Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is located in Sahyadri hills at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level, making it not just a spiritual destination but also a nature lover’s paradise. This sacred shrine is part of the twelve holy Jyotirlingas in India, offering devotees a unique spiritual experience. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and unique Nagara-style architecture, Bhimashankar temple is a must-visit for anyone seeking divine connection with Lord Shiva.
Planning your temple visit around the correct timings ensures a smooth and fulfilling spiritual experience. Here are the current Bhimashankar temple timings:
The temple remains open throughout the week, but timing may vary during special festivals like Mahashivratri when the shrine stays open for 24 hours.
The story of Bhimashankar Temple dates back to Treta Yuga with a powerful demon named Tripurasura. He worshipped Lord Shiva and asked for a boon that no man or woman could kill him. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted his wish.
But after getting power, Tripurasura became arrogant and started troubling people, gods, and sages. No one could stop him. Finally, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva for help.
To destroy Tripurasura, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took the form of Ardhanarishwara—a half-man, half-woman form. A divine chariot was made using the four Vedas, with the Sun and Moon as wheels, and Lord Vishnu became the arrow. The battle lasted from Kartik Pratipada to Kartik Purnima, and on Kartik Purnima, Shiva finally killed Tripurasura.
After the demon’s death, his wives Shakini and Dakini asked Lord Shiva about their future. Out of kindness, Shiva blessed them with immortality. That’s why the place is called “Dakinya Bhimashankaram.”
It is also believed that after the battle, Lord Shiva rested there. His sweat formed the Bhima River, which still flows in the region.
The Bhimashankar jyotirlinga temple carries a rich history that spans several centuries. The temple showcases beautiful Nagara style architecture, displaying the excellent craftsmanship of ancient Vishwakarma sculptors.
While the original temple dates back to the 13th century, significant additions were made in the 18th century. The legendary Maratha ruler Shivaji made important contributions to this temple’s development. Later, Chimaji Appa, who won a decisive battle against the Portuguese at Vasai Fort, collected five large bells as war trophies and offered one of them to Bhimashankar temple.
The temple complex features both old and new structures, creating a blend of ancient and relatively modern architectural elements. The main shrine houses the sacred Jyotirlinga, which draws thousands of devotees throughout the year.
Planning a visit to this sacred Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga? Here’s the truth: there is currently no online booking required for regular darshan at Bhimashankar Temple. Devotees can simply walk in and join the queue for darshan, especially if they visit during early mornings or on weekdays to avoid heavy crowds.
However, for those looking to participate in special poojas during the holy month of Kartik, advance booking is available through the official portal:
👉 Book Kartik Month Poojas Here
While VIP darshan facilities are not officially listed, crowd management is often handled efficiently during major festivals like Mahashivratri and Kartik Purnima. During such peak times, arriving early and planning your trip well in advance is highly recommended.
The ideal time to visit Bhimashankar Temple is from September to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant—perfect for temple visits and exploring the nearby forest areas. Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rain, turning the region lush but making travel and trekking tricky. Summers are warmer but still bearable due to the temple’s hilly location. For a spiritual experience, plan your visit during Mahashivratri (Feb–Mar) or Kartik Purnima, both celebrated with great devotion. Mondays in Shravan month (July–August) are also considered especially sacred for Shiva devotees.s
The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar temple is Pune Junction, located approximately 125 kilometers away. From Pune station, you can hire a taxi, take a bus, or drive to reach the temple.
Other nearby railway options include:
Traveling from Mumbai to Bhimashankar temple offers several route options:
By Road (Most Popular):
By Train + Road:
By Bus:
The distance from Pune to Bhimashankar temple is about 125 kilometers:
By Road:
Road Condition: Well-maintained roads with some hilly sections
Unlike some hill temples that require climbing hundreds of steps, Bhimashankar temple is relatively accessible. The main temple complex doesn’t involve extensive stair climbing, as vehicles can reach close to the temple premises.
However, there are some steps within the temple complex to reach the main shrine, but the number is manageable for most devotees. The temple management has made efforts to ensure accessibility for elderly devotees and those with mobility challenges.
The Bhimashankar temple dress code follows traditional Hindu temple guidelines:
For Men:
For Women:
General Guidelines:
Here are top attractions to visit near Bhimashankar Temple
Located just 1.5 km from the main Bhimashankar Temple, Datta Mandir is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Surrounded by forest paths, this quiet shrine is ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection after your darshan.
Around 2 km away from Bhimashankar Temple, this sacred site honors Goddess Kamalaja, a form of Parvati who was worshipped before Lord Shiva’s battle with Tripurasura. Set amidst serene greenery, the temple offers a peaceful space for devotees seeking blessings from the divine mother.
Situated approximately 3 km from the main temple, Ram Mandir is a small but beautiful shrine dedicated to Lord Rama. Known for its simple architecture and spiritual calm, it’s a peaceful stop for those who want to connect with Lord Ram during their pilgrimage.
Starting right beside the temple complex, this sanctuary is a protected natural area that stretches across the region. Home to the rare Giant Indian Squirrel (Shekru) and several bird species, it’s perfect for those who want to blend their spiritual journey with a walk through pristine forest trails.
Located about 2.5 km from Bhimashankar Temple, Hanuman Lake is a quiet and scenic spot often visited by devotees and nature lovers. Surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters, it’s a great place to relax, reflect, or enjoy a short nature break after temple visits.
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