the Chandrabhaga – Bhima River, about 50 kms from Khed tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra, India.
- It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Bhavargiri, Rathnachal, and Bhima Shankar mountains are located nearby the temple and the Bhimashankar temple is located on the Bhima Shankar hill.
- Inside the temple, the main image is a Jyotirlingam, which represents Lord Shivas unlimited nature. The Jyotirlingas are holy temples of Lord Shiva; Lord shiva is believed to have visited these places personally, so they hold a special place in the hearts of the devotees.
- A statue of Nandi, the Mount of Lord Shiva, is found in the entrance to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, as is usual for Shiva temples. The idol of Nandi, Lord Shivas vaahan (vehicle), has been installed, just as is the case with all Shiva temples, right at the entrance to the temple. The main idol of Bhimashankar Mahadev is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The other name for Lord Shiva is Moteshwar Mahadev.
History of Bhimashankar Temple
- Bhimashankar temple place where Lord Vishnu appears and free everyone from Bhimas demons torment. Mokshakund, located outside of the temple is believed to be where the Maharishi Kaushik (also known as Brahmarishi Visvamitra) performed penances or tapasyas to please gods. Although the current structure of the Bhimashankar Temple appears to have relatively recent origins, Bhimashankaram shrine (and Bhima River) has been mentioned in literature dating from the 13th century, whereas the Sabha Mandap was built in the 18th century by Nana Phadanvis.
- It is believed that Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great ruler of the Marathas, laid a foundation in Bhimashankar for facilitating the services of worship. The excellent Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to Shri Bhimashankar in Maharashtra to facilitate the conduct of worship services. Within the premises of the temple, there is also a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Sani Mahatma (also called Sanaeshwara).
Some Facts of Bhimashankar Temple
- Bhimashankar Temple has also grown into one of the most appealing and famous religious places of the State of Maharashtra and even of India. Bhimashankar temple is surrounded by thick forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes that appeal to the nature lovers along with pilgrims. Located on the farthest tip of the Sahyadri ranges, the Bhimashankar Temple offers an amazing view of the world surrounding local rivers and hill stations.
- It is believed that Bhimashankar temple was built on top of a swayambhu Lingam (that is, the Self-Emanating Lingam of Shiva). Matheran Point — Matheran point is a 500-metre distance away from Shri Bhimashankar, Maharashtra, and one can view various parts of Maharashtra like Matheran, Raigarh, and Thane. The story of Hanuman, or Krida Tirtha, is located 2 kilometers from the main temple.
How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga?
- By Air – Nearest Airport for Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is Pune Airport. From airport the temple is 43 km. far. You can easily take bus from there.
- By Train – If you are going by train you have to arrive at Pune Railway Station. From station the temple is 111 km. far.
- By Road– Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga can be easily reached by public transports like bus and cabs.