Bhimashankar Temple - Divinity in Serenity

Have you ever visited a place that feels like it’s gently tugging at your soul? Like a part adventure, part spiritual awakening, and entirely unforgettable? That was my experience with visiting the famous Bhimashankar Temple, tucked away in the lush Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra.

Unlike any other temple, this was not just a temple visit but a journey, of the physical, emotional and spiritual realm. If you’re planning a trip to Bhimashankar or just curious about what makes it so special, let me take you along through my experience. I promise, it’s not just for pilgrims or trekkers. It’s for anyone looking to step into timelessness.

The relevance of Bhimashankar temple increases manifold because it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to God Shiva.

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Table of Contents

Where is Bhimashankar Temple Located?

The Bhimashankar Temple is located in Pune district in Maharashtra, situated in the village of Bhorgiri, approximately 125 kilometers from Pune and about 225 kilometers from Mumbai.

The temple resides within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans the Ambegaon and Khed talukas of Pune district. Established in 1985, the sanctuary covers an area of 131 square kilometers and is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.

The region is also the origin point of the Bhima River, a major tributary of the Krishna River. The sanctuary is home to various species of flora and fauna, including the Indian Giant Squirrel, and offers opportunities for trekking and nature exploration.

How to Reach Bhimashankar?

The journey to Bhimashankar is an experience in itself. It is a manageable weekend escape if you’re living in or visiting Maharashtra. I chose to drive from Pune, a scenic ride filled with winding roads, thick forests, and mist that played peek-a-boo with the hills. If you’re not into driving, you can take a train to Pune and hire a cab, take a bus from Shivajinagar or join a local tour group.

As you leave the hustle of the city behind and the landscape turns greener and more mysterious, you begin to sense that you’re heading somewhere sacred, not just in a religious sense, but in a larger-than-life, awe-of-nature kind of way. However the road itself after Wada is not that great. You will need a car with good ground clearance to make it a smooth ride.

Bhimashankar temple is nestled in the forest

After about three hours of driving, we reached the base of Bhimashankar. What hits you first is the calm. Despite being a popular destination, especially during Mahashivratri and the monsoon months, the forest surrounding the temple is incredibly serene.

The temple itself isn’t immediately visible, it sort of hides in the folds of the Sahyadri hills, waiting for you to discover it.

How many Steps to climb to visit Bhimashankar Temple?

There is a bit of a hike that is required to reach the temple from the base. There are about 225 to 230 steps that you need to cover. However the steps are not steep and hence manageable. If you are still struggling, there are palki or doli services that help you make the climb with help for a a fee/ You’ll pass small shops selling pooja items, souvenirs, and snacks. There’s a buzz of activity, but unlike other pilgrim sites, it never feels chaotic, more like an excited hum.

Temple Architecture & Expected Wait Time at Bhimashankar Temple

When you finally see the temple, you will feel how it radiates history and devotion. Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. According to legends, this is where Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima and vanquished the demon Tripurasura.

The architecture is classic Nagara style, built out of black stone, dating back to the 13th century with later additions during the Maratha period. There’s something deeply grounding about the weathered stone walls, the ancient carvings, and the scent of incense hanging in the air.

The usual time taken for darshan (visit) at Bhimashankar is 3 to 4 hours, so you can plan accordingly.

The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses the Jyotirlinga, and even though the queue can be long during peak hours, it moves peacefully. Devotees chant softly, some lost in prayer, some just soaking in the vibes. I’m not overtly religious, but there was something undeniably powerful about standing in that cool, dimly lit chamber.

Beyond the Temple: Nature’s Grandeur

Now, here’s where Bhimashankar goes from being a spiritual spot to a full-blown nature escape. The temple is situated within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which means it’s surrounded by thick forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. If you’re into trekking or bird-watching, this place is a treasure trove.

There are multiple trails around, the Gupt Bhimashankar trail is especially popular. It leads to a hidden shrine believed to be where Lord Shiva once meditated. It’s not an easy trek, a bit muddy, slightly steep, and often slippery during monsoon, but it’s worth it for the raw beauty and the solitude.

I saw langurs swinging through trees, heard the calls of unknown birds, and at one point, I just stopped walking to listen to the forest breathing around me. That’s what Bhimashankar does, it invites you to pause.

A Date with Clouds: Monsoon Magic

If you can handle a little rain (okay, a lot of rain), monsoon is the most magical time to visit. The hills are drenched in green, and clouds roll in like waves. At one point during my visit, I was literally inside a cloud, visibility was just a few feet, and the world felt like a dreamscape.

Waterfalls pop up everywhere. You’ll spot them tumbling down hillsides, forming little streams and pools. Locals set up makeshift tea stalls where you can sip hot masala chai and munch on pakoras while watching the rain dance around you. It’s the kind of simple pleasure you didn’t know you were craving.

Stone Carved structure at Bhimashankar Temple

Staying the Night: Where to Sleep and Eat near Bhimashankar

While Bhimashankar isn’t packed with five-star hotels (and that’s honestly part of its charm), there are decent dharamshalas, MTDC resorts, and budget-friendly lodges around. I stayed at a modest guesthouse with basic amenities but a million-dollar view of the hills and mist-covered forests. Some rooms even offer sunrise views that feel like a reward from the universe.

Food-wise, don’t expect gourmet meals. But you’ll find simple, wholesome Maharashtrian fare – think poha, puri bhaji, thali meals, and piping hot chai. Most places are vegetarian and cater well to pilgrims. There’s something comforting about eating a hot, home-style meal after a long trek or temple visit.

The Local Touch: Stories and Smiles

One of my favorite parts of the trip was talking to locals – the shopkeepers, the priests, the forest guides. Everyone had a story to tell, often involving Lord Shiva, forest spirits, or personal miracles. There’s a folklore layer that wraps around Bhimashankar like a shawl, comforting yet mysterious, and beautifully woven.

One elderly shopkeeper shared how he’d been coming to Bhimashankar since he was a child and finally moved here to serve devotees. “This forest,” he told me, “it listens. You just have to be quiet long enough.”

As breathtaking as Bhimashankar is, it’s important to visit responsibly. The wildlife sanctuary is home to several endangered species, including the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru), Maharashtra’s state animal. Avoid littering, stay on marked trails, and don’t feed the animals. Respect the space, because what makes Bhimashankar so powerful is its untouched beauty.

I carried a small trash bag with me and made sure to leave no trace. It’s a small thing, but it felt like a way of saying “thank you” to the place for the peace it gave me.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re planning your first trip to Bhimashankar, here are a few quick tips:

Best time to visit: July to February. Monsoons (July to September) are magical but wet. Winters (October–February) are cool and clear.
Clothing: Carry rain gear in monsoon, and good trekking shoes are a must.
Stay hydrated: Especially if you’re trekking.
Start early: If you’re doing a day trip, begin your journey early to avoid crowds and catch the morning calm.
Cash over card: Not all shops accept digital payments.

Bhimashankar Temple is More Than Exactly that

Bhimashankar wasn’t just another destination ticked off a list. It was an experience that lingered in my lungs (thanks to that clean forest air), in my calves (those treks are no joke), and most importantly, in my heart.

There’s a kind of healing that happens when you blend myth with mountains, prayers with pine-scented trails, and ancient stones with the chatter of forest birds. Whether you’re a devout Shiva bhakt, a nature lover, a photographer, or a wanderer looking for your next escape Bhimashankar welcomes you with open arms.

Have you been to Bhimashankar? Or do you have it on your bucket list? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories — drop them in the comments below!