Place: - Bhimashankar
Hotel
Booked:- MTDC (Maharashtra
Tourism Development Corporation) Resort
(Friday
12.00 to Saturday 11.00)
Approx. 11 km and may take 30minutes
to reach Bhimashankar Temple
Private vehicle is must to reach the
temple.
How
to Reach:
- By
Air- The
nearest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ), which is
well-connected to major cities across India. From Pune, you can hire a
taxi or take a bus to Bhimashankar.
- By Train- There is no
direct train connectivity to Bhimashankar. You can travel to Pune
Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Bhimashankar. Pune
Railway Station is about 120 kilometers from Bhimashankar.
- By Road- Bhimashankar
is well-connected by road. Bhimashankar is located around 110 km from Pune
and about 200 km from Mumbai, making it easily accessible from both
cities. There are state-run buses available from Pune to Bhimashankar.
However, bus services may not be as frequent or comfortable as a private
vehicle, so it’s better to plan ahead. One can also take share taxi
service which is available from Pune Bus Stand.
We have started from Mumbai around 10pm and reached to MTDC resort by 4am.
Place to Visit:
Nestled in the
lush hills of the Western Ghats, Bhimashankar is a serene pilgrimage and nature
destination located in the state of Maharashtra, India. Known for its scenic
beauty, rich history, and religious significance, Bhimashankar attracts
travelers and devotees from across the country. It is home to the revered
Bhimashankar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it a
major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Saturday
around 4.00am
Bhimashankar
Temple
At the heart of
Bhimashankar lies the Bhimashankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple
is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered to be the most powerful shrines
of Lord Shiva. The temple’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Nagara-style
and Hemadpanthi-style with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. The
sacred shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to its serene ambiance.
According to
legend, Bhimashankar was the site where Lord Shiva defeated the demon
Bhasmasura, who had the ability to turn anyone into ash by placing his hand on
their head. This victory is commemorated at the temple, and devotees come here
seeking divine protection and blessings.
You have to get
down from 250 stairs to reach Bhimashankar temple.
The reason to
visit early in the morning is that one can Bhimashankar Shivling is without
silver cover during morning aarti. It is covered with Silver Cover after that
Get up at 9.00am, get ready by 10.00am, breakfast by
11.00am. Reach to Temple by 12.00 and do the darshan by 2.00. Take lunch by
3.00pm
Visit the temple
again and do Jal Abhisek and touch the lingam.
You
can also purchase Special Darshan Ticket for darshan.
Saturday around 9.00am
Gupt Bhishankar: -
Gupt
Bhishankar is starting point of Bhima river. It is also believed that Gupt
Bhimashankar is the place where the Jyotirlinga was discovered. Surrounded by
lush greenery and situated on the banks of a waterfall, this serene location
offers a unique and peaceful experience.The trek is about 6 to 7 kilometers one
way and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace.Wear
comfortable trekking shoes and carry enough water and snacks for the trek. It’s
advisable to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Sakshi Ganapati
Temple: Situated
2 km away from the Bhimashankar temple, the Sakshi Ganapati Temple is dedicated
to Lord Ganapati. The deity here is known as “Sakshi” because he is believed to
be the witness to the visits of pilgrims to the Jyotirlinga. Pay your respects
to Lord Ganapati and Lord Shiva at this temple.
Shidi Ghat – If you're looking
for a stunning panoramic view of the Sahyadri mountain range, head to Shidi
Ghat. Located on the way to Bhimashankar, this viewpoint offers magnificent
views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and forests. It's a great spot to
relax and take in the natural beauty of the region. (skipped)
Bhimashankar
Wildlife Sanctuary - The
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot and a great place to
explore nature. The sanctuary is home to over 250 species of birds, including
the Malabar Whistling Thrush and the Indian Blue Robin, making it a paradise
for bird watchers. It also boasts a variety of plants, trees, and wildlife,
including Indian Leopards and Sambar Deer. For nature lovers, a visit to the
sanctuary offers an opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of the Western
Ghats. The sanctuary is lush with tropical and subtropical forests and is a
part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site.If you’re a birdwatcher or
wildlife photographer, make sure to bring binoculars and a camera with a good
zoom lens. (skipped)
Famous:-
Place
to Stay: - MTDC
(Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) Resort - Approx. 11 km and may take 30minutes to
reach Bhimashankar Temple - Private
vehicle is must to reach the temple.
For
more luxurious stays, you can opt for hotels in Pune and commute to
Bhimashankar for day trip
Best Time to
Visit:- The
best time to visit Bhimashankar is during the winter (October to
February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The monsoon (June to
September) brings lush greenery to the region and makes the treks and
landscapes even more beautiful, though the heavy rains can make trekking a bit
challenging. Summer (March to May) can be quite hot, so it's not the
ideal time to visit.
Eat:- Mewa Kandi Pedda
Purchase:-
Do:-
Next :- Start from Bhimashankar by max 3.00 pm to reach Pune Railway station to catch the train at 9.00pm for Aurangabad
