Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Sixth Jyotirlinga in Sahyadri forest — pilgrimage within a wildlife sanctuary.

दर्शन महत्व: Weekday darshan is calmer than Maharashtra’s mega-shrines; lush monsoon greenery on the ghats.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Feb

History

Bhimashankar in the Sahyadri range is a Jyotirlinga set within a wildlife sanctuary. The temple blends Nagara and Hemadpanti styles and has been a pilgrimage anchor for Maharashtra and Pune district for centuries.

Legends

• Puranic lore connects the shrine to Shiva destroying the demon Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna, at the request of the gods.
• The surrounding forest is home to the Indian giant squirrel (shekru), considered sacred by local communities.