Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Hills, about 110 km from Pune and 220 km from Mumbai.The temple stands at an altitude of 3,250 feet and is surrounded by dense forests, later declared a wildlife sanctuary.
The temple follows Nagaran architectural style and is believed to have been built in the 13th century. Later, the Peshwas expanded it.According to legends, Lord Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga after destroying the demon Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna.
The temple is highly significant as it is both a spiritual center and a nature destination. Thousands of pilgrims visit annually, especially during Maha Shivaratri.Daily darshan attracts over 5,000 pilgrims, while during festivals the number crosses 1 lakh devotees.
Along with darshan, visitors can enjoy trekking, bird watching, and the famous Hanuman Lake nearby.The temple is managed by local trust authorities and offers sevas, darshan passes, and pooja bookings online and offline.
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Bhimashankar Temple Overview 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sahyadri Hills, Maharashtra |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga) |
| Altitude | 3,250 feet above sea level |
| Established | 13th century |
| Managed By | Bhimashankar Temple Trust |
| Visitors Daily | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Festival Crowd | 1 lakh+ during Maha Shivaratri |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
Bhimashankar Temple Timings 2025
| Activity / Ritual | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 4:30 AM |
| Morning Aarti | 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM |
| General Darshan | 5:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:30 PM |
Sevas and Darshans at Bhimashankar Temple 2025
| Seva / Darshan | Timing | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rudrabhishek Pooja | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 500 |
| Laghu Rudra Abhishek | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 1,500 |
| Maha Rudra Abhishek | 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 3,500 |
| Shodashopachar Pooja | 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM | 1,000 |
| General Darshan | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Free |
| Paid Special Darshan | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 200 |
| Aarti Pass | Morning / Evening slots | 300 |
How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple
- By Air: Nearest airport Pune, 110 km away.
- By Train: Pune Junction, 111 km away.
- By Road: From Pune (110 km), Mumbai (220 km), Nashik (210 km).
- Buses: MSRTC buses available from Pune and Mumbai.
- Taxis & Jeeps: Available from Manchar (65 km).
How to Book Darshan Tickets Online
- Visit official Bhimashankar Temple Trust website.
- Register with email, phone, and ID proof.
- Select Darshan or Seva booking option.
- Choose date and time slot.
- Pay online using UPI, Net Banking, Cards.
- Download E-pass and carry ID proof.
Nearby Attractions
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Rare giant squirrel habitat.
- Hanuman Lake – Peaceful spot for meditation.
- Gupt Bhimashankar – Sacred water stream source.
- Nagphani Point – Popular trekking viewpoint.
- Ahupe Ghat – Scenic valley view.
- Shivneri Fort – Birthplace of Shivaji, 95 km away.
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Carry valid ID proof always.
- Avoid carrying plastic bags.
- Temple is at high altitude, wear warm clothes.
- Photography not allowed inside sanctum.
- Book pooja tickets in advance.
- Mobile phones restricted in sanctum.
Accommodation Options at Bhimashankar
| Accommodation Type | Price Range (INR) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Guesthouses | 300 – 700 | Basic, clean rooms |
| Budget Hotels | 800 – 1,200 | Affordable, near temple |
| Mid-Range Hotels | 1,500 – 2,500 | AC rooms, food service |
| Luxury Hotels | 3,000 – 5,000 | Premium facilities |
| Dormitories | 150 – 300 | Shared stay, pilgrims’ groups |
Dos and Don’ts at Bhimashankar Temple
Dos:
- Wear simple traditional clothes.
- Respect queue system.
- Carry drinking water.
- Visit early morning for less crowd.
- Donate only at official counters.
Don’ts:
- Don’t litter in sanctuary.
- Don’t carry leather items inside.
- Don’t consume alcohol near temple.
- Don’t engage with touts.
- Don’t skip safety rules during trek.
FAQs about Bhimashankar Temple 2025
Q1: What is Bhimashankar famous for?
It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Q2: What is darshan ticket cost?
General darshan is free, special darshan is ₹200.
Q3: When is best time to visit?
October to March is best for weather and darshan.
Q4: Can I book pooja online?
Yes, Rudrabhishek and Aarti tickets can be booked online.
Q5: How many visitors come daily?
Around 5,000 – 10,000 daily, 1 lakh+ during festivals.