Bhimashankar Mandir is a place of deep faith for all Hindus. It is located in the green Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra. As it is one of the twelve pious Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, a large number of devotees visit here every year. They participate in different religious rituals, detox themselves spiritually, and pray for the well-being of human beings. This temple is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, rich mythology, and divine act. It is also a source of the Bhima River. Let’s learn more about the Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir, its origins, myths, etc. We will also discuss why it is so special.
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Bhimashankar Temple Story
The story of Bhimashankar Mandir is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology. As per the belief, Lord Shiva appeared here as a Jyotirlinga. He defeated the demon Tripurasura. He was a powerful devil. He attained immense power through intense penance and started to trouble the gods and sages. In response to the prayer of devotees, Lord Shiva destroyed him in an aggressive fight in the Sahyadri Hills. After this, he settled on the mountain and started to be recognized as Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
The Spiritual Significance of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir is a perfect place for religious and spiritual activities. Every year, a large number of devotees flock to this temple and participate in different rituals. It is believed that visiting the Mandir and offering prayers here can help them cleanse their sins, bring peace, and reward them with liberation (Moksha). Moreover, they feel closer to nature, uplift their soul, and take them toward spiritual growth and divine connection.
Bhimashankar Mandir History: Myths & Legends
The Bhimashankar Mandir history has amazing myths and legends that increase its spiritual attraction. The legends of Tripurasura and Bhima (Son of Kumbhakarna) are associated with it. When Lord Rama killed Ravana and Kumbhakarna, Bhima’s mother, Karkati, brought him up in the Sahyadri Hills. When Bhima came to know about his father’s death, he decided to punish Lord Vishnu and his devotees, including Lord Shiva.
He performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma and gained immense power. He started terrorizing the region and defeated King Sudakshina (a devoted follower of Shiva) of Kamarupa, and put him behind bars. Even while in jail, Sudakshina created a Shivalinga in jail and kept worshipping lord Shiva. Bhima tried to destroy the Linga. But lord shiva appeared and destroyed him completely. After this, the gods and sages called upon him to remain at the place as Jyotirlinga. It led to the establishment of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple.
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He performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma and gained immense power. He started terrorizing the region and defeated King Sudakshina (a devoted follower of Shiva) of Kamarupa, and put him behind bars. Even while in jail, Sudakshina created a Shivalinga in jail and kept worshipping lord Shiva. Bhima tried to destroy the Linga. But lord shiva appeared and destroyed him completely. After this, the gods and sages called upon him to remain at the place as Jyotirlinga. It led to the establishment of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple.
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The Architecture of Bhimashankar Shiva Temple
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It has beautiful carvings and ancient stonework. It was built in the 13th century and witnessed renovations by various dynasties. Peshwas, Marathas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Yadavas were the main renovators. The Maratha statesman Nana Phadnavis constructed the assembly hall and spire in the 18th century.
Remember, the temple’s Garbhagriha (sanctum) has the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam. It is located in its center. Moreover, complex carvings of deities, human figures, and mythological scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata decorate the temple’s walls and pillars. The chariot-like design of the temple helped it earn the name “Rathachala.” The shikhara towers in the sky and manifests Shiva’s divine presence. It has shrines for other gods also. For example, Kamalaja (an incarnation of Parvati), Lord Shani, Hanuman, Krishna, and Ganesha.
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Remember, the temple’s Garbhagriha (sanctum) has the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam. It is located in its center. Moreover, complex carvings of deities, human figures, and mythological scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata decorate the temple’s walls and pillars. The chariot-like design of the temple helped it earn the name “Rathachala.” The shikhara towers in the sky and manifests Shiva’s divine presence. It has shrines for other gods also. For example, Kamalaja (an incarnation of Parvati), Lord Shani, Hanuman, Krishna, and Ganesha.
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Temple Timings
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir opens every day from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Morning Aarti- 4:30 AM–5:00 AM
Morning Darshan- 4:30 AM–3:15 PM
Shringar Darshan- 4:00 PM–4:30 PM
Evening Aarti- 7:30 PM–8:00 PM
Evening Darshan- 4:00 PM–9:30 PM
Important Rituals At Bhimashankar Temple
Abhishekam (Ritual Bathing)
It is one of the most prominent rituals at this temple. They bathe the Jyotirlinga with water, milk, honey, ghee, curd, and pious ash during everyday religious activities or during festivals.
Rudrabhishek
It is one of the most prominent rituals at this temple. They bathe the Jyotirlinga with water, milk, honey, ghee, curd, and pious ash during everyday religious activities or during festivals.
