Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: A Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva in the Sahyadri Hills
Opening Hours
4:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Subject to change; confirm before visiting)
Best Time To Visit
October to March (Pleasant weather)
Aarti Timing
Kakad Aarti : 4:30 AM (Approximate)Madhyanha Aarti : 12:00 PM (Approximate)
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, nestled in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. A visit offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience, surrounded by lush forests and ancient legends.
Expectations for Pilgrims
Seeking blessings from Lord Shiva at one of his most revered forms.
Experiencing the tranquility and natural beauty of the surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Participating in traditional rituals and prayers for spiritual upliftment.
Sacred Offerings: Blessings from Lord Bhimashankar
Prasad at Bhimashankar typically includes items that symbolize purity and devotion. These are often locally sourced and offer a taste of the region's spiritual essence.
Prasad / Prasadam :
Note : Prasad is readily available at stalls around the temple complex. Local priests can also provide specific blessings and offerings.
What to Offer: Sacred Contributions to the Divine
Devotees can offer various items to express their devotion and seek blessings from Lord Bhimashankar. These offerings are a way to connect with the divine energy of the Jyotirlinga.
Devotee's Offerings
Local priests can guide you on appropriate offerings and rituals for specific prayers and intentions.
Essential Experiences: Immerse in Bhimashankar's Spirituality
Activities:
Darshan of the Jyotirlinga
Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Deepening Your Connection
Bhimashankar is a hub for various pujas and rituals, from daily aartis to special ceremonies dedicated to Lord Shiva. These ceremonies are integral to the spiritual experience.
Attending Pujas:
Non Attending Pujas:
Most pujas and offerings can be arranged directly with the priests at Bhimashankar temple. For special pujas, it's advisable to inquire in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: Bhimashankar's Ancient Legacy
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is steeped in ancient legends and historical events, making it a significant pilgrimage site in Hinduism.
Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon
Bhimashankar stands as a significant spiritual beacon in Hinduism, attracting devotees seeking blessings, enlightenment, and liberation.
Key Aspects:
- Jyotirlinga Significance As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Bhimashankar is believed to be a powerful source of divine energy and a place where Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a column of light.
Opening Hours
Sunday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM Monday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday : 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
User Review
Total Reviews : 24403
- Star Rating :
Author Name : Jitendra Menariya
Review Time : 2 months ago
Review : Visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirling was a truly divine and soul-enriching experience. Nestled in the serene Sahyadri hills, the temple radiates a powerful spiritual energy that brings immense peace to the heart. The sacred jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is deeply revered, and one can genuinely feel the presence of Mahadev in the vibrations of this holy place. The temple’s surroundings are lush and tranquil, adding to the spiritual ambiance. The chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echo through the hills, creating an atmosphere of devotion. A must-visit for any Shiva devotee seeking blessings and inner peace. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Technical Shravan
Review Time : 2 months ago
Review : Shree Bhimashankar is a Jyotirlinga temple situated near Pune, around 120 km away. There are two ways to reach Bhimashankar from Pune—by bus or taxi. The only bus service available is run by **MSRTC**, and it is often overcrowded, especially during the holiday season, making it difficult to get a seat.
I started my journey from **Wakdewadi Bus Stand** in Pune, and it took around **5 hours and 30 minutes** to reach Bhimashankar. The road is not a double-lane highway; it is a single-lane route passing through forested and mountainous terrain. Another option is to take a **private cab or self-driven car**, but private parking is located **about 2 km before the temple**. From the parking area, visitors can either walk, take a private cab, or use a local bus to reach the temple.
The temple is located **200 steps down**, and there is usually a long queue for **darshan**. There is **no air circulation, no proper ventilation, and not even a single fan**, making it quite exhausting. Traveling with children is not advisable due to the challenging conditions.
For a faster entry, there is a **VIP pass** available for ₹300 INR, which allows **direct entry into the temple** without waiting in the main queue. The waiting time in the regular queue is typically **2 to 4 hours**. However, after standing for such a long time, devotees only get **10 to 15 seconds** in front of Lord Shiva before being asked to exit due to the crowd.
This experience can be tiring 😩—waiting **3 to 4 hours**, only to get **less than 2 minutes** inside the temple. Despite this, Lord Shiva is believed to grant blessings and fulfill wishes to those who visit with devotion.
------------- - Star Rating :
Author Name : Irfan P
Review Time : 2 months ago
Review : Bhimashankar Temple is a very famous and holy place located in the hills of the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it very special for devotees. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and beautiful nature, which makes the journey to it even more peaceful and refreshing. The architecture of the temple is old and simple, but it feels very powerful and spiritual. Many people visit here to pray, find peace, and enjoy the calm environment. The area around the temple is also home to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can sometimes spot rare animals and birds. Visiting Bhimashankar Temple feels like a break from busy life and a chance to feel close to God and nature. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Savitha Shetty
Review Time : in the last week
Review : We had visited on Saturday and it was too crowded. Our vehicle was stopped 5 km away from the temple as parking was full near the temple.
There were buses available but frequency was very less. There was also option of taking bikes on rent. Some people started walking towards the temple.
Atmosphere was very nice and beautiful and breathtaking as we could see fog near our face.
Line near the temple was very big and it took 5 hrs to enter the temple.
So you need to plan accordingly. You can book near by hotel rather than travel back to city as road is risky to drive back at night. - Star Rating :
Author Name : ajinkya lokhande
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Bhimashankar Temple, nestled in the serene hills of the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra, is a spiritually significant site and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by lush forests and pristine natural beauty, the journey to the temple is both peaceful and refreshing. The nearby Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary adds to the charm, offering occasional sightings of rare birds and animals. While the temple is a deeply spiritual experience, it can get quite crowded on weekends — it took us around 3 to 4 hours for darshan. Overall, a must-visit for devotees and nature lovers alike.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heavy weekend crowd and reduce waiting time for darshan.