GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga
Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat
The first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, standing on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan and rebuilt several times through history.
Best: Oct – Mar
Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, and is traditionally regarded as the origin point of the Bhima river.
About the Temple
The temple's architecture blends older Nagara-style stonework with later additions, and it sits amid dense forest that today forms a protected sanctuary for the endangered giant Indian squirrel and other wildlife.
Spiritual Significance
According to tradition, this is the site where Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasura, taking the name Bhimashankar during the encounter — a story that gives the Jyotirlinga its name and is retold widely in Shaiva devotional literature.
Presented as religious and cultural tradition. See our spiritual & astrology disclaimer.
Important Traditions
- A large bell donated by Chimaji Appa, a Maratha general, hangs at the temple entrance, reflecting Maratha-era patronage
- Shivratri here draws pilgrims combining temple darshan with the surrounding forest trails
- Local Kunbi and Mahadev Koli communities maintain traditions connected with the sanctuary and temple
What Pilgrims Can Experience
- Darshan of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
- A short trek to the source of the Bhima river nearby
- Wildlife and nature walks within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sakshi Vinayak Temple and Gupt Bhimashankar, a few kilometres from the main shrine
How to Reach
Pune International Airport is the nearest airport, about 110 km away; Pune Junction is the closest major railhead, and Bhimashankar is reached by road from Pune, a winding but scenic ghat drive.
Best Time to Visit
October to February for cooler weather; the monsoon (June–September) turns the surrounding Sahyadri hills a vivid green but can make forest roads slippery.
Practical Travel Notes
- • The temple sits within a wildlife sanctuary, so some forest paths have restricted timings
- • The final approach involves steps and a hill climb — comfortable footwear is recommended
- • Can be combined with Trimbakeshwar for a broader Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit, though the two are several hours apart by road
Nearby Sacred Places
- Bhima River Origin
- Gupt Bhimashankar
- Sakshi Vinayak Temple
Bharat Yatra Planning Assistance
Bharat Yatra Tour & Travels can help plan your journey to Bhimashankar — route planning, transport, accommodation coordination and local travel support, tailored to your dates and group size. A dedicated tour package for this destination has not yet been published; contact us to discuss what's currently possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the temple is located within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Sahyadri hills, known for its forest cover and rare wildlife, including the giant Indian squirrel.
Related Destinations
Gujarat
Andhra PradeshMallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Srisailam, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Set on the Nallamala hills above the Krishna river, Srisailam is one of the few sites where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth are believed to stand together.
Best: Oct – Mar
Madhya PradeshMahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
One of the few Jyotirlingas facing south, famed for its pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti and its place at the heart of Ujjain's pilgrimage circuit.
Best: Oct – Mar