SHIV DARSHAN

BHIMASHANKAR JYOTIR LINGAM

The Bhimashankar Temple

BHIMASHANKAR JYOTIR LINGAM The temple is situated on a mount called Dakini Hill or Bhima

Shankar in the Sahyadri Range in Maharastra and is not easily accessible.

Bhimashankar can be reached by road from Mumbai after about 7-8 hours drive.

The present temple is not more than a couple of centuries old and is a mixture of structures that have been added on over time.

The temple is built in the Nagara style and it is believed that the Shikhara of the temple was built by the historically renowned person, Nana Phadnavis.

Nearby the shrine is the origin of the river Bhima. There is a Theertham, which is believed also to have been constructed by Nana Phadnavis, and a well behind the temple.

There are two idols of Nandideva. One idol is very old, while the other is a fairly recent addition. The Goddess is worshipped here as Kamalaja. The Moola Lingam is at a lower level.

Main entrance of the temple

Serene atmosphere in the temple yard

Mythology This temple is closely associated with the legend of Lord Shiva slaying the

demon Tripurasura.

In ancient times a demon by the name Tripurasura became drunk with power. He harassed every resident of Swarg (Heavens), Narak (Hell) and Patal (Nether world).

The Gods were very scared. Lord Mahadev himself came to destroy Tripurasur. Lord Shankar assumed colossal proportions. (Virat Swarup)

Tripurasur feared this Rudraavatar when he saw him. The fight went on for several days.

In the end, Lord Shiva killed the wicked demon and set the three worlds, Tribhuvan, free.

Lord Shankar, in the form of a huge hunk (Virat), was very tired. In order to get some rest, he settled here on the high area of the Sahyadri

mountains. Sweat started pouring down from his huge body in thousands of streams. It all joined together and collected a pond or Kund. The river that started from here is known as Bhima, which can be seen even today.

Devotees then prayed to Bhimakaya Rudra thus: "In order to save the good people, please reside here forever!“. Bholenath listened to his devotees and stayed there as a Jyotir Linga forever.

A rare foto of one of the two the Nandi bulls guarding the Lingam

in the Sanctum Santorum

A huge bell located close to the temple. It has 1721 AD inscribed on it.

When the bell is rung, the entire area echoes with its sound

The Bhimashankarar Shiva Lingam The Bhimashankarar Shiva Lingam measures

around 45cm (1½ foot) and is quite narrow. 

The top of the Lingam is divided into two parts by a small groove, symbolizing Parvati and Gauri Shankar.

The Lingam is black and shining, polished over

centuries by all the Puja materials that have been poured over it and numerous worshipping hands.

Water is oozing from the Lingam perennially.

BHIMASHANKAR SHIV LINGAM

The Temple Shikhara

In early morning light In the night

The Bhimarshankar temple top

Lord Hanuman adorning the temple wall

View from the pilgrim shelter at the lush green Sahyadri Hills

OM NAMAH: SIVAY