Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, also known as Bhimashankar Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in its eponymous village, Bhimashankar, in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is a key pilgrimage centre and contains one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India. The temple’s Shiva lingam is one of the five Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra, making Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga an important spiritual landmark for devotees of Lord Shiva.
This ancient shrine is nestled in the Sahyadri hills in the state of Maharashtra, about 110 kilometers from Pune. The temple’s vicinity is blessed with rare plant and animal species, enhancing its serene natural charm. This guide explores the rich tapestry of legends, architectural grandeur, and unique historical artifacts that make Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga a profound spiritual destination amid the tranquil beauty of the Western Ghats.
Location and Sacred Environment
- Geographic Details: Bhimashankar Temple is located in Bhimashankar village, Khed taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra. It is located 125 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills.
- Elevation: The temple is situated at an elevation of 934 m (3,064 ft). Some sources mention it at an altitude of 1034 feet and 3500 feet above sea level.
- Bhimashankar Forest Range and Wildlife Sanctuary: The mandir is located in Khed taluka, in the Bhimashankar forest range. In recent times, Bhimashankar has gained tremendous significance since it was declared as a “WILD LIFE SANCTUARY”. This sanctuary is a part of the Western Ghats, rich in floral and faunal diversity, where a variety of birds, animals, insects, and plants can be seen. A rare animal, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, locally called “Shekaru,” can be found in the deep woods. The total basin area of the Bhima River is 48,631 sq.km., out of which 75 percent lie in the state of Maharashtra.
- Origin of Bhima River: The Bhima River originates from the Bhimashankar village, near Bhimashankar Temple in the Bhimashankar hills on the western side of the Western Ghats in Pune District of Maharashtra. It flows southeast for 861 kilometres (535 mi) through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana states, before joining the Krishna River. The Bhima River is known as Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur.
- Old Rock Carvings: The hills of the Manmad village, present near the Bhimashankar village, have old rock carvings of the God Bhimashankar, Bhootings, and Amba-Ambika.
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Patrons
The Bhimashankar temple is a composite of old and new structures in the Nagara style of architecture.
- Nagara Style Architecture: The architectural style of Bhimashankar is characterized by the use of the Nagara style, which is commonly found in northern India. The building style has some similarities to the Hemadpanthi style, which is common in the Deccan region. Nagara temples are typically built on a high platform and are characterized by tall, pyramidal towers called shikharas. The Nagara style is known for the absence of boundary walls, unlike the Dravidian style.
- Construction Details: The temple hall (sabhamandap) was constructed during the 18th century by Nāna Phadnavis of Peshwa. Nāna Phadnavis also designed and built the shikhara (spire). Some parts of the temple were renovated later on during Maratha reign in the 18th century. The temple dates back to the 13th century. Researchers and literary sources claim that the temple structure is at least 800 years old and dates back to the early 13th century. In 1437 AD, a Pune-based Sahukar (trader) called Chimaji Antanji Nayik Bhinde built a court hall in the temple.
- Garbhagriha and Antarala: The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and antarala are constructed using indigenous stone in the Indo-Aryan architectural style, which is also commonly found in Jain temples. The garbhagriha has been constructed at a lower level inside which the sacred Jyotirlinga is present. The linga is located precisely in the center of the Garbhagriha.
- Pillars and Door Frames with Intricate Carvings: The pillars and door frames of the temple are covered with intricate carvings of deities and human figures. The temple features huge court spaces, intricate carvings on walls, and colossal pillars.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Endowment: The Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj endowed this temple to facilitate religious ceremonies. The village of Kharosi was granted to the temple by King Shivaji.
Legends of Bhimashankar: Shiva’s Manifestation
The history of Bhimashankar Mandir is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology.
- Legend 1: Annihilation of Tripura:
- Tripura’s Boons from Brahma: According to the Shiva Purana, a demon named Tripura performed severe penance. Brahma, delighted with Tripura’s penance, appeared and granted him three wishes: to be invulnerable to gods, devils, yakshas, and gandharvas; that his three “puras” (cities) should be unbreakable; and that he should be able to travel anywhere in the universe. Brahma also added a condition that Tripura would meet his death only if a person could destroy his three puras with a single arrow.
- Tripura’s Conquest: Tripura embarked on a conquest to subjugate the three Loka (worlds). Indra, the deity associated with the heavens, was also vanquished.
- Indra’s Penance to Shiva: The defeated and sorrow-filled Indra and other gods approached Shiva, performing penance and pleading with him to free the world from Tripura’s clutches by slaying him.
- Shiva Assuming “Bhīmā Shankara” Form: Shiva made a vow to annihilate Tripura. On the peak of the Sahyadri hills, Shiva is said to have assumed the gigantic form of “Bhīmā Shankara” at the behest of the gods. Armed with an army of ganas and yoginis like Dakini and Shakini, Shiva, mounted upon his vahan Nandi, attacked Tripura. The battle was stiff, and Shiva ultimately destroyed Tripura’s three puras with a single missile, slaying him with flames from his third eye.
- Bhimarathi River Formation from Shiva’s Sweat: Exhausted from the tussle, Shiva sat down with streams of sweat running from his body. The sweat that spilled from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river. The river Bhima started from this very pond or kund formed by his sweat. The gods and rishis requested him to permanently stay where he sat in his Bhima form, and the streams of sweat to turn into an eternal river.
- Legend 2: Swayambhu Linga: It is claimed that the old temple was built on a Swayambhu Shiva Linga. The Jyotirlinga at Bhimashankar is thought to have formed naturally from the ground. It is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be self-manifested representations of Lord Shiva’s divine form.
