Rudrabhishek
Abhishek with Panchamrit and holy water.
1 hour Video proof
Relief from doshas, family wellbeing.
₹501
Book Now
Timings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
4 major
Maha Shivaratri
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya
Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door
Official Booking
Direct bookings coming soon for this temple
Watch Live Darshan
Real-time video stream from the sanctum
About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
History
Bhimashankar is nestled in the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats, about 110 km from Pune. It is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and the source of the Bhima river. Legend holds that Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima here to destroy the demon Tripurasura. His sweat flowing from the battle formed the Bhima river. The temple is in Nagara style with influences of Hemadpanti architecture, built between the 13th and 18th centuries. Nana Phadnavis, the Maratha statesman, donated the Shikhara (spire). The 5-ton "Roman bell" was gifted by Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, after his victory over the Portuguese at Vasai.
Significance
Jyotirlinga status combined with a pristine Western Ghats forest setting makes Bhimashankar spiritually and ecologically unique. Home to the endangered Malabar Giant Squirrel.
About the Deity
The Swayambhu lingam is large, stout and fixed in place. Devotees can offer water and bilva patra directly.
Pujas Offered (6)
Laghu Rudra
11 Rudram chants by priest team.
3 hours Video proof
Major sankalp fulfillment.
₹2,500
Book NowShiv Sahasranama Archana
1,008 names of Shiva with bilva offering.
90 min Video proof
Overall wellbeing.
₹751
Book NowMahashivaratri Special Puja
Night-long 4-prahar puja.
3 hours Video proof
Highest merit — once a year only.
₹1,100
Book NowAnnadaan Seva
Sponsor meals for pilgrims at the Annachhatra.
1 day Video proof
Anna-daan mahat-daan.
₹1,501
Book NowTripuri Purnima Deepotsav
Sponsor lamps for the full-moon lighting.
Evening Video proof
Prosperity and light in the home.
₹501
Book NowFestivals & Events
- Maha ShivaratriFebruary / March
- Tripuri PurnimaNovember
- Shravan SomwarMondays of Shravan
- Kartika PurnimaNovember
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Pune International Airport (125 km)
Nearest Railway
Pune Junction (110 km) / Khed (67 km)
By Road
From Pune via Chakan, Manchar, Ghodegaon — 110 km, 3.5 hrs. The last 50 km is ghat road with sharp bends. Buses run from Pune's Shivajinagar stand.
Where to Stay
- Blue Mormon Resort (forest lodging)
- MTDC Bhimashankar Resort
- Raosaheb Hotel
- Kulkarni Niwas (homestay)
- Manchar hotels (50 km away)
Nearby Attractions
- Hanuman Lake (Hanuman Talav)
- Gupt Bhimashankar
- Nagphani Viewpoint
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary trails
- Mokshakund Tirtha
Opening Hours
Morning
Kakad Aarti 4:30 AM; darshan from 5:00 AM
Afternoon
Madhyan Aarti 12:00 PM
Evening
Sandhya Aarti 7:30 PM; closes 9:30 PM
Dress Code
Traditional attire preferred. Carry layers — the hills are cool year-round.
Rules & Guidelines
- Single-use plastics prohibited — this is a wildlife sanctuary
- Do not feed or disturb the Malabar Giant Squirrels
- Photography in sanctum not allowed
- Respect the silence of the forest ghats on approach
- Drive carefully on the ghat road — frequent fog
Pilgrim's Note
The approach is a beautiful drive through the Sahyadri forest. Trek routes from Khandas (6–7 hours) and Shidi ghat are popular with fit pilgrims. Visit on a weekday to avoid Pune weekend crowds.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Devotees
“Drove up with family for Shravan Somwar — the forest road, the old temple, the Sahyadri air — pure peace.”
SJ
Sanjana Joshi
Pune
“Trekked from Khandas — 7 hours up. Reaching the lingam after that climb is unforgettable.”
PR
Prasad Rane
Mumbai
“Rudrabhishek was short but proper. Good experience.”
MK
Meenal Kale
Nashik
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive up to the temple?
Yes, parking is 300 m from the temple entrance. Road is narrow and windy.
Is the trek suitable for children?
Khandas trek is steep; not recommended under 10. Shidi ghat route has steps.
Best time to visit?
October to February (pleasant); monsoon (June-Sept) is beautiful but roads can be dangerous.
Can I see wildlife?
Yes — Malabar Giant Squirrels are commonly seen from the forest trails around the temple.
Any ATM or food nearby?
Basic stalls near temple. Carry cash — ATMs unreliable.
