Bhimashankar Temple

{{Short description|Shiva temple in Pune district, Tamil Nadu, India}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}{{Use Indian English|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox Hindu temple | name = Bhimashankar Temple | native_name = Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga | image = Bhimashankar.jpg | alt = | caption = Bhimashankar mandir in its namesake village | map_type = India Maharashtra | map_caption = Location in Maharashtra | coordinates = {{coord|19.072|73.536|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}} | country = India | state = Maharashtra | district = Pune | taluka = | locale = | elevation_m =934 | deity = Bhimashankar (Shiva Shankar) | festivals= Mahashivratri | architecture = Nagara{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} | temple_quantity =2 | monument_quantity= | inscriptions = | year_completed = | creator = | website =https://shreebhimashankar.com/hi/ |religious_affiliation=Hinduism|length=26|width=14|location=''Bhimashankar'' village, Khed taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra}} {{Saivism}}

'''Bhimashankar Temple''' is a Hindu temple dedicated to ''Shiva'' situated in its eponymous village, Bhimashankar, in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is a key pilgrimage centre and contains one of the 12 ''Jyotirlingas''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग: इथं सूर्योदयानंतर पूजा केल्याने पापांपासून मिळते मुक्ती, अशी आहे कथा |url=https://lokmat.news18.com/religion/twelve-jyotirlinga-interesting-facts-about-bheemashankar-in-marathi-mhrp-827334.html |website=Lokmat News18 |date=12 February 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816210511/https://lokmat.news18.com/religion/twelve-jyotirlinga-interesting-facts-about-bheemashankar-in-marathi-mhrp-827334.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The temple's Shiva lingam is one of the three<ref>{{Cite web |title=12 Jyotirlinga of India |url=https://www.makemytrip.com/tripideas/jyotirlingas-in-india}}</ref> ''Jyotirlingas'' of Maharashtra.<ref name=":2" /> The ''mandir'' is situated on a mountain, 110 kilometers away from Pune. The temple's vicinity has rare plant and animal species.<ref name=":1" /> The mandir is located in ''Khed taluka'', in the Bhimashankar forest range.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Landslide on Bhimashankar Temple road; no casualties |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/landslide-on-bhimashankar-temple-road-no-casualties-8023460/ |website=The Indian Expresse|date=12 July 2022 }}</ref>

Dating back to the 13th century this temple is carved in black stone, the ''sabhamandap (central hall)'' and the ''shikhara (dome)'' were improved upon in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis.

The Bhima River originates from the Bhimashankar village, and the hills of the Manmad village are present near it, there are old rock carvings of the God Bhimashankar, ''Bhootings'' and ''Amba-Ambika'' on these hills.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2009-06-04 |title=Welcome to the Official Website of Pune District, Maharashtra. |url=http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html |access-date=2023-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604021424/http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html |archive-date=2009-06-04 }}</ref>200px|thumb|Stone bull ==History== According to Namdev, a saint in the medieval era, Saint Jnaneshwar went to Tryambakeshwar and then Bhimashankar. Namdev himself has also visited this place.<ref name="Temples and Legends of Maharashtra">{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S. |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |location=Bombay |pages=129 |language=English}}</ref>

Bhimashankaram shrine and the Bhimarathi river have been talked about in writings as far back as the 13th century;<ref name="Temples and Legends of Maharashtra" /> however, the current construction of the temple seems to be fairly new.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pant Bansal |first=Sunita |title=Hindu Pilgrimage |publisher=V&S Publishers |year=2012 |isbn=978-93-505725-1-1 |location=Delhi |pages=69 |language=English}}</ref>

The temple is built in the ''Nagara'' style, which combines traditional and modern designs. The temple hall was constructed during the 18th century by Nāna Phadnavis of Peshwa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhimashankar Temple - DOT-Maharashtra Tourism - Maharashtra Tourism |url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/-/bhimashankar-temple |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=DOT-Maharashtra Tourism |language=en-US}}</ref> The village of Kharosi was granted to the temple by King Shivaji. The daily religious observance was funded through the financial resources derived from the people of the area.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S. |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |location=Bombay |pages=128–129 |language=English}}</ref>

He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the others in Menavali, near Wai, in front of a ''Shiva'' temple on the banks of the Krishna River, the Banshanker Temple in Pune, the Omkareshwar Temple in Pune, and the Ramlinga Temple in Pune (Shirur).<ref name="GoM" />

