The Bhimashankar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the village of Bhimashankar in Pune district, Maharashtra. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered sacred abodes of Shiva. The temple's history dates back to the medieval era, with references found in the writings of Saint Namdev and Saint Jnaneshwar. The current structure, however, is relatively new, with significant contributions made by Nāna Phadnavis in the 18th century.
| Pooja Name | Timings |
|---|---|
| Kakad Aarti | 4:30 AM |
| Abhishekam | 5:00 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Maha Puja | 12:00 PM |
| Shej Aarti | 9:30 PM |
Bhimashankar is well-connected by road to major towns in Maharashtra. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from Pune, Mumbai, and other nearby cities. The route via NH60 and MH SH112 is commonly used.
Nearest railway stations: Pune Junction (around 110 km) and Karjat Railway Station (around 120 km). From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Bhimashankar.
Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (approximately 110 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Bhimashankar via connecting cities like Rajgurunagar or Manchar.
October to February is the best time to visit due to pleasant weather. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Summers can be hot but manageable for early morning visits.