Bhimashankar Temple

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Heritage Overview

Temple

Located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst dense forests, which form the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the temple features Nagara style architecture. It's the source of the River Bhima. The site attracts numerous pilgrims seeking blessings and trekkers exploring the surrounding natural beauty, making it a significant religious and ecological destination, deeply revered by devotees across many regions.

Location

Khed (Pune District), Maharashtra, India(Maharashtra)

Year Built

N/A

Visit Information

Visiting Hours

4:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Daily.

Entry Fee

Free entry.

Website

https://shribhimashankar.org.in/

Heritage Status

Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.

Preservation Status

Good, ASI maintained structure.

Historical Context

Recognized as a Jyotirlinga in ancient texts (e.g., Shiva Purana). While nearby Buddhist caves suggest ancient habitation, the current temple incorporates Nagara and the regional Hemadpanti style (characterized by interlocking stones without mortar, prominent in Yadava period Maharashtra, c. 13th C). Its significance was reinforced under the Marathas; Nana Phadnavis, a key figure in the Peshwa administration, commissioned the Sabhamandap and the Shikhara in the 18th century, reflecting Maratha efforts to restore and patronize major Hindu pilgrimage sites. The surrounding forest being declared a sanctuary adds a modern layer to its ecological and historical context.

Archaeological Survey

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Mumbai Circle.

Location Map

Architectural Details

Nagara Architecture / Maratha Influence

Maratha Period (Current Structure)

Built by

Nana Phadnavis (Maratha statesman, rebuilt current structure 18th century)

Materials

Stone (local dark stone)

Dimensions

Height19m

Featured Image

Excavation Details

ASI protected monument. No major excavations reported within the main temple. Inscriptions dating back to the 13th century CE exist. Nana Phadnavis renovated the current structure in the 18th century. Archaeological significance also relates to nearby Buddhist caves (Bhimashankar Caves).

Restoration Work

Periodic ASI conservation and structural maintenance.

Patronage

Maratha Empire (Peshwas), Devotees

Construction Technique

Stone masonry, Carving

Architectural Influences

3 items

Building Techniques

Shikhara construction, Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Intricate carvings

Coordinates

19.072800, 73.537000

Accessibility Info

{"notes":"Significant number of steps (approx 200+) lead down to the temple. Path is paved but steep in sections.","restrooms":"Available near temple, basic","wheelchair_accessible":"None (due to numerous steps)"}

Visitor Facilities

5 items

Best Visit Times

Post-monsoon (September to November) offers lush greenery and pleasant weather. Winter (December to February) is cool and comfortable. Monsoon (June-August) is scenic but very wet. Avoid peak festival days like Mahashivaratri for fewer crowds.

Seasonal Events

2 items

Visitor Restrictions

Modest dress code advised. Footwear removed before entering temple. Photography often restricted inside the sanctum. Men may be required to remove shirts for sanctum darshan. Be mindful of wildlife sanctuary regulations if trekking in the area. Access involves stairs.

View Count

Is Featured

Yes

Is Published

Yes

Completion Score

Completion Status

in-progress

Created By

68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079

Created At

2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00

Updated At

2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00

Inheritage Foundation

Bhimashankar Temple