Credit: talktoastro
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: History, Facts and Travel Guide!
Contents:
- About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- The History of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- How to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- Some suggestions before going to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- Amazing Facts about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- Overall Budget of the Travel
- FAQs
About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, built between the serene Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, India. This ancient temple is located near the city of Pune in Maharashtra, India, and its surroundings make it a perfect place to attain solitude and calm with lush greenery and dense forests around.
The roots of the temple are linked with mythology and history. Legends tell that the temple has its existence at the point from which Lord Shiva emerged as a flaming column of fire, an image that hasn't been erased, showing his continuous existence. Architecturally, Bhimashankar Temple is outlet of the Nagara style, with elaborate carvings and an unostentatious yet deep sanctum abode to the revered Jyotirlingas.
Though much more than a spiritual hub, this temple is turned into a biodiversity center situated in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. It houses a variety of flora and fauna, from the rare Indian Giant Squirrel onwards. Therefore, pilgrims often take a trek through such beautiful landscapes to this temple, adding to the spirituality in the journey.
Thus, this Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is one such evidence to the, by far, rich religious traditions of India, attracting visitors from across the globe who come here in pursuit of solace, blessings, and bonding with nature and divinity.
The History of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
One of the oldest, with a visibility of reverberations since the 13th century, among the Jyotirlingas is the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. It is located in the serene Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, India. Legend has it that this is a place where Lord Shiva, in the form of Bhima, a blazing column of light, emerged to destroy the demon Tripurasura, who had been threatening the gods and humanity.
It is said to have cemented the temple as one of twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, each representing another aspect of the god Lord Shiva. The original temple structure dates back to the 13th century and was built in the Nagara style of architecture with its intrinsic carvings and humble but respected sanctum.
For several centuries, the place has been renovated and expanded by various dynasties; more prominent among them were the Marathas, who did a lot for the maintenance and development of the temple area as well. There are also folklores about the Bhima River, which is originally to emerge from the perspiration of Lord Shiva after his fight with the demon.
Today, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple stands not only as the leading religious site for one and all but also as a historical monument, reflecting the bequest of ancient Indian culture and devotion.
 |
| Created through Canva |
How to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ) is the closest airport, located about 110 km from the temple.
- From the airport to the temple: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Bhimashankar. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours by road.
- By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station is Pune Junction, about 110 km away. Another nearby one is Karjat, 65 km away. Though Pune connectivity is much better.
- From Station to Temple: One can hire a taxi or take a bus from Pune or Karjat to Bhimashankar.
- By Road:
- From Pune: The Bhimashankar is around 110 km from Pune. One can take the Pune Nashik Highway NH 60 and then turn onto the Bhimashankar Road. It consumes around 3 to 4 hours of drive.
- From Mumbai: The approximate distance from Mumbai is 210 km. Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to the Pune-Nashik Highway and then to Bhimashankar Road. The journey consumes around 5 to 6 hours.
- Bus Services: Regular services from Pune and other nearby cities are available through Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and private buses to Bhimashankar. The bus journey from Pune takes about 4 hours.
- By Trek:
- Trekking Routes: For adventure enthusiasts, there are also the trekking routes to Bhimashankar. The most popular trail is the Ganesh Ghat Route from Khandas village, which turns out to be around 14 km topped in about 4-5 hours.
- Level of Difficulty: The climb is of moderate level and offers excellent views of the Western Ghats, rallies, which makes it worthwhile for nature lovers.
Some suggestions before going to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- The best time to visit is from October to March with comfortable temperatures. Avoid the monsoon periods of June to September as it rains heavily and the paths are too slippery to climb.
- Winter Clothing: If visiting during winters, wear warm clothes due to a considerable drop in temperature during evening and early morning.
- Early Start: Start early in the morning to avoid the rush so that you have sufficient time to roam around and do rituals.
- Book your Accommodation in Advance: There are limited options of accommodation in Bhimashankar, so it is advisable to book them in advance, particularly in peak pilgrimage seasons.
- Hiking: Wear comfortable walking shoes or treking wear if one plans to do some hiking. A backpack should always be carried containing water, snack, first-aid box, and rain gear during the rainy months.
- Fitness Level: One needs to be moderately fit for the treks.
- Proper Clothings: Dress modestly with decent, full-length clothes that are appropriate during the temple visit. Avoid shorts or sleeveless top garments. Comfortable breathable clothings recommended for the journey and temple visit.
- Identity Proof: Government-issued proof of identity at hotels during check-in and other formalities.
- Cash: Do carry adequate cash as ATMs may not be easily accessible in the area.
- Temple things: Also, pack a small bag with some water, hand sanitizer, and some offerings for the temple, like flowers and fruits.
Amazing Facts about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- One of these twelve Jyotirlingas is the Bhimashankar Temple, which are considered to be the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga is believed to be a manifestation of Shiva's infinite light and power.
- Stories take it that Lord Shiva once manifested himself here in the form of a flaming pillar of light to slay a demon, Tripurasura, who had been harassing gods and humanity. According to legend, when Shiva was fighting the demon, the Bhima River emerged from his sweating body.
- Sahyadri Hills: Constructed in the peaceful Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra, the temple gets surrounded by dense forests and leaves one mesmerized with the high misconception of the exquisite natural landscape. The place boasts of high biodiversity and forms a part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Nagara Style: Constructed in the Nagara style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been constructed during the 13th century. Herein this colossus, one finds an intricacy of carvings with an unobtrusive and deep sanctum holding Lord Jyotirlinga.
- Ecological Significance: It lies within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a rich flora and fauna diversity, including the Indian Giant Squirrel. This sanctuary has immense importance to the preservation of the wide biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
- Perennial Stream: There is a natural water stream running perpetually, adjacent to the temple, known as Gupt Bhimashankar. It is believed to have healing properties and enhances the serene, spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
- Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary area forms a rich biodiversity with rare plant and animal species. The most famous among the sanctuary occupants are the Indian Giant Squirrel, who constitute the State Animal of Maharashtra State.
Overall Budget of the Travel
Conclusion
FAQs
What is Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga famous for?
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is famous for being one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, revered for its spiritual significance and nestled amidst the scenic Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra, India.
How to travel Bhimashankar from Pune?
You can reach Bhimashankar from Pune by road. Take the Pune-Nashik Highway NH 60 towards Manchar. Take the route to Bhimashankar via indicators starting from Manchar. Otherwise, you can hire a private taxi or take a state transport bus comfortably from Pune to reach Bhimashankar.
How many steps are there in Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga?
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple has approximately 200 steep steps leading to the main shrine. These steps add to the pilgrimage experience, offering a physical and spiritual journey for devotees.
Do we need to walk to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga?
Yes, one has to walk or trek to reach the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. The temple is located in a hilly area within the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra. While roads do exist that take one close to the temple, access to the primary shrine usually includes a fair amount of walking, particularly so if you choose to walk from the base village, Khandas, and other nearby trekking points. It offers a scenic route through dense forests and is known for the pilgrims and nature lovers.
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments