A popular pilgrimage destination and a haven for environment lovers, Bhimashankar lies tucked away in Maharashtra’s tranquil Sahyadri Hills. The main reason for its fame is the Bhimashankar Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva. Bhimashankar, a place surrounded by abundant vegetation and wildlife, combines spirituality, history, and scenic beauty. One of India’s revered Jyotirlinga shrines is the Bhimashankar Temple.
It was constructed in the Nagara architectural style and has elaborate sculptures and carvings that tell myths.
With additional expansions made during the Maratha era, the temple is said to have been built in the thirteenth century.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected region that provides habitat for Maharashtra’s state animal, the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru).
Numerous birds and reptiles, as well as hyenas and leopards, may be found amid the sanctuary’s varied flora and wildlife. popular with hikers and those who love the outdoors.
Table of Contents
Architecture of the Bhimashankar Temple
An architectural wonder that exemplifies the Nagara style of temple building is the Bhimashankar Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. In addition to being a spiritual monument, this old temple is a stunning example of delicate workmanship and traditional Indian construction skills, situated within Maharashtra’s verdant Sahyadri Hills.
The temple was constructed in the Nagara style, a kind of North Indian temple architecture distinguished by its elaborate carvings and beehive-shaped tower (shikhara).
The Bhimashankar Temple’s shikhara is embellished with elaborate patterns and elaborate sculptures that display the artistry of ancient craftspeople.
Beautiful carvings and sculptures that portray themes from Hindu Knowledge, such as scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, decorate the temple walls.
The structure’s visual appeal is further enhanced by intricate geometric and floral designs.
There are numerous depictions of gods, goddesses, and legendary animals.
Sanctuary Sanctorum (Garbhagriha): The temple’s primary deity, the Jyotirlinga, is housed in the sanctuary.
One of Lord Shiva’s twelve most renowned sanctuaries, the Jyotirlinga is a self-manifested lingam (swayambhu). The temple’s large mandapa, or assembly hall, is where worshippers congregate for prayers and ceremonies. The mandapa, which combines religious and nature symbols, is held up by elaborately carved pillars.
Stone Construction: Local basalt stone, which blends very well with the surrounding natural environment, is used predominantly in the temple’s construction.
The temple seems old and rustic because of the worn stone.Maratha Influence: During the time of the Maratha kings, the temple was extensively renovated, especially with the help of well-known politician Nana Phadnavis. Some of the extra structures and decorations clearly had Maratha influences.
Festivals at Bhimashankar
Mahashivaratri:
Lord Shiva is honored during Bhimashankar’s most significant event.
honors the night Shiva conducted the cosmic dance known as Tandava and the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Celebrations: Lights, candles, and flowers are used to adorn the temple.
Throughout the night, devotees give special prayers and practice fasting.
A holy atmosphere is created by reciting the Shiv Purana, chanting Shiva mantras, and reciting bhajans.
A sizable Shivlinga Abhishekam is conducted with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and water.
Duration: Depending on the lunar calendar, it is either February or March
Shravan Month: The whole month of July through August is regarded as favorable for worshiping Lord Shiva.
Celebrations: Mondays are a significant day for Lord Shiva, and devotees visit the temple on that day.
Rituals and special Abhishekam are carried out.
Trekking to the temple is a common gesture of devotion for pilgrims.
The Bhima River:
A well-known river in western India, the Bhima is respected for both its agricultural and livelihood-supporting functions as well as its mythical significance. It has a strong connection to the known of the Bhimashankar Temple, one of Lord Shiva’s twelve revered Jyotirlingas.
Connection to Lord Shiva: Tradition has it that during Lord Shiva’s intense conflict with the demon Tripurasura, his perspiration created the Bhima River.
Devotees regard the river to be sacred and think it brings Shiva’s blessings.
Relation to Bhimashankar Temple: The temple’s spiritual value is increased by the river’s origin nearby. The river’s waters are frequently used for purifying ceremonies by pilgrims, who view them as sacred.
Ecological and Economic SignificanceAgriculture: The Bhima River provides irrigation for crops including wheat, cotton, and sugarcane, making it a lifeline for farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Water Supply: The river provides drinking water to a large number of cities and villages.
Hydroelectric Projects: The Bhima River and its tributaries have seen the construction of several dams and reservoirs, such as the Ujjani Dam, which facilitates irrigation, hydroelectric power, and fishing.
Tributaries: Mula, Mutha, Pawana, Indrayani, and Kudali are some of the Bhima River’s principal tributaries.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Western Ghats of Maharashtra are home to the beautiful Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. In order to preserve the habitat of the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica elphinstoni), often referred to as the Shekru and the state animal of Maharashtra, it was founded in 1984. As a refuge for a variety of plants and animals, the sanctuary is an essential component of the Sahyadri Hills.
Because of its ecological value, the sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With heights between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level, the landscape is made up of rough hills, valleys, and dense woods.
Climate: The sanctuary has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning that from June to September, there is a lot of rainfall.
The best time to come is between October and February because of the warm summers and cold winters
Plants: The lush woods and distinctive plants of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary contribute to its abundant biodiversity.
- Semi-evergreen forests are the kind of forest.
- damp deciduous woods.
- higher elevations with evergreen trees.
- Important Plant Species: old trees in sacred groves. medicinal herbs such as beheda, hirda, and rudraksha. Mango, jamun, teak, and bamboo trees
Animals:
The sanctuary is a haven for environment lovers and wildlife photographers since it is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
Mammals: The flagship species is the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru).
Sambar deer, wild boars, leopards, and barking deer.
small animals, such as hyenas and jackals.
Birds: More than 200 species of birds, such as the Quaker babbler, green pigeon, and Malabar whistling thrush.
Raptors include hawks and eagles. Cobras, pythons, and other snakes are examples of reptiles and amphibians. endemic lizards and frogs.
How to reach Bhimashankar
Where Is bhimashankar jyotirlinga and want to know how to reach?
By Air: Pune International Airport, which is around 110 kilometers distant, is the closest airport.
You may take a bus or hire a cab from Pune Airport to Bhimashankar.
On the other hand, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is around 210 kilometers distant.
By Train: Karjat Railway Station, which is around 60 kilometers distant, is the closest railway station.
Pune Junction, which is around 110 kilometers distant.
To get to Bhimashankar from these stations, you can take a bus or rent a taxi.
By Road From Pune:
110 kilometers is the distance.
Travel Time: around three to four hours.
Path: Pune via Rajgurunagar, then to Chas and finally to Bhimashankar.
Between Pune and Bhimashankar, a number of public and private buses run.
From Mumbai:
The distance is 210 kilometers.
Travel Time: around five to six hours.
Mumbai to Panvel to Chauk to Karjat to Khandas to Bhimashankar is the route.
From Karjat:
60 kilometers is the distance.
About two to three hours is the travel time.
From Karjat, taxis and shared jeeps are accessible.
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
- Bhimashankar jyotirlinga:-
- Grineshwar Jyotirlinga:-
- Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga:- Click here to know more Trimbakeshwar – The Land Of Rishi’s