Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple: A Sacred and Scenic Destination

Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the world. It is located in the Bhimashankar village, in the Khed taluka of Pune district, in Maharashtra. It is a place of pilgrimage, spirituality, and natural beauty. In this article, we will explore the location, timing and entry fees, things to do and see, and the significance of this temple. Visit during Mumbai to Bhimashankar One day trip

Location/ Timing and Entry Fees of Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple

Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple is situated in the Sahyadri hills, in the Bhimashankar forest range. It is about 110 km away from Pune and 220 km from Mumbai. The temple is surrounded by rare flora and fauna, and is also a part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The temple can be reached by road or by rail. The nearest railway station is Karjat, which is about 60 km away. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm every day. There are no entry fees for visiting the temple.

Things to Do / Must See of Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple

Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the temple are:

• Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple: The main attraction of the temple is the Jyotirlinga, which is a self-emerged lingam of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the lingam was formed when Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura with his trident and released a stream of fire from his third eye. The lingam is located in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple, which is built in the Nagara style of architecture. The lingam is adorned with flowers and ornaments, and is worshipped by devotees with milk, water, honey, and other offerings.
• Aarti and Abhishek: The temple performs various rituals and ceremonies throughout the day for the worship of Lord Shiva. The most important ones are the Aarti and Abhishek. The Aarti is a ritual of waving lamps in front of the deity, accompanied by chants and songs. The Abhishek is a ritual of bathing the lingam with water or other liquids, such as milk, curd, honey, etc. The Aarti and Abhishek are performed four times a day: at 4:30 am (Kakad Aarti), at 12:00 pm (Madhyana Aarti), at 7:30 pm (Sandhya Aarti), and at 9:30 pm (Sheja Aarti). Devotees can participate in these rituals by paying a nominal fee.
• Prasad: The temple also offers Prasad (sacred food) to the devotees after the Aarti and Abhishek. The Prasad consists of various items, such as modak (sweet dumplings), peda (milk fudge), laddu (sweet balls), etc. Devotees can also buy Prasad from the stalls outside the temple.
• Trekking: The temple is also a popular destination for trekkers who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. There are various trekking routes that lead to the temple from different villages, such as Khandas, Neral, Karjat, etc. The trekking routes offer stunning views of waterfalls, valleys, forests, and wildlife. The trekking difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate to difficult.
• Sightseeing: The temple is also surrounded by many other places of interest that can be visited by tourists. Some of these places are:
  • Gupt Bhimashankar: This is a hidden waterfall that lies behind the Bhimashankar temple. It is believed that this is where Lord Shiva actually killed Tripurasura and where the original Jyotirlinga was formed.
  • Hanuman Lake: This is a small lake that lies near the Bhimashankar temple. It is named after Lord Hanuman, who is said to have visited this place during his search for Sita.
  • Nagphani Point: This is a hilltop that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is also known as Duke’s Nose, because of its resemblance to the nose of the Duke of Wellington. It is one of the highest points in the Bhimashankar region and a popular spot for trekking and photography.
  • Bombay Point: This is another viewpoint that gives a glimpse of the Mumbai city skyline on a clear day. It is also known as Sunset Point, because of the beautiful view of the sun setting over the horizon.
  • Vanaspati Point: This is a point that showcases the rich biodiversity of the Bhimashankar forest. It has a variety of plants, trees, flowers, and herbs that have medicinal and religious value. It is also a place where one can spot many birds and animals, such as the Malabar giant squirrel, langur, barking deer, leopard, etc.

Significance of Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple

Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple is not just a temple for worship and devotion. It is also a place of historical and cultural importance. Some of the reasons why this temple is significant are:

• It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas: The Jyotirlingas are the 12 most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India. They are believed to be the places where Lord Shiva appeared as a pillar of light (Jyoti) and manifested his power and glory. The Jyotirlingas are considered to be the holiest places for Shiva devotees and visiting them is said to grant salvation and blessings.
• It is associated with many legends and stories: The temple has many legends and stories associated with it that reveal its origin and history. One of the most famous legends is that of Lord Shiva killing Tripurasura, a powerful demon who had conquered the three worlds with his three cities (Tripura). Lord Shiva used his trident (Trishul) to destroy Tripura and released a stream of fire from his third eye that formed the Jyotirlinga at Bhimashankar. Another legend is that of Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna (the brother of Ravana), who tried to disturb the penance of a sage named Kaushika at Bhimashankar. Lord Shiva intervened and killed Bhima with his trident, thus saving the sage and naming the place after him.
• It is a place of natural beauty and conservation: The temple is also a place where one can appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of nature. The temple is located in a forest that has rare species of plants and animals, such as the shekru (Malabar giant squirrel), which is also the state animal of Maharashtra. The temple is also part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established in 1984 to protect the forest and its wildlife. The sanctuary covers an area of 131 km2 and has various eco-tourism activities, such as nature trails, bird watching, camping, etc.

Information of Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple:

Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple is a temple that has something for everyone. It is a place where one can experience spirituality, history, culture, and nature. It is a place where one can witness the power and grace of Lord Shiva. It is a place where one can have fun and adventure. If you are planning to visit Maharashtra, don’t miss out on this temple.

Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Maharashtra. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the world and a place of pilgrimage, spirituality, and natural beauty. The temple is located in the Sahyadri hills, in the Bhimashankar forest range, which is also a wildlife sanctuary. The temple has various activities and attractions for visitors, such as darshan of the Jyotirlinga, aarti and abhishek, prasad, trekking, and sightseeing. The temple is also associated with many legends and stories that reveal its origin and history. It is a sacred and scenic destination for tourists.