More About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

According to legend, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is connected to the mighty demon Bhim (sometimes referred to as Bhimasura), who was the son of the demon Kumbhakarna, the brother of Ravana from the Ramayana. Bhima, like his father, possessed immense strength and was filled with arrogance and destructive powers.

After Kumbhakarna was slain by Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana, his wife Karkati took refuge in the mountains and gave birth to Bhima. Unaware of his father’s fate, Bhima grew up and became a formidable warrior. When he learned about his father’s death at the hands of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Rama, he was enraged and swore vengeance against all the gods.Driven by hatred and anger, Bhima began to perform severe penance to please Lord Brahma. Pleased with his penance, Brahma granted him immense powers. Empowered by these blessings, Bhima unleashed a reign of terror across the three worlds—he defeated the gods, harassed sages, and wreaked havoc everywhere.During this time, he enslaved a king named Kamrupeshwar, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, and forced him to worship him instead of Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar refused, Bhima became furious and tried to destroy the Shiva Linga that the king worshipped.When Bhima attempted to strike the Shiva Linga, Lord Shiva emerged in his fierce form to protect his devotee and the world. A great battle ensued between Shiva and Bhima. The fight was intense, shaking the heavens and the earth. Eventually, Lord Shiva defeated the demon and reduced him to ashes.At the request of the gods and sages, Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga to bless the region and ensure that Bhima’s destruction would bring peace to the world. It is said that the sweat from Shiva’s intense battle formed the Bhima River, which flows through the region.

How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga?

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri Hills of Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Here are the various modes of transportation you can use to reach it:

• By Air Nearest airport is Pune Airport (PNQ); hire a taxi or bus to reach Bhimashankar.
• By Rail Pune Railway Station is well-connected; take a bus or taxi to the temple.
• By Bus Pune Bus Stand offers direct services to Bhimashankar.
• By Road Accessible via National Highway 65; follow road signs to the temple.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Services

Darshan

• General Free, no booking needed.
• Special Shorter wait, tickets online/on-site.
• VIP Minimal wait, tickets online/on-site.

• Pooja Abhishek, Aarti, Rudrabhishek, Lakshmi Puja (check prices at the temple).

• Online Booking Special/VIP darshan on the temple website or tourism portals.

Note Book early during peak seasons; follow dress code and temple rules.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Aarti Timings

• Morning Aarti begins around 5:00 AM.
• Evening Aarti starts around 7:00 PM.

Tourist Places 

Places to see near the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhimashankar Dam
• Kundali Lake
• Kalsubai Peak

Other religious places near Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

• Siddheshwar Temple
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
• Trimbakeshwar Temple
• Shani Shingnapur Temple

Local Food Speciality of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga 

• Misal
• Vada Paav
• Thalipeeth
• Puran Poli
• Sabudana Khichdi
• Kokum Sharbat.