Bhimashankar Temple Maharashtra Blog History Significance Trekking & Travel Guide
Prabhuling jiroli
The Bhimashankar Temple, nestled in the lush Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of 3,250 feet in the Pune district, this temple combines spirituality, mythological legends, dense forest trails, and breathtaking views, making it a top pilgrimage and trekking destination.
🏛️ Historical Significance of Bhimashankar Temple
✨ Early to Medieval Period
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Mentioned in ancient texts like the Shiva Purana.
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Said to have been built in the 13th century by local kings and renovated during the Peshwa era, especially by Nana Phadnavis.
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It is believed that Lord Shiva took the Bhairava form here to defeat the demon Tripurasura, which led to the emergence of the Bhimarathi River.
🙏 Religious & Cultural Significance
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One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the temple symbolizes Lord Shiva as the destroyer of evil.
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Surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the site offers both ecological and spiritual richness.
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Devotees believe that visiting Bhimashankar ensures liberation (moksha) and peace.
🚗 How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | From Pune (~110 km) and Mumbai (~220 km). Taxis and buses available to Khed > Bhorgiri > Bhimashankar. |
| By Train | Nearest stations: Pune and Karjat. Continue by road. |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Pune International Airport. From there, hire a taxi or take a bus. |
🥾 Trekking Routes to Bhimashankar
| Route | Starting Point | Distance | Duration |
| Ganesh Ghat Route | Karjat | 13 km | 4–6 hrs |
| Shidi (Ladder) Route | Khandas Village | 10 km | 3–5 hrs |
🏞️ Trek through dense forests, streams, and rocky ascents – best for nature and adventure lovers.
🧭 Temple Visit & Timings
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Temple Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
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Aarti Timings:
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Kakad Aarti: 4:30 AM
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Madhyan Aarti: 12:00 PM
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Sandhya Aarti: 7:30 PM
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Special abhishekam and poojas can be booked onsite
📸 Temple Architecture Highlights
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Built in Nagari style architecture with stone and wooden carvings
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Black stone shikhara (spire) with intricate sculpted pillars and Garbhagriha
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Surrounded by misty hills, green valleys, and waterfalls during monsoon
🌄 Why You Must Visit Bhimashankar Temple
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🛕 Serene Jyotirlinga in the lap of the Sahyadris
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🌿 Trek, pray, and experience biodiversity
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🌊 Source of River Bhima and its legend
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📿 Powerful spiritual energy and meditative ambiance
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📸 Picturesque monsoon treks and fog-filled views
⛅ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience |
| June–September | Monsoon magic, lush green forests, waterfalls |
| October–February | Pleasant and cool weather, great for trekking |
| March–May | Dry but open for pilgrimage |
🧳 What to Carry
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Trekking shoes, raincoat (monsoon)
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Water bottle, snacks, ORS
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Comfortable clothes for trekking
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Basic first-aid kit
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ID proof for darshan entry if needed
✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts
✅ Do:
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Start trek early in the morning
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Carry eco-friendly essentials
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Visit Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary nearby
❌ Don’t:
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Don’t litter on forest trails
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Don’t underestimate trek difficulty during monsoon
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Don’t miss temple aarti timings
Nearby Attractions
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🦜 Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Home to Giant Squirrel & other fauna
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🌉 Hanuman Lake & Gupt Bhimashankar – Peaceful retreat spots
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🕉️ Origin point of River Bhima – Mythical source with a Shiva lingam nearby
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🌿 Forest Interpretive Trail – For eco-tourism lovers
📅 Quick Info Table
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga) |
| Best Season | June to February |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Nearest Station | Pune / Karjat |
| Nearest Airport | Pune |
📸 Final Thoughts
Bhimashankar is where the forest hums with chants, rivers rise from legend, and Lord Shiva stands silent in stone. A perfect mix of spirituality, nature, and thrill, this destination is a must for those seeking deeper meaning in movement.
🚀 Trek to Bhimashankar – where every step whispers a mantra and every breeze feels divine!