Chimaji Appa (brother of Bajirao I) donated a big bell to the temple, which is visible in front of the temple.<ref name="GoM" /> This is one of the many Portuguese colonists' church's bell, which Chimaji and his army brought from Vasai fort as souvenirs after defeating the Portuguese at the Battle of Baçaim on February 1739. This type of bell is also present at the Khandoba temple and Naro Shankar mandir in Nashik.<ref name="V" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/why-bells-from-portuguese-era-churches-ring-in-temples-across-maharashtra/story-YYcaRl2vQ7rlULOu1oztzI_amp.html&ved=2ahUKEwi1grbxvNuAAxUUTGwGHWDcBrYQFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0ZnJgr6ceeTweaJo4Agtyg | title=Why bells from Portuguese-era churches ring in temples across Maharashtra | date=22 December 2018 }}</ref><ref name=":3" />

== Legend == The shrine is linked to the legendary ''asura'' known as ''Tripura''. The story goes that Tripura did penance, and Brahma, delighted with Tripura's penance, manifests and grants him three wishes. Tripura demanded that he be invulnerable to the gods, devils, ''yakshas'', and ''gandharvas''. His three "puras" should be unbreakable, and he should be able to travel anywhere in the universe. All his desires were fulfilled. Tripura embarked on a conquest to subjugate three Loka. Indra, the deity associated with the heavens, was also vanquished. Indra made the decision to seek blessings from the deity Shiva and performed penance. Shiva made a vow to annihilate Tripura.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |pages=122–125 |language=English}}</ref>

On the peak of the Sahyadri hills, it is said that Shiva assumed the form of "Bhīmā Shankara" at the behest of the gods, and the sweat that spilled from his body after the battle is said to have formed the ''Bhimarathi'' river.<ref name=":0" />

==Architecture== The architectural style of Bhimashankar is characterised 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.<ref name=":3" /> It is claimed that the old temple was built on a ''Swayambhu Shiva Linga''.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the ''Ling'' is located precisely in the center of the ''Garbhagriha'' (''Sanctum sanctorum'') of the temple. The ''garbhagriha'' and ''antarala'' are constructed using indigenous stone in the Indo-Aryan architectural style, which is also commonly found in Jain temples. The pillars and door frames of the temple are covered with intricate carvings of deities and human figures.<ref>DR. M. B. POTDAR and DR. RUPA CHAVAN TOURISM IN BHIMASHANKAR : A GEOGRAPHICAL REIVIEW : Golden Research Thoughts (April; 2012)</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Mate |first=M.S. |title=Temples and Legends of Maharashtra |publisher=Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1962 |edition=1st |location=Bombay |pages=127–128 |language=English}}</ref>

In the 18th century, Nāna Phadnavis built the ''Sabhamandap''; he also designed and built the ''shikhara''. The Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj endowed this temple to facilitate religious ceremonies.<ref name="GoM">{{Cite web |title=Bhimashankar Temple (Pune) |url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/-/bhimashankar-temple |publisher=Government of Maharashtra}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation |last=Sharma |first=Archana |title=Shiva Temples |date=2022 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87285-4_4 |work=Mandala Urbanism, Landscape, and Ecology: Interpreting classic Indian texts and Vaastupurusha mandala as a framework for organizing towns |pages=35–46 |editor-last=Sharma |editor-first=Archana |access-date=2023-02-12 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-87285-4_4 |isbn=978-3-030-87285-4|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== Vicinity == {{refimprove section |date=March 2025}} In addition to the Bhimashankar Mandir, devotees also take ''darshan'' of the deities of temples present in the vicinity. There is a shrine for ''Siva Ganams'', ''Shaakini,'' and ''Daakini,'' who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon Tripurasur.[[Image:topView BM.jpg|thumb|Kalash of this mandir]]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.

Behind the Bhimashankar temple is ''Mokshakund Tirtha''. The custom is 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. Additionally, there are the Jnyankund that Dattatreya created and the Sarvatirth connected to the goddess Bhashitadevi. Kusharanya tirth is located to the south of the temple, and it is from here that the Bhima River begins to flow eastward.

A minor shrine dedicated to Lord Shani can be seen within the temple's grounds.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Goyal |first=Anuradha |date=2021-03-25 |title=Bhimashankar Temple On Banks Of Bhima River Near Pune |url=https://www.inditales.com/bhimashankar-jyotirlinga-temple-bhima-river-pune/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Inditales |language=en-US}}</ref> There is a statue of ''Nandi'' in front of the Bhimashankar ''Shiva Linga''.

The "Shani Temple" is situated within the main complex of the Bhimashankar temple.thumbBetween the two pillars in front of the "Shani" shrine, there is an enormous antique Portuguese bell donated by Chimaji Appa in 1739 after his victory against the Portuguese. Behind the temple, there is a narrow walk that goes to the riverbanks. Outside the temple, there is forest area surrounded by mountains and ancient forts on top of them.

