History of bhimashankar temple

It is situated in the Ghat section of the Sahyadri Mountains in Maharashtra, India, around 125 kilometres from Pune. The source of the Bhima river can be found here. This river eventually joins the Krishna River.

The Vishwakarma sculptors' skills are on display at the Bhimashankar temple. It was constructed in the 13th century. Nana Phadnavis, a Maratha empire statesman, constructed structures such as the shikhara (spires) in the 18th century.

Through his endowments, the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is also thought to have facilitated worship here.

Architecture of bhimashankar temple

In the Nagara style of construction, the Bhimashankar temple is a mix of old and new features. It demonstrates the mastery of ancient Vishwakarma sculptors' abilities. The sabhamandap, constructed by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century, is a simple but elegant temple that dates back to the 13th century. The shikhara was built by Nana Phadnavis. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the famous Maratha monarch, is reported to have provided donations to this temple in order to facilitate religious ceremonies. The sanctum is on a lower level, as it is in other Shiva temples in the area.

The shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been mentioned in literature dating back to the 13th century CE, despite the fact that the construction is relatively modern. Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar are claimed to have been visited by Saint Jnaneshwar. In front of the temple is a one-of-a-kind Roman-style bell. This bell has a statue of Mother Mary holding Jesus. Chimaji Appa presented this huge bell (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa). Chimaji Appa won a war against the Portuguese from the Vasai Fort on May 16, 1739, and collected five big bells. He offered one at Bhimashankar and the others at Menavali near Wai in front of a Shiva Temple on the Krishna River's banks, Banshanker temple (Pune), Omkareshwar temple (Pune), and Ramlinga temple (Shirur). 

Mythology of bhimashankar jyotirlinga temple

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is related with various legends. Here are two examples.

According to tradition, Lord Shiva granted immortality to a demon named Tripurasura who conducted penance in the Bhimashankar jungle. Lord Shiva praised his devotion and granted him immortality on the condition that he use his abilities to benefit the locals. He was decided upon by Tripurasura. He eventually forgot about his oath and began harassing both mortals and gods. When the gods pleaded with Lord Shiva to intervene and bring order to the chaos, the Lord appealed to his consort, Goddess Parvati. They both appeared as Ardhanari Nateshwara and murdered Tripurasura, bringing peace to the land. According to another mythology, an asura (devil) named Bhima resided with his mother Karkati in the Dakini forests in the Sahyadri Mountain ranges. He was, in fact, the son of Kumbharkarna, King Ravana's younger brother. He was enraged when he learned that Lord Vishnu had killed his father in his form as Rama. To appease Lord Brahma, he promised vengeance and underwent great penance.

In exchange, Brahma bestowed upon him incredible strength, which he used to threaten the entire world. He imprisoned Kamrupeshwar, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, and insisted that he pray to him instead of Lord Shiva. Bhima raised his sword to kill the Shivalinga when Kamrupeshwar resisted. When Lord Shiva came in front of him, he was converted to ashes. The Shivalinga is said to be located at the spot where Lord Shiva revealed himself.

Benefits of visiting bhimashankar temple

Lord Shiva is a caring god who looks out for his devotees. People come to this temple to pray for good health, fortune, and happiness. They also come to this temple to seek protection from their adversaries from the Lord.

Significance of bhimashankar jyotirlinga temple

The ancient shrine is thought to have been built around a swayambhu linga, or a linga that appeared on its own. In the sanctum of the temple, the linga is exactly in the centre of the floor. On the pillars and doorframes of the temple, there are elaborate carvings of divine and human creatures. There are other mythological scenes depicted here.

Within the temple, there is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Shaneeshwara. As is customary in Shiva temples, a statue of Lord Shiva's mount, Nandi, may be found at the temple's entrance.

Best time to go bhimashankar temple

Bhimashankar is best visited between October and March, when the monsoon has passed, leaving behind a carpet of greenery and mild weather. It's the ideal time of year to visit the wildlife reserve and go trekking.