The Unique Portuguese Bell and Other Artifacts
- Donation by Chimaji Appa: Chimaji Appa (brother of Bajirao I) donated a big bell to the temple, which is visible in front of the temple. This enormous antique Portuguese bell was donated by Chimaji Appa in 1739.
- Origin from Battle of Baçaim (1739): This bell is one of the many Portuguese colonists’ church bells, which Chimaji and his army brought from Vasai fort as souvenirs after defeating the Portuguese at the Battle of Baçaim in February 1739. The Marathas confiscated huge bells from the Portuguese churches and offered them to the temples of their favourite deities, as war trophies. The bell was cast in 1729.
- Similar Bells Elsewhere: This type of bell is also present at the Khandoba temple and Naro Shankar mandir in Nashik. Apparently, there are 34 temples in Maharashtra that contain 38 captured Portuguese bells. The Portuguese bells are visible in important Hindu temples like Rameshwar Temple, Nashik; Tulja Bhavani Temple, Osmanabad; Bhimashankar Temple and Jejuri Temple, both in Pune district; and Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, among others.
Temple Complex and Nearby Shrines
In addition to the Bhimashankar Mandir, devotees also take darshan of the deities of temples present in the vicinity.
- Shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini, and Daakini: There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini, and Daakini, who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon Tripurasur.
- Kamalaja Mata Temple: There are other temples near the main temple, such as Kamalaja Mata, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi and who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripurasur.
- Mokshakund Tirtha: Behind the Bhimashankar temple is Mokshakund Tirtha. It is customary to take a bath in the kund before proceeding to the temple. The kund is the result of Maha-muni Kaushika’s legendary penance here. The Bhimashankar shrine marked the victory of undying faith over arrogance, and thus, anyone who visits the shrine with a pure heart is known to get rid of all mental impurities.
- Jnyankund and Sarvatirth: Additionally, there are the Jnyankund that Dattatreya created and the Sarvatirth connected to the goddess Bhashitadevi.
- Kusharanya Tirth: Kusharanya tirth is located to the south of the temple, and it is from here that the Bhima River begins to flow eastward. The Kusharanya Tirtha here is the source of the river Bhima.
- Shani Temple and Nandi Statue: A minor shrine dedicated to Lord Shani can be seen within the temple’s grounds. The “Shani Temple” is situated within the main complex of the Bhimashankar temple. There is a statue of Nandi in front of the Bhimashankar Shiva Linga.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
- Nearest Airport: Pune Airport (Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is another major airport but further away).
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station. Mhow and Khandwa Junction are also mentioned as nearby.
- Road Access: Bhimashankar is situated on a mountain, 110 kilometers away from Pune. It is located 125 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is around 200kms from Mumbai.
- Trekking Opportunities: Bhimashankar is a popular destination for trekkers. The lush green forests, mountains surrounding it, and the steep slopes make it famous for trekking. There are two trekking routes to reach Bhimashankar temple, both starting from the base village of Khandas.
Other Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
The temple’s Shiva lingam is one of the five Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. The five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra are:
- Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (Nashik)
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Pune)
- Grishneshwar Temple (Aurangabad)
- Aundha Nagnath Temple (Hingoli)
- Parli Vaijnath Temple (Beed)
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, nestled amidst the pristine Sahyadri hills and the rich biodiversity of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, stands as a profound testament to ancient faith and enduring spiritual power. As one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and one of the five in Maharashtra, this divine site—also known as Bhimashankar Temple—showcases a unique blend of Nagara architecture, a deep tapestry of legends—including Lord Shiva’s fierce battle with Tripurasura—and the intriguing presence of a Portuguese-era bell, offering a truly distinctive pilgrimage experience.
From the origin of the sacred Bhima River to the tranquil Mokshakund Tirtha, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga invites devotees and nature lovers alike to connect with the divine in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty and historical significance.Its architectural forms resonate with the traditions seen in Nagara style temple design, a classical approach to temple construction across northern India.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What is the significance of Bhimashankar Temple?
Bhimashankar Temple is a key pilgrimage center, being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. It is believed to be a site where Lord Shiva appeared as a fiery pillar of light and is deeply associated with legends of Shiva’s triumph over demons like Tripurasura. It is also known for its rich biodiversity as it is located within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
2: What is the legend behind the Bhima River’s origin?
The Bhima River originates from the Bhimashankar village in the Bhimashankar hills. Legend has it that the name Bhimashankar originated from the river Bhima, which was formed from the sweat that spilled from Lord Shiva’s body after his fierce battle with the demon Tripurasura.
3: Who built the Bhimashankar Temple?
The exact origin of the temple is not certain, but researchers claim the temple structure dates back to the early 13th century. The temple is said to have been built around a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga. The sabhamandap and shikhara were built by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also made endowments to the temple. Scholars have conducted detailed archaeological research on Indian temples that provide deeper insight into how such sacred structures evolved across centuries.
4: What is unique about the bell at Bhimashankar Temple?
The enormous antique bell at Bhimashankar Temple is unique because it is a Portuguese-era church bell, originally cast in 1729. It was brought from Vasai Fort as a war trophy by Chimaji Appa in 1739 after the Marathas defeated the Portuguese at the Battle of Baçaim.
5: Can we trek to Bhimashankar Temple?
Yes, Bhimashankar is a popular destination for trekkers. There are two trekking routes, both starting from the base village of Khandas. The lush green forests, surrounding mountains, and steep slopes make it a well-known spot for trekking.
For further exploration of the region’s spiritual heritage, delve into other Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra like Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple.
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