Bhimashankar is 128 kms. away from Pune.

The route to Bhimashankar is

via Manchar. One can go to this place, full of natural beauty and lovely
scenery, and be back to Pune in one day. Bhimashankar is a good
paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers. It is
recommended to visit the place for at least 2/3 days. The best seasons to
go to Bhimashankar are monsoon and winter. There is a beautiful temple
ofLord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Lord
Shankara after getting angry, killed Rakshas Tripurasura. The heat
generated from their war caused the origin of river Bhima. That is why it is
called Bhimashankar.

There are Buddha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, Bhootling and

Bhimashankar in thehills of Manmod near Bhimashankar. This is at the
height of 1034 mtrs. A big size bell in Hemadpanthi structure built by Nana
Phadanavis is also a feature of Bhimashankar. Various places that could
be visited in Bhimashankar are Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Origin
of River Bhima, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, Sakshi Vinayak and lot more.
Bhimashankar is conserve red forest area and wildlife sanctuary where a
variety of birds, animals, flowers, plants can be seen. A rare
animal "Shekru" can be found in deep woods. Bhimashankar is worth
visited for jungle lovers and trekkers as well as for pilgrims.
Bhimashankar
Taluka Ambegaon, District Pune.
Bhimashankar is an ancient pilgrim centre and houses one of the
five holy Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. the Shiva temple which was
constructed by Maratha king Nana Phadnavis has excellent
carvings and reliefs. The fair during the festival of Mahashivaratri
that falls in the early part of the calendar year draws great
crowds. The nearby bird and game sanctuary and the pleasant
climate and natural scenery are among Bhimashankar's many
attractions.
Getting there:
The nearest airport and railhead is Pune. Drive along the Pune-
Nasik highway and turn off at the road leading to Bhimashankar.
The mountain road is quite a steep climb. The distance is about
160 km from Pune. Accommodation at Bhimashankar mainly
comprises two bungalows [with a capacity of 8 beds] and tents.

Malshej Ghat
Post Khubi via Otur, District Pune.
Malshej Ghat especially attracts hikers, trekkers and adventure
lovers. The hills around serve as a stopover for migrating
flamingoes during a part of the monsoon months. Shivneri fort,
the birthplace of Shivaji is close enough to be visited during a
holiday at Malshej. It is about approximately 40 km from the hill
station. The malshej hills are replete with Buddhist caves dating
back to the 3rd century. There is also a fort nearby.
Getting there:
The nearest airport is Mumbai and the nearest railhead Kalyan,
on the Mumbai-Pune route of the Central Railway. Maharashtra
State Transport buses ply regularly from Kalyan to Malshej and
onward to Shivneri. From Mumbai drive down on the Eastern
Express Highway upto Thane and then take the road to Shahad
up the Malshej ghat onward to Malshej. The distance is about 120
km. From Pune, take the Pune-Nasik Highway turn at
Narayangaon or Alephata and take the Alephata-Kalyan Road.
Pune-Malshej is about 130 km. Accommodation at Malshej
comprises self contained rooms and dormitory Reservations can
be done at the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
Offices in advance at Mumbai or Pune.
 Bhimashankar in Maharashtra is an ancient
shrine, enshrining Bhimashankara one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
Bhimashankar is located in the village of Bhavagiri 50 km north west of
Khed, near Pune. It is located 110 km away from Pune in the ghat region of
the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima,
which flows south east and merges with the Krishna river near Raichur.
The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Tryambakeshwar and
Grishneshwar.

This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the
demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying citadels Tripuras.
Shiva is said to have taken abode in the Bhima form, upon the request of
the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth
from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.

The Temple: The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new
structures and is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a modest
temple yet graceful temple and it dates back to mid 18th century. The
shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha
ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to
facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples
in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.
Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and
the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the
13th century CE. Saint Jnaneshwar is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar
and Bhimashankar.

Other temples and shrines: There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the

Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided
Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with
offerings of lotus flowers by Bhrama. Shaakini and Daakini the Shivaganas
who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored and
worshipped here.

The Mokshakund thirtha is located behind the Bhimashankara temple, and

it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the
Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the
Jyanakund.

