Story of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्।

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is the sixth Jyotirlinga in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Strotam. Bhimashankar is situated in Sahyadri Hills, 125 km away from Pune, Maharastra. The locals call it by the name Shivtirth Bhimashankar. At this place, a great war took place between Lord Shiva and the demon Bheem, son of Kumbhkarana and Vajravala. The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga has gained immense popularity after it has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary. This sanctuary is a part of The Western Ghats and has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. A rare animal, known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel which the locals call “Shekaru” can be found deep in the woods.

Malabar Giant Squirrel

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is a mix of old and new structures in the Nagra style of architecture. The temple dates back to the 13th century and the sabha mandap was built in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis. Historic kings like the great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajaram Maharaj have been known to visit this shrine and contribute to its development. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima which merges with the river Krishna near Raichur. The Bhimashar Jyotirlinga is also a swyambhu Shivling like the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

 

Nana Phadnavis, the builder of Sabhamandap in Bhimashankar

Story of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga:

After the battle between Lord Ram and the demon king Raavan in Treta Yuga, everything was returning to normal. Kumbhakaran, the younger brother of Raavan had a wife named Vajravala. When Bhima (son of Kumbhkarana, not to be confused with Bheema of Mahabharat) was born, he always asked about his father. Vajravala said, “Your father was the great Kumbhakaran, the younger brother of Raavan. He was killed along with his brothers by Lord Ram in a fierce battle.”

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Garbh Grih Entrance

She continued, “My father’s name was Karkat and my mother was Pushkasi. Viradh was my husband who was also killed by Lord Ram in the past. After his death, I went to my parent’s house. One day they attempted to kill Rishi Sutikshan for food. But Sutikshan was a tapasvi. Angered he burned them both to ashes. Since then I am living here on this mountain.”

Hearing this, Bhima developed hatred towards Lord Vishnu. He went to the forests to do a strict penance. After a thousand years of penance, Lord Brahma appeared before him. Bhima said, “Lord! Give me a boon to become the strongest person in the entire universe.” Lord Brahma agreed and gave him the boon.

          Obtaining the boon of invincibility, Bhima attacked the Devas. He defeated everyone, even Lord Vishnu and began conquering the earth. He captured King Sudakshin who was a devotee of Lord Shiva and captured his kingdom. He imprisoned King Sudakshin. The king, being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva made a Parthiv Linga and began his rituals.

The scenic nature view of Bhimashankar

          Meanwhile, the Rishis and the defeated Devas went to the banks of River Kosi to pray to Lord Shiva to put an end to the atrocities committed by the demon Bhima. Lord Shiva appeared before them and declared, “I will appear soon in the form of Bhimashankar and re-establish Dharma.” The Devtas and the Rishis were relieved hearing this.

Lord Shiva, along with his army appeared on the Sahyadri Mountain and hid there. King Sudakshin was routinely praying to Lord Shiva when the demon Bhima appeared with his naked sword, ready to behead him. But as soon as he swooshed his sword towards Sudakshin, Lord Shiva appeared along with his bow, Pinaka and broke Bhima’s sword like a blade of grass.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Bhima hurled his Trishul towards him but Lord Shiva shattered his Trishul into bits and pieces. Then started a fierce battle between Mahadev and the demon Bhima. At one time it seemed that Lord Shiva was gaining an upper hand and on the other hand it seemed that Bhima was winning. Suddenly in the blink of an eye, Lord Shiva opened his third eye and burned all the demons to ashes.

King Sudakshin, who was an eye-witness to this whole battle fell at Lord Shiva’s feet and prayed to him to stay here forever to destroy Adharma and protect his devotees. Lord Shiva blessed him and manifested himself in the form of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. 

Darshan and Aarti Timings:

4:30 AM- Kakda Aarti.

5:00 AM- Nijrup Darshan and Abhishek starts.

12:00 PM- Naivedya Puja(No Abhishek at this time in the Garbh Grih).

12:30 PM- Regular Puja, Abhishek starts.

3:00 PM- Madhyan Aarti(no Darshan till aarti is over, about 45 mins).

4:00 PM to 9:30 PM- Shringar Darshan(no Abhishek inside).

7:30 PM- Sandhya Aarti.

9:30 PM- Mandir Closing Time.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Shringaar Darshan

How to Reach:

By Air:

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj International Airport in Pune

The nearest airport is Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj International Airport in Pune, Maharastra. The Bhimashanakr Jyotirlinga is situated at a distance of 105kms, around two and a half-hour drive from Pune. The airport is well connected to the major cities of India.

By Rail:

Pune Junction Railway Station

Pune Railway station is the closest railway station. The station is well connected to all the major cities of India. You can hire a taxi to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.

By Road:

Road to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

There are buses available from Kalyan and Ghatkopar to travel to Bhimashankar. You can also hire a private Cab/Taxi to reach Bhimashankar.

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