Bhimashankar Temple
Jyotirlinga hidden in the dense Sahyadri hills within a wildlife sanctuary. Source of the Bhima river.
Photos of Bhimashankar Temple

Bhimashankar Temple at a Glance
| Location | Bhimashankar, Maharashtra |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Shiva |
| Established | 13th century CE |
| Architecture | Nagara-Hemadpanti |
| Timings | 04:30–12:00, 16:00–21:30 |
| Address | Bhimashankar, Khed 410509 |
History of Bhimashankar Temple
Built in the Nagara style by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century over an older shrine. The temple is set in a lush forest that is also a sanctuary for the giant Indian squirrel.
Festivals Celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple
- Maha Shivaratri
- Karthik Purnima
How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple
110 km northwest of Pune by road. The temple is reached by descending a stone staircase into a wooded valley.
Temples Near Bhimashankar Temple
- Shree Siddhivinayak TempleMaharashtra · about 74 km in a straight line
- ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari TempleMaharashtra · about 75 km in a straight line
- Mumbadevi TempleMaharashtra · about 75 km in a straight line
- Mahalakshmi TempleMaharashtra · about 77 km in a straight line
- