Bhimashankar temple is a pilgrimage spot in the Khed Taluk of Pune. It is in the village called Bhojgiri which is 50kms from Khed. Bhimashankar temple has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The place is situated in the Sahyadri hills and is the birth place of river Bhima. The temple will be visited by a huge crowd of devotees every year during Mahashivratri festival. In total the State of Maharashtra hosts four Jyotirlinga sites; the other three are Trimbkeshwar (Nashik), Aunda Nagnath (Parli) and Grishneshwar (Ellora). You can reach Bhimashankar via Pune by air. Pune is the nearest airport to the place. If you are travelling by road then you can start from Pune. It is about 127kms drive from Pune. There are two different routes from Pune to reach the place. If you are coming from Mumbai then take Pune road, go via Chakan. Visitors will get minimum luxury at the temple. The temple authorities provide accommodation for the guests. However the trip to Bhimashankar could be accomplished in a day if you start from Pune. So, you can stay at Pune if you want. Devotees come to Bhimashankar to pay obeisance to the Jyotirlinga which is much revered by the Hindus. If one accomplishes the tour of all the twelve Jyotirlingas in his lifetime he would be over joyous. The temple was built around the thirteenth century. It is an ancient temple built in Nagara style. Back in ancient times Lord Shiva seems to have obliged to the request made by other Gods to kill demons. Thus he took the form Bhimashankar to save them from the demons and made this place in the Sahyadri hills as his abode. Bhimashankar offers a soothing experience combined with lofty hill view, green forests and tranquil nature. You can visit a wildlife sanctuary situated nearby, and Bhima River’s place of origin.
