Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is located about 100 km from Pune, Maharashtra. It is a very sacred and famous temple, which comes sixth among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is situated on the hills of the Sahyadri Range in Bhorgiri village. In today’s article we will talk about another famous Jyotirlinga temple of Maharashtra which is known as Bhimashankar Temple. In this article we will give you all the detailed information about the sixth Jyotirlinga temple that is the Bhimashankar Temple journey.
We will try to give you detailed information such as how to reach Bhimashankar Temple, where to stay during the Bhimashankar Temple journey and in how much budget you can stay. We will also explain how to reach for darshan in Bhimashankar Temple and after darshan what nearby places you can visit. We will also cover what food arrangements will be available and how you can manage them. Along with this we will also tell you what time is best for visiting Bhimashankar Temple and how much expense a person may incur in completing this journey.
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About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
The special thing about the temple is that it is located inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary so to reach this temple you have to pass through dense forest. After darshan trekking to the nearby famous places adds a different joy.
This temple is situated at an altitude of about 3250 feet above sea level, so the weather around the temple always remains pleasant. If you also want to visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and have darshan of Lord Mahadev, then the first thing you need to know is how to reach Bhimashankar Temple.
How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple
If you want to come by bus, then from Pune’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Bus Stand, you will get Maharashtra State Transport buses. The distance from Pune to Bhimashankar Temple is about 110 km. The bus fare ranges from ₹100 to ₹200 per person. This journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- If you want to come from Mumbai, you will also get direct bus service from Mumbai to Bhimashankar Temple, though the number of buses is fewer compared to Pune. So Pune is a better option.
- If you want to reach Bhimashankar Temple by train, then you have to first come to Pune Railway Station by train from your city. Pune Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Bhimashankar. This station is well connected by train to many major cities of India, so you will easily find trains.
- If you don’t get a train directly to Pune, you can first reach Mumbai and from there come to Pune and then Bhimashankar Temple.
- From Pune Railway Station, you will find autos outside which can take you to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Bus Stand. The auto fare is around ₹60. From there, you can catch buses to Bhimashankar Temple. Alternatively, you can book a taxi from outside Pune Railway Station to Bhimashankar Temple, costing around ₹1500 to ₹2500.
If you want to come by flight then the nearest airport is Pune Airport. From your city you can take a direct flight to Pune Airport. Pune is well connected to many major Indian cities. If you don’t get a flight to Pune, you can land in Mumbai and then travel to Pune and onward to Bhimashankar.
Accommodation Options in Bhimashankar
Around the bus stand and temple premises, you will find homestays, lodges, and hotels. The room charges range from ₹600 to ₹1000 per night.
But due to fewer accommodation options, during peak season these hotels become expensive, with charges ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 per night.
Food Arrangements
Talking about food arrangements you won’t face any problem. You will find bhojanalayas (canteens) near the bus stand and temple premises. They provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. A normal thali meal costs around ₹100 to ₹150.
Darshan Process in Bhimashankar Temple
To reach the temple, you have to walk a little on the temple pathway and then descend about 350 steps.
- If you come here during weekends, festivals, or New Year, you will find heavy crowds. On such days, it may take 3 to 4 hours for darshan. The line extends up to the temple steps.
- If you come on weekdays the crowd is less and you can complete darshan in 15 to 20 minutes.
- On the way you will also see shops selling prasad. After standing in line, you can have darshan of Lord Bholenath in Jyotirlinga form.
Story of Bhimashankar Temple
According to the Puranas there was a demon named Tripurasura. To kill him Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together took a massive form called “Bhimarupa” and killed Tripurasura. That is why Shiva here is known as Bhimashankar (Bhim means massive).
After killing the demon all the deities requested Lord Shiva to stay here forever. Shiva accepted their request and manifested in Jyotirlinga form at this place.
Here devotees can also touch the Jyotirlinga during darshan. Only during crowded times like Shivratri, weekends, and New Year it may be difficult, otherwise darshan is easy.
Nearby Places to Visit After Visiting
After Visiting of the Jyotirlinga, you can also visit the nearby Gorakhnath Temple dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath.
- A short walk away you will also find the origin place of Bhima River. It is believed that Bhima River originates here and flows southwest to merge with Krishna River. At Pandharpur it is called Chandrabhaga River because it flows in the shape of a crescent moon.
- This place is also known as Panchganga Teerth, where Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Surya and Chandra are believed to reside.
- Behind the main temple there is a trail leading to Gupt Bhimashankar (Hidden Bhimashankar). This trek is about 2 km through the jungle giving an adventurous experience. On the way you will see birds and greenery.
- Halfway through you will reach Sakshi Ganesh Temple. It is believed that Lord Ganesha witnessed Lord Shiva killing the demon here so this temple is called Sakshi Ganesh.
- After trekking for about half an hour you reach Gupt Bhimashankar, where a Jyotirlinga is located under a waterfall. In monsoon it remains submerged but in summer the water reduces and darshan is easier.
- Nearby an alternate Shivling is made for regular puja. You can also visit Mumbai Point located near the temple entrance. From here you can see the scenic view of Sahyadri hills. During evening the sunset view is amazing.
- But note if you are returning the same day you cannot visit here because buses leave for Mumbai and Pune only till 6:00 PM. If you are staying overnight or traveling in your own vehicle, you can explore it.
- About 2 km from the temple is Hanuman Lake with a Hanuman temple. If you have time, you should visit. If staying overnight, you can go there the next day.
Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar Temple
You can visit Bhimashankar Temple any time of the year. But during Shivratri, New Year, and monsoon, there is heavy crowd. Otherwise, throughout the year, the weather remains good as it is located on a hill.
Expenses of Bhimashankar Temple Trip
For a complete trip including transportation, stay, food, and darshan the average cost per person is about ₹1000 to ₹1500 during off-season. use our Travel Budget Planner Tool for calculating the tour budget
If you are not staying overnight and return the same day, the cost reduces further. During peak season, the expenses increase. This calculation is from Pune to Bhimashankar and back.
Bhimashankar Temple Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bhorgiri village, Sahyadri Hills, Maharashtra |
| Distance from Pune | ~110 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Pune Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Pune Airport |
| Altitude | 3250 feet above sea level |
| Steps to Temple | 350 steps |
| Accommodation Cost | ₹600 – ₹2500 per night |
| Food Cost | ₹100 – ₹150 per meal |
| Best Time to Visit | All year, except heavy crowds on Shivratri, New Year, Monsoon |
| Total Trip Cost | ₹1000 – ₹1500 per person (off-season) |
FAQs on Bhimashankar Temple
1. How far is Bhimashankar Temple from Pune?
The temple is about 110 km from Pune, and it takes 3 to 4 hours by road.
2. How many steps are there in Bhimashankar Temple?
There are about 350 steps to reach the main temple.
3. What is the best time to visit Bhimashankar?
You can visit anytime during the year. Weather is always pleasant, but avoid peak crowds during Shivratri, New Year, and monsoon.
4. What is the cost of staying near Bhimashankar?
Hotels and lodges range from ₹600 to ₹1000 in off-season and ₹1500 to ₹2500 during peak season.
5. Can I complete Bhimashankar trip in one day?
Yes, from Pune, you can complete the trip in one day including darshan. If you want to explore more places nearby, staying overnight is better.