Hindu temple
Bhimashankar Temple
In short
Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, high in the Sahyadri hills (Western Ghats) of Maharashtra, northwest of Pune. It is traditionally held to be the source of the Bhima river and sits within a forested wildlife sanctuary.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Key facts
- Presiding deity
- Shiva
- Significance
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva
- Location
- Bhimashankar (Pune district), Maharashtra
Significance
Shiva is worshipped here as Bhimashankar, high in the Sahyadri ranges; the shrine is traditionally regarded as the source of the Bhima river.
The surrounding forest is protected as a wildlife sanctuary known for rare species, giving the pilgrimage a setting of deep natural beauty.
History
An ancient hill shrine in the Western Ghats, long a pilgrimage destination for devotees of Shiva; the present temple is in the Nagara style with later additions.
How to reach
In the Sahyadri hills of Pune district, Maharashtra. The nearest major hub is Pune.
Related
More temples
About Bhimashankar Temple
Where is Bhimashankar?
In the Sahyadri hills (Western Ghats) of Pune district, Maharashtra, within a forested wildlife sanctuary.
Which river begins at Bhimashankar?
It is traditionally held to be the source of the Bhima river.
Offer a prayer to Shiva
Ask Bhagavan for a mantra or verse to offer at this temple, or bring whatever is on your heart — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan