Tirth Yatra GuideBhimashankar jyotirlinga
Pune district, Maharashtra: the story, the temple and what to know before you go.
About Bhimashankar
- Place
- The Sahyadri hills, near the source of the Bhima river
- District and state
- Pune district, Maharashtra
- Deity
- Shiva, as a jyotirlinga (a column of light)
Bhimashankar stands in the forest of the Western Ghats, where the Bhima river rises. Its story tells of the demon Bhima, a son of Kumbhakarna, who troubled the gods and was killed by Shiva after the prayers of his devotees. The jyotirlinga is worshipped as the one from which the river flows.
The temple is in the Nagara style and is surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the home of the Indian giant squirrel (Shekru), Maharashtra's state animal. The place is a favourite of trekkers in the monsoon, but the paths are slippery.
Getting there and when to go
The nearest major cities are Pune and Mumbai, and the road leads through the ghats. The rainy season is lush and crowded; winter is cooler and easier.
Read our guide to planning a yatra and the notes on temple etiquette. This is jyotirlinga number 6 in the usual list of twelve; see all twelve.
Previous: Kedarnath · Next: Kashi Vishwanath
Questions people ask
Where is Bhimashankar?
The Sahyadri hills, near the source of the Bhima river, in Pune district, Maharashtra.
What is a jyotirlinga?
A jyotirlinga, "lingam of light", is a place where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a column of light. Twelve are named in the Shiva Purana tradition.
Temple rules, opening seasons, booking arrangements and routes change. Before you travel, check the official website of the temple or the state tourism board, and be careful of anyone who asks for money to book darshan or a stay by phone or message. We do not sell tours or packages. Information on this page was last checked in November 2026.