Bhimashankar Temple
Khed (Pune District), Maharashtra, India, Maharashtra
Temple
Nagara Architecture / Maratha Influence
Maratha Period (Current Structure)
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.
Year Built
N/A
Built By
Nana Phadnavis (Maratha statesman, rebuilt current structure 18th century)
Patronage
Maratha Empire (Peshwas), Devotees
Bhimashankar Temple
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Bhimashankar Temple
Located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst dense forests, which form the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the temple features Nagara style architecture. It's the source of the River Bhima. The site attracts numerous pilgrims seeking blessings and trekkers exploring the surrounding natural beauty, making it a significant religious and ecological destination, deeply revered by devotees across many regions.
Location
Khed (Pune District), Maharashtra, India(Maharashtra)
Year Built
N/A
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
4:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free entry.
Heritage Status
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.
Preservation Status
Good, ASI maintained structure.
Historical Context
Recognized as a Jyotirlinga in ancient texts (e.g., Shiva Purana). While nearby Buddhist caves suggest ancient habitation, the current temple incorporates Nagara and the regional Hemadpanti style (characterized by interlocking stones without mortar, prominent in Yadava period Maharashtra, c. 13th C). Its significance was reinforced under the Marathas; Nana Phadnavis, a key figure in the Peshwa administration, commissioned the Sabhamandap and the Shikhara in the 18th century, reflecting Maratha efforts to restore and patronize major Hindu pilgrimage sites. The surrounding forest being declared a sanctuary adds a modern layer to its ecological and historical context.
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Mumbai Circle.
Location Map
Architectural Details
Nagara Architecture / Maratha Influence
Maratha Period (Current Structure)
Built by
Nana Phadnavis (Maratha statesman, rebuilt current structure 18th century)
Materials
Stone (local dark stone)
Dimensions
Height19m
Featured Image
Excavation Details
ASI protected monument. No major excavations reported within the main temple. Inscriptions dating back to the 13th century CE exist. Nana Phadnavis renovated the current structure in the 18th century. Archaeological significance also relates to nearby Buddhist caves (Bhimashankar Caves).
Restoration Work
Periodic ASI conservation and structural maintenance.
Patronage
Maratha Empire (Peshwas), Devotees
Construction Technique
Stone masonry, Carving
Architectural Influences
3 items
Building Techniques
Shikhara construction, Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Intricate carvings
Coordinates
19.072800, 73.537000
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Significant number of steps (approx 200+) lead down to the temple. Path is paved but steep in sections.","restrooms":"Available near temple, basic","wheelchair_accessible":"None (due to numerous steps)"}
Visitor Facilities
5 items
Best Visit Times
Post-monsoon (September to November) offers lush greenery and pleasant weather. Winter (December to February) is cool and comfortable. Monsoon (June-August) is scenic but very wet. Avoid peak festival days like Mahashivaratri for fewer crowds.
Seasonal Events
2 items
Visitor Restrictions
Modest dress code advised. Footwear removed before entering temple. Photography often restricted inside the sanctum. Men may be required to remove shirts for sanctum darshan. Be mindful of wildlife sanctuary regulations if trekking in the area. Access involves stairs.
View Count
4
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
67
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00