Bhimashankar Temple

Bhima, the fearsome son of the demon Kumbhakarna (Ravana's brother), grew up knowing nothing of his origin. When he learned that Lord Vishnu had slain his father and uncle during the events of the Ramayana, he was consumed by a rage that shook the three worlds. He declared war on the gods and began a devastating campaign of terror.

First, Bhima defeated Kamarupeshwar, the king of Kamarupa. Then he imprisoned the gods themselves. Finally, he attacked the sage Dadhichi and tried to destroy his disciples who were worshipping a Shiva Lingam. As Bhima raised his massive sword to shatter the lingam, Lord Shiva himself erupted from it in his most terrifying form.

The battle that followed was so intense that Shiva's sweat poured down his body like a river — this river became the Bhima, one of Maharashtra's most important rivers. Shiva annihilated the demon, and the devotees begged the Lord to remain forever. He agreed, settling here as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.

Today, the temple sits in the heart of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Indian giant squirrel (Malabar giant squirrel) — one of the largest squirrels in the world. The misty, forested hills of the Sahyadri range create an otherworldly atmosphere. During monsoon, clouds literally pass through the temple courtyard.

Ancient Jyotirlinga site in the Sahyadri range. The current temple was built by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century. Located within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Maha Shivaratri draws thousands. The monsoon months create an incredibly atmospheric experience with clouds passing through the temple.

Nagara-style architecture integrated into the dense forested hills. The setting within a wildlife sanctuary adds to its mystical atmosphere.