Worship: Three worship services are offered each day. Mahashivratri is a

season of greate festivity here.

It is to be noted that the Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to

Bhimashankar says, Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a
Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill near Guwahati in Assam where
legend holds that a demon by name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the
beings in the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in
Shiva worship. This is a legend similar to that where Shiva emerged from a
Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and
the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa
country. However there is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is
stated that Shiva - Bhimashankara appeared on the Sahayadris.

There is also a Bhimashankara temple at Kashipur near Nainital, which

was referred to as Daakini country in ancient days. It is believed that Bhima
the Pandava prince was married to Hidamba, a Daakini here.
Mahashivaratri is celebrated in great splendour here too. This temple also
has shrines to Bhairavanath and Devi, and a temple tank by name
Shivaganga.

The temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas in the country. Around 20,000 pilgrims annually attend the
fair during the festival of Mahashivaratri. This place is about 22 kms from
Pune.

A special Hindu pilgrimage site and quite free of tourist

stampedes, this Shiva temple was built by a Peshwa ruler
and really comes alive during Shivratri.

The temple is rather impressive and beautifully carved and houses one of
the 12 Jyotirlingas of Hindustan. Located 122 kilometers away from Pune
by road in the northeast direction, this temple is close to Shivneri Fort.

best project
Bhimashankar Temple is located in the village
of Bhorgiri 50 km north west of Khed, near Pune, in India. It is
located 110 km away from Pune in the Ghat region of
the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is also the source of the Bhima
river, which flows south east and merges with the Krishna
river near Raichur. The other Jyotirlingashrines in Maharashtra
are Parli, Tryambakeshwar and Grishneshwar. Regular pilgrims
near Mumbai visit Bhimashankar from Karjat via Khandas.
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary located here is a popular
weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune.

egend

This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying

the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying
citadels Tripuras. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the Bhima
form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri
hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the
battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.
[edit]Architecture

The Temple: The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and

the new structures and is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to mid 18th
century. The shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis.
The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made
endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of
worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the
sanctum is at a lower level.

Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine

Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred
to in literature dating back to the 13th century CE. Saint
Jñāneshwar is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar and
Bhimashankar. A unique bell (roman style) can be seen in front of
the temple whcih was presented by Chimaji Appa ( Brother of
Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa )Chimaji Appa
collected two large bells after he won war against Portuguese
from Vasai Fort. He offered one here at Bhimashankar and other
is at Menovali near Wai in front of Shiva Temple on the banks of
Krishna river.
[edit]Other temples and shrines
There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple.
Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his
battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalaja was worshipped with
offerings of lotus flowers by Brahma. Shaakini and Daakini the
Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are
also honored and worshipped here.
The Mokshakund thirtha is located behind the Bhimashankara
temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are also
the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river
begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.
[edit]Worship

Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of

Shiva. Far away from the tumult of the urban life, peeping
through the white fleecy clouds, Bhimashankar, one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas, can certainly be termed as a Pilgrim Paradise. The
dense forests surrounding the high ranges also play an abode to
the rare species of flora and fauna. Situated at the extreme end of
the Sahyadri Ranges, this place gives a wonderful view of the
world around the rivers and the hill stations around.
Bhimashankar is also the source of the Bhima River, which flows
south-east and merges with the Krishna River. Endless stretches
of virgin forests, lofty peaks that seems to reach out to the
heavens and the whispering waters of the Bhima River,
Bhimashankar is definitely one of God’s choicest creations.
It seems as if Lord Shiva is keeping a silent vigil over the majestic
ranges of the Sahyadris. The serenity interrupted only by the
silent murmuring of the cool breeze and the occasional chirping of
birds, Bhimashankar is definitely a pilgrim’s paradise, a trekker’s
delight and a traveller's sojourn.
How to reach:
Bhimashanker is seventy-four miles or 110 km from Pune by road.
State buses go there from Pune twice a week with more than five
hours of bus journey. During the Mahasivaratri festival, when
there is a great fair at the temple, buses ply to and fro daily. It is
also accessible from Karjat on the Pune - Mumbai section of the
Central railway. There is not a proper road from karjat to
Bhimashankar and only the devotees who wish to go to the
temple on foot during festivals use this road.

