Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

Introduction to Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

The Bhimashankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds significant importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located in the Bhimashankar Reserve near Pune, Maharashtra, and serves as the originating point of the River Bhima. Devotees believe that immersing themselves in the holy waters of the river can cleanse all sins. It is important to note that Bhimashankar Temple is one of the five Jyotirlingas situated in Maharashtra.

The Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, and they occupy a special place in the hearts of devotees who believe that Lord Shiva himself visited these sites. In India, there are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas, with each representing a "column or pillar of light," symbolising the concept of a limitless and eternal existence.

Legend of Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

Two legends are associated with the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Let's explore them:

According to one legend found in the Matsya Purana and the Shiva Purana, there were three demons named Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali, and Viryavana, collectively known as Tripurasura. Through their Tapasya (austerities), they obtained a boon from Lord Brahma. The boon granted them three magnificent cities made of gold, silver, and iron, collectively known as Tripura. However, a prophecy stated that only a single arrow could destroy these cities.

The demons gathered in the forts, but as time passed, they began to trouble the people, misbehaving with sages, terrorising common folk, and even challenging the gods. Consequently, Lord Indra and the other gods approached Lord Brahma for a solution, but Brahma directed them to seek the assistance of Lord Shiva. Shiva agreed, and the war between the gods and the demons commenced. Goddess Parvati joined Lord Shiva, and they took the form of "Ardha-Narya-Nateshwar" and descended to Earth.

To destroy Tripura, Lord Shiva instructed Vishwakarma to construct a special chariot. The chariot featured the Earth (Prithvi) as its base, with the Sun and Moon as the wheels, Lord Brahma as the charioteer, Mount Meru as the bow, the serpent Vasuki as the bowstring, and Lord Vishnu as the arrow. Shiva aligned the three cities and engulfed them in flames. The gods then requested that Lord Shiva make the place his home, and he transformed into a Linga, residing in the Bhimashankar mountains.

In another legend, in the Dakini forests of the Sahyadri Mountains, an Asura (demon) named Bhima resided with his mother, Karkati. Bhima was actually the son of Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of King Ravana. Learning that Lord Vishnu had slain his father in his avatar as Lord Rama, Bhima became enraged and vowed revenge. He performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma.

Impressed by his devotion, Lord Brahma granted Bhima immense strength, which he used to wreak havoc on the world. He imprisoned Kamrupeshwar, a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, and demanded that he worship Bhima instead, but he refused. So Bhima tried to demolish the Shiva Linga. At that moment, Lord Shiva appeared before him and reduced Bhima to ashes. The location where Lord Shiva manifested is believed to be the site where the Shiva Linga stands today.

Architecture of Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

The Bhimashankar temple complex features a small and modest structure adorned with numerous sculptures that depict various Gods and Goddesses. The temple's architecture showcases the Nagara style and the Hemadpanthi style of construction. Within the temple, there are three main sections, namely the Garbhagriha, Kurmamandap and Sabhamandap.

The entrance to the Bhimashankar temple is marked by a solid wooden door adorned with intricate carvings of multiple gods and goddesses. Additionally, a large bell gifted by Chimaji Appa, the brother of Bajirao Peshwa I, greets visitors at the entrance. Within the temple premises, there are two prominent Nandi sculptures. The Nandi positioned in front of the sanctum is ancient, while the other one is relatively new. Visitors also have the opportunity to pay their respects at the shrines dedicated to Lord Nando, Shani, Nandi, Dutta, and Lord Ram.

Festivals in Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

The Bhimshankar Temple celebrates several festivals, including:

• Mahashivaratri: A five-day grand fair takes place in late February or early March to honour Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is renowned for its rigorous poojas, abhishekams, and bhajans. Pradosham, another significant occasion, is also observed at the temple.

• Karthik Poornima: This festival occurs between November and December. It marks the day when Lord Shiva annihilated the demon kingdom of Tripura across the three realms.

• Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrated with great enthusiasm and cheer, Ganesh Chaturthi falls in August or September. It commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

• Deepawali: Deepawali is celebrated by adorning the entire temple with lamps. The priests conduct special poojas for Lord Shiva throughout the day to commemorate the festival of lights.

Benefits of worshipping in Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

Worshipping at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam Temple offers numerous benefits:

• Lord Shiva's Care: Devotees believe that Lord Shiva, being a compassionate deity, watches over them. People visit this temple to pray for good health, fortune, and overall happiness. They seek protection from any adversaries under the Lord's divine shelter.

• Cosmic Force: The temple is a place where a powerful cosmic force is present in the physical realm, promoting self-consciousness and spiritual awareness.

• Alleviation of Sins: Worshipping at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam Temple is believed to absolve sins, both past and future, offering a fresh start and paving the way for spiritual growth. Additionally, devotees are blessed with wealth, prosperity, protection, longevity, self-realization, empowerment, cosmic purity and well-being.

How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

To reach Bhimshankar temple, follow these routes:

Air: Pune Airport serves as the nearest airport for convenient travel to the temple.

Train: The temple can be accessed via the nearest railway station, which is located in Pune, approximately 120 km away from the temple premises.

Road: For those opting for road travel, regular bus services are available from Pune starting from 5:30 AM until 4 PM. Additionally, a bus departs from Kalyan and Ghatkopar. These bus services provide convenient transportation options to reach the Bhimshankar temple.

Temple Timings of Bhimashankar Jyothirlingam Temple

The temple authorities open the doors of the temple at 4:30 AM in the morning and close them at 9:30 PM in the evening. Throughout this time, the temple conducts several rituals. Devotees have the opportunity to actively participate in these rituals, including the afternoon and evening aarti.