Journey to Bhimashankar Temple: A Sacred Destination for Pilgrims

Visiting the Bhimashankar Temple is a dream for the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve holy Jyotirlingas and is nestled in the heart of Maharashtra in the Sahyadri hills. Thousands of visitors flood the temple yearly, which holds cultural and spiritual significance. This temple is steeped in mythology and history, where the demon Tripurasura was believed to have been defeated by Lord Shiva. Whether you seek some mystical growth or a break from the noise in the lap of nature, a visit to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is what you need. 

Significance of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: Cultural and Spiritual

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Maharashtra. The tales around the temple have a lot to unfold. Let us explore them one by one.

Spiritual Significance 

1. Jyotirlinga: According to Hindu mythology, Bhimashankar mandir is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. It represents the cosmic power of Lord Shiva, who is believed to defeat a demon called Tripurasura. A visit to this temple brings Moksha (liberation) to the devotees.
2. Lord Shiva’s Blessings: It is believed that when Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, his sweat fell on the ground and formed the river Bhima. Hence, the region is associated with sacred origin and core beliefs. 
3. Swayambhu Lingam: It is said that the Shivling in Bhimashankar appeared naturally and was called Swayambhu ( self-manifested). This attracts great faith and is believed to liberate devotees from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Cultural Significance 

1. Architectural Splendor: The temple beautifully represents India’s excellent craftsmanship in the Nagara and Hemadpanthi architectural styles. The temple complex showcases great storytelling with sculpted pillars, old stone structures and much more!
2. Maha Shivaratri: The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with a strong devotional spirit here in Bhimashankar. Thousands of devotees gather and worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri.
3. Association with Saints: Bhimashankar in Maharashtra has a deep connection and association with renowned Saints. Saints like Swami Samarth and Swami Jnaneshwar have meditated here, and their teachings have added to the significance of this temple.

Nature Lover’s Paradise

If you are someone who loves being close to nature, Bhimashankar is all that you need. It is situated in the heart of the Sahyadri hills and is surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The region showcases a dense tropical evergreen forest with a green view all around. Some seasonal waterfalls come to enhance the view. The best season to witness this greenery is during the onset of monsoon.

However, if you are an adventure lover, then trekking through the dense forests will take you to some fantastic viewpoints.

Bhimashankar Temple Timings 

The temple remains open from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Various rituals and artis are performed throughout the day. However, there is a break in the afternoon, and the temple remains closed from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM. 

Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar 

Since the area around the temple is hilly, the best time to visit Bhimashankar temple Maharashtra is between October and March. This is the time of the onset of pleasant weather, and the trip will be better for both spiritual travellers and nature lovers.

How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple

There are several ways to reach Bhimashankar. Let us have a look at all of them, one by one. 

1. By Air: The fastest way to reach Bhimashankar mandir is by flying to the nearest airport, the Pune International Airport. Apart from this, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport of Mumbai is the second closest airport. After reaching the airport, you will have to take a taxi or bus to reach Bhimashankar temple.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is Pune railway station, which is around 100 km away. Another major railway station is Kalyan Junction, which is 150 km away. Once you reach there, you can opt for a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
3. By Road: Bhimashankar is well connected with the road network. The best option is to drive from Mumbai via the NH60. Another drive from Pune will take you on a 110 km ride, stretching for 3-4 hours. 

Traditions and Rituals of Bhimashankar

Just like any other temple or spiritual place in India, certain rituals are performed at Bhimashankar. They reflect age-old traditions. Whosoever gets a chance to experience these rituals gets a true spiritual upliftment.

1. Pradosh Vrat: Devotees perform a fast and special worship dedicated to Lord Shiva on Trayodashi Tithi twice a month. The temple campus is flooded with devotees, and the chants of the Mahamrityunjay mantra fill the surrounding air. 
2. Shravan Maas: Special Rudrabhishek is done during the Shravan Maas, which is between July and August. Mondays of Shravan Maas are considered specially auspicious. 
3. Mahashivratri: During Mahashivratri, the most grand celebration of the temple takes place. A jagran is organised, and the temple premises are open during Mahashivratri, when Lord Shiva married Parvati. 
4. Kartik Purnima: Kartik Purnima is celebrated in November, which is one of the holiest months for Hindus. On this day, the temple witnesses thousands of oil lamps placed on its campus.
5. Diwali Celebrations: The temple celebrates Diwali in India with great enthusiasm. The festival brings a Deep Daan ceremony, and a special laxmi puja and Maha Rudra Abhishek are performed. 
6. Makar Sankranti: This is when the Sun transitions into Capricorn and brings charity, prayers and a lot of holy rituals to the temple. Devotees from various corners of the country visit and take a holy dip in the Bhima River. Also, Annadanam (food donation) is organised in the temple premises. 

Experience Bhimashankar Temple with TripzyGo

Bhimashankar is more than just a pilgrimage site. It is a powerful spiritual centre from which to heal from within and also the nature lover’s paradise! The visit to Bhimashankar will be an unforgettable experience. It’s time to disconnect from all your hustles and take a trip that will be the break your body and mind need. The beauty and the spiritual treat of Bhimashankar must be ticked off your bucket list. 

Explore the divinity of Bhimashankar with TripzyGo, and you will have a hassle-free pilgrimage journey. Let us handle all the formalities so you can enjoy your trip stress-free.