Nestled within the lush landscapes of the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, Bhimashankar is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance. Known for its dense forests, diverse wildlife, and picturesque landscapes.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Bhimashankar |url=https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/nature/bhimashankar/ |access-date=2026-05-01 |website=Department of Tourism Maharashtra |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Welcome to the Official Website of Pune District, Maharashtra. |url=http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604021424/http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html |archive-date=2009-06-04 |access-date=2026-05-01 |website=pune.gov.in |language=en}}</ref> thumb|312x312pxBhimashankar offers numerous trekking trails, such as the Shidi Ghat trail with steep steps resembling ladders, and the Ganesh Ghat trail, which provides a more gradual ascent through picturesque villages and thick forests.<ref name=":5" />

Hanuman Lake is located near Bhimashankar and is a prime spot for bird watching, with a wide variety of bird species frequenting the area.<ref name=":5" />

=== Daily Rituals and Vibrant Festivities === Bhimashankar Temple becomes vibrant and lively during major Hindu festivals. Maha Shivratri, held in February or March, is the most important festival. Worshippers observe night-long vigils and perform sacred rituals to honor Lord Shiva.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Bhimashankar Temple |url=https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/temple/bhimashankar/ |access-date=2026-05-01 |website=Department of Tourism Maharashtra |language=en-AU}}</ref> thumb|Temple front view 2|292x292pxThe Shravan month, from July to August, is another significant period. Thousands of devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra, carrying holy water to offer at the ''Jyotirlinga''. Kartik Purnima, celebrated in November or December, is a beautiful occasion where the temple is illuminated, and special prayers are conducted.<ref name=":6" />

Bhimashankar Temple is open throughout the year. From October to February, the weather is cool. The monsoon season, from June to September, transforms the area with many waterfalls flowing down the hills. However, the trails can become slippery. The summer months, from March to May, can be warm, but the temple remains a popular pilgrimage site.<ref name=":6" />thumb| thumb| thumb|Bhimashankar temple, Maharashtra[[Image:bell BM.jpg|200px|thumb|Portuguese church's bell of Vasai donated by Chimaji Appa in 1739 after the Marathas led by him won the war against the Portuguese<ref name="V">{{cite web | url=https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/Vasai-group-bells-abandoned-Portuguese-churches-missing-Mumbai-news-17688172 | title=Mumbai group turned sleuths to find missing bells from abandoned Portuguese churches | date=16 October 2016 }}</ref>]]

== Other Jyotirlinga In Maharashtra == * Jyotirlinga * Grishneshwar Temple * Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple * Shri Vaijnath Temple * Aundha Nagnath Temple thumb|

==References== {{reflist|3}}

==Bibliography == {{refbegin|2}} * {{Citation | ref=Chaturvedi | last=Chaturvedi | first=B. K. | year=2006 | title=Shiv Purana | place=New Delhi | publisher= Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd | edition=First | isbn=81-7182-721-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bchgql0em9YC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PA58 }} * {{Citation | ref=Eck | last=Eck | first=Diana L. | year=1999 | title=Banaras, city of light | place=New York | publisher= Columbia University Press | edition=First | isbn=0-231-11447-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J57C4d8Bv6UC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PA107 }} * {{Citation |ref=Gwynne|last=Gwynne|first=Paul |title=World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction|year=2009|publisher=Blackwell Publication | location =Oxford |isbn=978-1-4051-6702-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tdsRKc_knZoC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PT271}}. * {{cite book | ref = Harding | last = Harding | first = Elizabeth U. | title = Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar | chapter = God, the Father | publisher = Motilal Banarsidass | year = 1998 | pages = 156–157 | isbn = 978-81-208-1450-9 }} * {{Citation | ref = Lochtefeld| last = Lochtefeld | first = James G. | title = The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M | year = 2002 | publisher=Rosen Publishing Group | isbn=0-8239-3179-X | page=122 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC}} * {{Citation | last=R. | ref=R. | first=Venugopalam | year=2003 | title=Meditation: Any Time Any Where | place=Delhi | publisher= B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. | edition=First | isbn=81-8056-373-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtnNw_hiA9oC&q=jyotirlinga&pg=PT113 }} * {{cite book | last = Vivekananda | ref = Vivekananda | first = Swami | title = The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda | chapter = The Paris Congress of the History of Religions | chapter-url = http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/volume_4/translation_prose/the_paris_congress.htm | volume = 4 }} {{refend}}

==External links== {{Portal|Hinduism}} * Bhimashankar on Maharashtra gov tourism website -[https://web.archive.org/web/20080706012358/http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Shrines/Shrines.aspx?strpage=Jyotrilingas_Bhimashankar.html] * The temple information on Pune district's website - [https://web.archive.org/web/20090604021424/http://pune.gov.in/tourism/tour_rel.html]

{{Shaivism}} {{Shiva temples}} {{Hindu temples in Maharashtra}} Category:Jyotirlingas Category:Hindu temples in Pune district Category:Shiva temples in Maharashtra Category:Shaivism Category:Pilgrimage in India Category:Hindu holy cities