What Is This Pilgrimage?
Nestled high in the rugged, evergreen Sahyadri ranges of Pune district, Maharashtra, at an elevation of 1,005 meters (3,297 feet), Bhimashankar Temple is the 6th of the Twelve Sacred Jyotirlingas. Encircled by dense subtropical rainforests that receive torrential monsoon rains, this sacred shrine marks the geographic source of the holy Bhima River, which flows southeast across Maharashtra and Karnataka to become the revered Chandrabhaga at Pandharpur.
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested here in his fierce Rudra form to slay the tyrant demon Bhimasura, son of Kumbhakarna, who had terrorized sages and imprisoned King Kamrupeshwar. The sweat that poured from Lord Shiva’s brow during the catastrophic celestial duel collected to form the perennial stream of the Bhima River.
The Circuit — Sites Overview
| Sanctum / Site | Altitude / Type | District / Location | Presiding Deity | Key Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sanctum | Valley bottom | Black basalt stone temple | Enshrines the thick, low-set Swayambhu Jyotirlinga with subterranean spring waters | |
| Roman Catholic Bell | Temple entrance | Colossal iron church bell (1729) | Presented by Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Baji Rao I, after capturing Vasai Fort from the Portuguese | |
| Gupt Bhimashankar | 2 km trek into jungle | Concealed rock spring | The hidden geographical origin of the Bhima river cascading down mossy rocks | |
| Nagphani Point | 3 km uphill trail | Cobra-hood cliff viewpoint | Highest point in the sanctuary offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Konkan plains | |
| Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve | Surrounding forest | Evergreen biodiversity hotspot | Habitat of the endangered Malabar Giant Squirrel (Shekru, Maharashtra state animal) |
Detailed Site Pages
- The Hemadpanthi Basalt Spire: Built out of interlocking dark basalt blocks in late Nagara style by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century, the assembly hall features intricately carved pillars and scenes from the Shiv Puran. Explore our Bhimashankar Temple Profile.
- The Chimaji Appa Bell: Suspended before the main portal hangs a colossal 18th-century brass bell engraved with a cross and Latin inscription ('Anno 1729'), seized by Maratha forces during the siege of Portuguese Basai.
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Covering 131 sq km of Western Ghats rainforest, the sanctuary is renowned for the elusive Malabar Giant Squirrel (Shekru), barking deer, leopards, and bioluminescent monsoon fungi.
- Trekking Routes: Adventure seekers climb to Bhimashankar from Khandas village in the Konkan via two legendary trails: the easy Ganesh Ghat trail and the thrilling, ladder-equipped Shidi Ghat rock scramble.
Recommended Itinerary
- Day 1 (Pune / Mumbai to Bhimashankar - 110 km / 215 km): Drive early morning through Manchar and Ghodegaon, climbing into the misty ghats of Bhimashankar. Arrive by midday; check in to MTDC Resort. Afternoon visit to the temple for Sparsh Darshan and Aarti. Walk the easy nature trail to Hanuman Lake.
- Day 2 (Gupt Bhimashankar & Nagphani Viewpoint): 06:00 AM jungle walk to Gupt Bhimashankar where the river originates under boulders. Hike up to Nagphani point for morning cloud sea views. Depart for the second Maharashtra Jyotirlinga at Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) via Narayangaon and Sangamner (220 km / 5.5 hours drive).
Best Time
September to February provides cool, mist-free weather and clear trekking trails. The Monsoon (July–August) transforms the Western Ghats into a dramatic wonderland of roaring waterfalls and verdant moss, attracting thousands of rain trekkers and Shravan pilgrims.
How to Reach the Start Point
Bhimashankar is easily reachable by road from western Maharashtra hubs:
- From Pune: 110 km (3.5 hours drive via Bhosari, Chakan, Manchar, and Ghodegaon). Frequent MSRTC buses depart from Pune Shivaji Nagar bus stand.
- From Mumbai: 215 km via Pune Expressway, Talegaon, and Chakan (approx 5 hours drive).
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ - 105 km).
- Nearest Railhead: Pune Junction (115 km) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai (215 km).
Accommodation
Options range from forest government resorts to rustic pilgrim lodges:
- MTDC Resort Bhimashankar: Located 1 km before the temple complex with deluxe family cottages and serene mountain views.
- Blue Mormon Jungle Resort: Situated near Nigdale village with private cottages and valley dining.
- Sansthan Dharamshalas: Simple rooms operated by the temple trust around the steps for overnight devotees.
Rules & Dress Code
- Temple Steps: Reaching the sanctum requires descending approximately 230 stone steps from the bus terminus. Covered steps with handrails accommodate senior citizens. Palanquin (Doli) services are available.
- Sanctum Rules: Devotees can offer milk and bilva leaves directly to the Swayambhu lingam during morning abhishek hours. Men must remove shirts/leather items before entering the inner sanctum.
Costs
| Item / Service | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Entry & Darshan | ₹0 (FREE) | Standard line down the covered hall |
| VIP Darshan Pass | ₹200 | Available at the Sansthan Trust counter |
| Palki / Doli (For 230 steps) | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | Round-trip carry for elderly pilgrims |
| MTDC Cottage (Per Night) | ₹2,200 – ₹3,800 | Standard / AC room with breakfast |
Route Logistics Blueprint & Field Risk Audit
Real-time road condition advisories, vehicle suitability checks, fuel outposts, and medical hubs.
- ✓Road Condition & Clearance Audit: Pothole sectors, high-ground-clearance mandates, and monsoon slides.
- ✓Fuel & EV Charging Outposts: Last reliable fuel stations, diesel availability, and emergency tyre repair.
- ✓Offline Navigation & Dead Zones: Topographical route maps for areas with zero mobile phone towers.
- ✓Direct Emergency Authorities: Verified numbers for highway patrol, mountain rescue, and civil hospitals.
🛡️ Personally curated by PK Gupta & the Hidden Routes research desk. Delivered directly to your Email & WhatsApp within 4–8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps must one climb to reach Bhimashankar Temple?
The temple sits in a valley hollow, requiring devotees to descend approximately 230 stone steps from the parking plaza and climb them back up upon return. Palkis are readily available for seniors.
What is the unique Portuguese bell at Bhimashankar Temple?
A massive 18th-century cast iron bell engraved with a cross and 1729 date hangs at the temple entrance. It was captured from the Portuguese at Vasai Fort by Chimaji Appa and consecrated at Bhimashankar.
Can you spot the Malabar Giant Squirrel around the temple?
Yes! The surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the premier habitat of the Malabar Giant Squirrel (Shekru). They are frequently spotted in the high canopy along the Gupt Bhimashankar forest trail.
What is the difference between Ganesh Ghat and Shidi Ghat treks?
Ganesh Ghat is a gradual 8 km walking trail suitable for beginners. Shidi Ghat is a steep, thrilling 5 km route with vertical iron ladders bolted to sheer rock faces, suitable only for experienced hikers.
How far are the other Maharashtra Jyotirlingas from Bhimashankar?
Trimbakeshwar in Nashik is 220 km north (5.5 hrs drive), and Grishneshwar near Ellora is 310 km northeast (7 hrs drive).