Bhimashankar is located at 19.06°N 73.53°E<

Accommodation
Pilgrims usually stay here for three days. The local upadhyayas or
priests make arrangements for the lodging and boarding of
pilgrims at a small cost. Visitors are accommodated in either
temporary hutments or in dharamshalas near the village. A new
dharamshala is under construction.
Visit Times
Best Time to Visit is between August to February. Though any
time of the year is good to visit Bhimashankar, it is better to avoid
visiting during summer. Similarly during monsoon unless one likes
trekking, it is better to avoid. That leaves the best period to seven
months between August to end February.
[edit]City Details

The Khed is the administrative taluka in Pune district, comprising

the upper reaches of the Ghod and Bhima rivers. The most
famous place in this division is Bhimashankar Temple, located in
the village of Bhavagiri 50 km in the north west of Khed. It is
located 110 km away from Pune in the Ghat region of the
Sahyadri hills. It is also the location of the Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary, a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. It
is about 130 km from Pune by Road and 62 km away from
Manchar.
From Mumbai
If coming from Mumbai, take Pune road. About 31.02 Km from
Deonar traffic junction lies the Mumbai Pune Expressway (NH-4)
after crossing Navi Mumbai and Panvel. After 52 km from Panvel
is Lonavala and 50 km from there is on NH-4 is Wadgaon. At
Wadgaon, turn left on State Highway towards Chakan which is
about 12 km. At Chakan, take NH 50 towards Manchar which is
31 km to Bhimashankar
From Pune
If starting from Pune, drive along the Pune-Nasik highway and
turn off at the road leading to Bhimashankar. The mountain road
is quite a steep climb. The distance is about 160 km from Pune.
Accommodation at Bhimashankar mainly comprises two
bungalows [with a capacity of 8 beds] and tents.
[edit]Story

Eons ago in the dense forests of Dakini, on the lofty ranges of the
Sahaydris lived the evil Asura by the name Bhima with his mother
Karkati. Compassion and kindness shivered in the presence of
Bhima. The divine and the mortals were scared of him alike. But
he was confronted by certain questions about his own existence
which continuously tormented him.
When Bhima could no longer sustain his agony and curiosity, he
asked his mother to unveil the mysteries of his life. He urged his
mother to tell him who his father was and why had he abandoned
them in the wilderness of the forest. After much hesitation and
with a lingering fear Karkati, his mother revealed to him that he
was the son of the mighty Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of
the Lankadheeswara the mighty all powerful King Ravana of
Lanka.
Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Rama annihilated
Kumbhakarna. Karkati told Bhima, that her husband and his
father was killed by Rama in the great war. This infuriated Bhima
and he vowed to avenge Lord Vishnu. To achieve this he
embarked on a severe penance to please Lord Brahma.
The compassionate creator was pleased by the dedicated devotee
and granted him immense prowess. This was a terrible mistake,
Bramha did. The evil tyrant caused havoc in the three worlds. He
defeated King Indra and conquered the heavens. He also defeated
a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva – Kamarupeshwar and put him in
the dungeons.
He started torturing Rishies and Sadhus. All this angered the
Gods. They all along with Lord Brahma beseeched Lord Shiva to
come for their rescue. Lord Shiva consoled the Gods and agreed
to rescue them from the tyrant. On the other hand Bhima insists
and orders Kamarupeshwara to worship him instead of Lord
Shiva.
When Kamarupeshwara denied doing that and refused to do pooja
to him, tyrant Bhima raised his sword to strike the Shiva Linga, to
which Kamarupeshwara was doing abhishekam and pooja. As
soon as Bhima managed to raise his sword, Lord Shiva appeared
before him in all his magnificence.
Then the terrible war began. But then the holy sage Narada
appeared and requested Lord Shiva to put an end to this war. It
was then that Lord Shiva reduced the evil demon to ashes and
thus concluded the saga of tyranny. All the Gods and the holy
sages present there requested Lord Shiva to make this place his
abode. Lord Shiva thus manifested himself in the form of the
Bhimashankara Jyotirlingam.
It is believed that the sweat that poured forth from Lord Shiva’s
body after the battle formed the Bhimarathi River.
[edit]The Temple

