Bhimashankar Temple
Pune, Maharashtra
Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)Jyotirlinga
Significance
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats. The temple is surrounded by thick forest — the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Indian giant squirrel (Shekru). The source of the river Bhima is near here.
Legend & Story
According to the Shiva Purana, the demon Bhima (son of Kumbhakarna) performed penance to gain power and terrorized the gods. Shiva destroyed him at this spot. The sweat from Shiva's body during the battle formed the river Bhima.
Architecture
Darshan Timings
5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
How to Reach
Air: Pune Airport (PNQ), 110 km.
Rail: Pune station, 110 km. Then bus/taxi.
Road: Pune 110 km (3 hrs). Mumbai 220 km (5 hrs). Trekking routes available from base villages.