Bhimashankar Temple

Significance

Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the three in Maharashtra. It stands high in the Sahyadri hills, in the Bhimashankar forest range, where the Bhima river rises. Some traditions identify other sites as this Jyotirlinga, including one near Guwahati in Assam.

History and legend

Legend holds that Shiva took the form of Bhima Shankara here at the request of the gods, and that the sweat from his body after battle formed the Bhimarathi, or Bhima, river.

The black-stone temple dates back to the 13th century. Its hall and spire were improved in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis, and Chhatrapati Shivaji endowed the temple to support its worship.

Before you go

• The surrounding forest is a wildlife sanctuary, home to the Indian giant squirrel.
• The monsoon is lush but very wet, and the ghat roads can be slippery; October to February is easier.
• Carry a light jacket in winter; the hills are cooler than Pune.