Although the present structure of the Temple appears to be of

comparatively recent origins, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and
the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating
back to the 13th century. Built in the Nagara style of architecture,
this temple is a modest temple yet graceful temple and dates
back to the 18th century. One can also find borrowed influences
from the Indo Aryan style of architecture.
It is believed that the ancient shrine was erected over a
Swayambhu Lingam (that is the self emanated Shiva Lingam). It
can be seen in the temple that the Lingam is exactly at the centre
of the floor of the Garbagriham (the Sanctum Sanctorum).
Intricate carvings of divinities interspersed with human figurines
adorn the pillars and the doorframes of the temple. Scenes from
mythology find itself captured in these magnificent carvings.
Within the temple precincts there is also a small shrine dedicated
to Lord Shani Mahatma (also called Shaneeswara). The image of
Nandi Lord Shiva’s vahanam is installed as is the case with all the
Siva Temples, just at the entrance of the temple.
This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying
the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying
citadels Tripuras. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the ‘Bhima
Shankara’ form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the
Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after
the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.
The Gopura-shikharam of the temple was built by Nana
Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have
made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of
worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the
sanctum is at a lower level. The 'Shani temple' is located inside
the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar.
Between the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes
across an ancient huge Portuguese bell. Behind the temple, there
is a small pathway that leads us to the banks of a river. Stepping
out from the Temple one is awed with a bewitching view of the
virgin wilderness occasionally interrupted by the glimpses of the
majestic forts on the surrounding mountains greets us.
History unveils itself in the peaks of the Sahayadris.
Bhimashankar – a place where spiritual splendor merges with
Nature’s magnificence is definitely a pilgrim’s paradise. There are
other temples and shrines, near the main Temple. There is a
shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is
an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against
Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus
flowers by Bhrama.
There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini and Daakini who
assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon. Kaushika Maha
Muni is said to have did ‘Tapas’ (penance) here. The place where
he bathed is called Mokshakund thirtham which is located behind
the Bhimashankara temple. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the
Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow
eastward, and the Jyanakund.
[edit]Pooja Details
Three worship services are offered every day. Mahashivratri is a
season of greate festivity here. Normal Puja - Rs 25; Abhishek
Puja - Rs 51; Rudra Abhishek - Rs 151; Maha Puja - Rs 351; Lagu
Rudra Abhishek (Includes 11 Brahmans) - Rs 751 (Includes 11
Brahmans)

Timings:
Morning - 4:30 am
Aarti - 5:05 am
Normal Darshans - 5:15 am to 11:30 am.
No Abhishekam between - 11:30 am to 11:50 am.
Maha Puja - 12 pm.
/noon Maha Nivedhyam - 12:30 pm.
Abhishekam and Normal Puja - 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Shringar Puja - 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
Aarti - 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm
Shringar Darshan - 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
(Except Pradosham on Monday or Amavasya or Grahan or Maha
Shiv Ratri. Kartihik Month, Shravan Month - No Mukut and no
Shringar Darshans).
Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to Bhimashankar says,
Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a Bhimashankar temple
at Bhimapur hill near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that
a demon by name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the beings in
the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in
Shiva worship.
This is not to be confused with the legend Mruthumjaya Lingam,
where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the
Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer
to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa country. However there
is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva -
Bhimashankara appeared on the Sahayadris.
Three worship services are offered each day. Mahashivratri is a
season of great festivity here.
It is to be noted that the Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to
Bhimashankar says, Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a
Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill
near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that a demon by
name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the beings in the area, was
slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in Shiva worship.
This is a legend similar to that where Shiva emerged from a
Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva
Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple
in the Kamarupa country. However there is also a reference to
Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva - Bhimashankara
appeared on the Sahayadris.
There is also a Bhimashankara temple at Kashipur near Nainital in
Uttarakhand, which was referred to as Daakini country in ancient
days. It is believed that Bhima the Pandava prince was married to
Hidamba, a Daakini here. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in great
splendour here too. This temple also has shrines to Bhairavanath
and Devi, and a temple tank by name Shivaganga[1].