Rudrabhishek
Devotees perform this ritual to get Lord Shiva’s blessings. They chant the Rudra mantra from the Yajurveda. It is believed to eliminate negativity and bring about peace and prosperity.
Daily Worship (Aarti)
Temple’s priests and devotees from Aarti in the morning, midday, and evening.
Daily Worship (Aarti)
Temple’s priests and devotees from Aarti in the morning, midday, and evening.
Benefits of Visiting Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir
Inner Peace and Spiritual Upliftment
Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir is believed to be a powerful energy center. Here, Lord Shiva destroyed evil. So, devotees visit here and perform rituals. It helps them get inner peace, spiritual rejuvenation.
Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir is believed to be a powerful energy center. Here, Lord Shiva destroyed evil. So, devotees visit here and perform rituals. It helps them get inner peace, spiritual rejuvenation.
Removal of Obstacles & fulfillment of Wishes
As per the belief, offering sincere prayers at Bhimashankar can eliminate people’s problems and fulfill their wishes. Devotees often seek blessings for various desires. It also helps them remove negative energies.
As per the belief, offering sincere prayers at Bhimashankar can eliminate people’s problems and fulfill their wishes. Devotees often seek blessings for various desires. It also helps them remove negative energies.
Get Punya and Moksha
A pilgrimage to Bhimashankar is an important and holy tradition in the Hindu religion. It lets people have immense spiritual merit (punya) and attain Moksha (liberation).
A pilgrimage to Bhimashankar is an important and holy tradition in the Hindu religion. It lets people have immense spiritual merit (punya) and attain Moksha (liberation).
Opportunities for Charity and Good Deeds
While visiting the Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir, devotees engage in charity activities. They donate food, clothes, money, and other essential goods to needy people. It brings emotional satisfaction to them. This selfless service also guides them toward a path to divine grace.
While visiting the Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir, devotees engage in charity activities. They donate food, clothes, money, and other essential goods to needy people. It brings emotional satisfaction to them. This selfless service also guides them toward a path to divine grace.
Festivals Celebrated At Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir
Mahashivratri
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Devotees celebrate this festival here in this temple to mark the union of Shiva and Shakti and Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance (Tandava). They perform night-long worship, rudrabhishek, four prahar pooja, and observe fasting. During this time, they decorate the temple beautifully. A large number of people gather to seek Shiva’s blessings.
Shravan Maas (Shravan Month)
In the 4th month of the Hindu calendar (July–August), Lord Shiva devotees fast and perform special pooja on Mondays. They engage in Kavadi Yatra, carry water from pious rivers, and offer to the Jyotirlinga. Moreover, they perform Rudrabhishek and Aarti and recite the Shiva Purana and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. It helps them get spiritual peace and clarity.
In the 4th month of the Hindu calendar (July–August), Lord Shiva devotees fast and perform special pooja on Mondays. They engage in Kavadi Yatra, carry water from pious rivers, and offer to the Jyotirlinga. Moreover, they perform Rudrabhishek and Aarti and recite the Shiva Purana and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. It helps them get spiritual peace and clarity.
Kartik Purnima
Devotees celebrate this festival on the full moon of the Kartik month (October–November). They take a holy bath, perform deep daan (offering of lamps), and perform special pooja ( Abhishekams, chanting, Aarti, charity, etc). All these destroy their sins and bring spiritual benefits.
Devotees celebrate this festival on the full moon of the Kartik month (October–November). They take a holy bath, perform deep daan (offering of lamps), and perform special pooja ( Abhishekams, chanting, Aarti, charity, etc). All these destroy their sins and bring spiritual benefits.
Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Although Diwali is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. But an overwhelming number of devotees celebrate Diwali in the Bhimashankar Shiva Temple. They light lamps, decorate the temple, light lamps, worship Lakshmi and Shiva, and organize community feasts.
Although Diwali is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. But an overwhelming number of devotees celebrate Diwali in the Bhimashankar Shiva Temple. They light lamps, decorate the temple, light lamps, worship Lakshmi and Shiva, and organize community feasts.
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Conclusion
Bhimashankar Mandir is a popular religious shrine with a rich history, legacy, tradition, and divine power. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts a massive number of devotees, spiritual leaders, hermits, and religious people. Visiting here will let you have a life-changing experience. It can cleanse your past sins, take you toward a path of spirituality, and give you peace and prosperity. It also helps you connect to the deity, and get punya, & Moksha. Get all the required paintings and statues from Cottage9. Easy order placement and fast shipping.
