Introduction
Planning a visit to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple can be overwhelming. Devotees often struggle to find reliable information on routes, darshan timings, trekking trails, stay options, and travel facilities. If not planned well, the journey can become tiring instead of spiritual.
This guide fixes that. You’ll get complete details about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, its history, best time to visit, detailed directions, trek info, accommodation, nearby attractions, and darshan schedules. Plus, we’ll share a ready-made Maharashtra Jyotirlinga tour package for travelers who want a smooth, pre-arranged pilgrimage covering Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, and other key shrines.
About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
Perched in the Sahyadri Hills of Pune district, Maharashtra, Bhimashankar is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, shrines where Shiva manifested in a radiant column of light.
Mythological Significance
According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here to defeat the demon Bhima (son of Kumbhakarna). After vanquishing him, Shiva manifested as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, making this site deeply sacred for devotees.
Architecture and Location
Built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, the shrine sits amidst Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, a region known for rich forests, waterfalls, and wildlife like the Indian Giant Squirrel. The setting makes this temple both a spiritual and eco-tourism destination.
Keywords covered: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga history, Bhimashankar temple significance, Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple Timings and Darshan Details
- Temple Opening: 4:30 AM
- Kakad Aarti: 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM
- Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Madhyan Aarti: 12:00 Noon
- Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Shringar Aarti: 7:30 PM
- Shej Aarti (Closing): 9:30 PM
Special Poojas: Rudrabhishek and Abhishekam can be booked at the temple counter. Always verify updated information via official Maharashtra temple portals during festive seasons.
How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
Bhimashankar is 110 km from Pune and 220 km from Mumbai.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (~105 km)
- Post arrival, book a cab or take an MSRTC bus to Bhimashankar.
Train
- Nearest Stations: Pune Junction (111 km), Karjat (168 km)
- From the station, take a bus or hire a taxi directly to the temple.
By Road (Self-drive / Bus)
- From Pune: via NH60 → Rajgurunagar → Manchar → Bhimashankar
- From Mumbai: via NH61 → Panvel → Karjat → Bhimashankar
- MSRTC and private buses run frequently, especially on weekends and during Shravan month.
Trekking Routes
Adventure seekers can opt for:
- Ganesh Ghat trek – moderate and scenic.
- Shidi Ghat trek – steep and challenging (avoid in heavy monsoons).
Accommodation Near Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- MTDC Bhimashankar Resort – clean rooms, government-run, prior booking recommended.
- Temple Dharamshalas – budget-friendly, basic amenities.
- Hotels at Manchar, Rajgurunagar, Pune – for travelers preferring modern comforts.
Advance booking is essential during Shravan month and Maha Shivratri when crowds peak.
Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
- October – March: Ideal weather for darshan and nature exploration.
- Monsoon (July – September): Green landscapes, waterfalls, but slippery trekking trails.
- Shravan & Maha Shivratri: Spiritually powerful yet extremely crowded.
Places to Visit Around Bhimashankar
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – a haven for birdwatchers and trekkers.
- Gupt Bhimashankar – hidden shrine accessible via short trek.
- Hanuman Lake – peaceful lakeside near temple.
- Bombay Point – panoramic Sahyadri views.
- Nearby Jyotirlingas: Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) and Grishneshwar (Ellora).
Food and Facilities at Bhimashankar Temple
- Prasadalaya: Serves free vegetarian meals to devotees.
- Local food stalls and dhabas: Offer tea, snacks, and simple Maharashtrian meals.
- Trekking essentials: Carry water, light snacks, and rain protection gear.
Travel Tips – Do’s and Don’ts
- Start early: Beat the rush by arriving before sunrise.
- Wear proper footwear: Essential for trekking or temple steps.
- Respect sanctity: Photography inside sanctum is prohibited.
- Stay alert in monsoons: Paths get slippery; avoid risky shortcuts.
- Secure belongings: Monkeys often snatch open food packets.
Recommended Package: Maharashtra Jyotirlinga Tour (Includes Bhimashankar)
If you’re planning to cover multiple Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra (Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, Parli Vaijnath), you can save time and effort with a pre-arranged pilgrimage package.
Ghum India Ghum’s Jyotirlinga Tour of Maharashtra offers:
- Well-planned itinerary covering 5 Jyotirlingas.
- Comfortable transport and accommodation.
- Darshan assistance to avoid long queues.
- Option to customize the trip for families and senior citizens.
This is ideal if you want a hassle-free spiritual journey without worrying about route planning, stay arrangements, or peak-season crowd management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Bhimashankar is one of 12 Jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva manifested after defeating the demon Bhima, making it a highly sacred pilgrimage.
A: Bhimashankar is 110 km from Pune; you can travel via NH60 by car, bus, or hire a cab.
A: Darshan is available daily from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM with multiple Aartis during the day.
A: Bookings are usually made at the temple counter. Check official portals for updated options.
A: Ganesh Ghat trek is moderate and scenic, while Shidi Ghat is steeper and best avoided during heavy rains.
A: Options include MTDC Resort, dharamshalas, and budget hotels in nearby towns like Manchar.
A: October to March offers pleasant weather, while Shravan and Maha Shivratri are spiritually significant but crowded.
A: Pune International Airport is about 105 km away.
A: Yes, Ghum India Ghum’s Maharashtra Jyotirlinga tour covers Bhimashankar and other shrines.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pune District, Maharashtra
- Deity: Lord Shiva (Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga)
- Best season: October to March
- Nearest airport: Pune (105 km)
- Distance from Pune: 110 km | From Mumbai: 220 km
Final Word
A trip to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is both a sacred pilgrimage and a scenic getaway. With the information above — from darshan timings, routes, trek tips, accommodation, and nearby attractions — your journey will be seamless.
For those planning an extended Jyotirlinga circuit in Maharashtra, the Ghum India Ghum package is a smart way to experience all major shrines without the stress of self-planning.
