Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine located in the Sahyadri hills, in Maharashtra. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is the source of a Bhima river that flows in western and south India. One of the interesting facts about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is that the temple is a famous jyotirlinga, which means a shrine where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of light. The Bhimashankar temple history and the story behind Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga states that the temple name originated from the river Bhima which evaporated during the war between Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura. Read this article to know how to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, which is the Bhimashankar nearest railway station and the exact Bhimashankar Pune distance. Ensure that you have a glimpse of Bhimashankar temple timings before you visit the holy shrine.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra
Jyotirlingas are revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popular belief is that Lord Shiva visited these locations and hence it holds a special place in the minds and hearts of the followers. In India, there are 12 Jyotirlingas.
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is a well-liked pilgrimage site surrounded by deep forests, lakes, mountains, and a diversity of flora and animals. The story behind Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga has fascinated not only Maharashtra but the whole of India.
Bhimashankar Temple Timings
Bhimashankar temple timings are as follows:
- Kakada Aarti – 4.30 am.
- Nijarup Darshan – 5.00 am.
- Regular Pooja, Abhishek begins – 5.30 am.
- Naivedya Pooja (No Abhishek inside) – 12.00 noon.
- Regular Pooja, Abhishek resumes – 12.30 pm.
- Madhyan Aarti (no darshan for 45 minutes) – 3.00 PM
- Shringar darshan (No Abhishek inside) – 4.00 pm to 9.30 pm.
- Aarti – 7.30 pm.
- Mandir closes – 9.30 pm.
Story Behind Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra
Bhima, an asura, lived in this region. When he was a little older, his mother, Karkati, informed him that Kumbhakarna, King Ravana’s brother, was his father. His mother also told him that Lord Vishnu had killed his father during one of his previous incarnations (Lord Ram). Bhima decided to exact revenge for his father’s passing. He began to pray to Lord Brahma, and the lord bestowed upon him great power.
As was to be feared, Bhima abused his position and caused chaos. He tortured saints and murdered innocent citizens and even kids. He once kidnapped Kamarupeshwar, a prominent Shiva devotee, to which the lord became furious.
When Bhima instructed Kamarupeshwar to worship him rather than Lord Shiva, the enmity grew. When Kamarupeshwar refuted this, Bhima drew his sword to kill him. At this point, Lord Shiva rescued his follower by killing Bhima. Lord Shiva became the Bheemashankar Jyotirlinga after receiving the consent of all the gods to reside here. Such is the story behind Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
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Bhimashankar Temple History
The 13th century is when the original sanctum first appeared. The shrine underwent several renovations at different points in time.
As per the Bhimashankar temple history, the general belief is that a woodcutter named Bhatirao Lakadhara discovered the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra during the 13th century when the earth began to bleed when his axe struck a tree. The bleeding stopped when the locals gathered there and gave the tree milk. Villagers erected a tiny temple there and gave it the name Bhimashankar Temple.
Numerous well-known people like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Raghunathrao Peshwa, and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath often visited the shrine and performed poojas and restorations there.
Architecture Of Bhimashankar
The architecture of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is primarily in the 13th-century literary referenced -Nagara style. The temple was allegedly constructed in the 18th century. The intriguing architecture shows the craftsmanship of the builders. This temple contains all the various components of Hindu temple architecture, including the Mandapa, Kalasa, Garbhagriha, Shikara, and Ardha Mandapa.
Every level of the temple hones elaborate designs of heavenly beings, humans, and other celestial beings like in the door frame. In the exact middle of the Garbhagriha is Shiva Linga.
Surrounding the main temple are numerous smaller temples with exquisite designs honouring various gods. Later, Nana Phadnavis, a minister in the Maratha state under Peshwa authority, constructed the Gopura-shikhara.
Also Read – Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Timings, Story, History, Facts And How To Reach
Facts About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
These facts about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga make it an attractive and serene shrine to visit. Below are some of the lesser-known facts about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga:
- Bhimashankar temple located in the Western Ghats is a wildlife sanctuary as it is a conserved forest area home to beautiful flora and fauna.
- The Malabar Giant Squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra, can be easily found here.
- The temple is amidst a deciduous and evergreen forest on the hard basaltic rock. Though there is a severe water deficit throughout the summer, the high altitude results in exceptionally substantial rainfall. The reserve extends up to the Thane district, which is close to Mumbai.
- As per the Bhimashankar temple history, a sizable bell with a sculpture of Jesus & Mother Mary was given by Chimaji Appa outside the temple. He had won a war against the Portuguese authorities after which he took five of the enormous bells from the Vasai fort.
- Here visitors may physically touch the god in the sanctum to gain a unique sense of fulfilment and strengthen their bond with the building’s ambience.
- The linga is precisely in the middle of the temple floor. On the pillars and doors of the temple are exquisite carvings of both divine and human figures. There are also representations of mythological scenes here.
- Within the temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shanishwara. As is customary in Shiva temples, a statue of Lord Shiva’s steed, Nandi, can be seen at the entrance.
How To Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
If you are also looking for how to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, you can opt for any of the below-mentioned modes of travelling.
Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga By Air
Pune Airport is the closest to Bhimashankar considering the Bhimashankar Pune distance. It is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the airport that connects to major cities.
Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga By Train
Bhimashankar nearest railway station is the Pune Railway Station. It is 111km away from Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. There are connections from this station to places like Mysore, Puri, New Delhi, and Jaipur. Hire a taxi to Bhimashankar after arriving at Pune Railway Station.
Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga By Road
Buses are available from Kalyan and Ghatkopar in Mumbai and Shivajinagar in Pune. To go to Bhimashankar, you can also use a taxi or cab service judging by the Bhimashankar Pune distance.
Also Read – 12 Jyotirlinga List With Place In India And How To Reach
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is Bhimashankar Famous?
One of the nation’s 12 Jyotirlingas, the Bhimashankar Temple, is the reason for Bhimashankar’s fame. It is also well-known among those who enjoy animals because it contains a stunning wildlife refuge where Malabar Giant Squirrels and a few endangered bird species. Bhimashankar treks provide that much-needed rush of adrenaline one wishes.
2. Who Built The Bhimashankar Temple?
This simple yet elegant temple was built in the 13th century. Nana Phadnavis constructed the sabha mandap in the 18th century. Nana Phadnavis built the shikhara. The Maratha emperor Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj is said to have endowed this temple to facilitate religious activities.
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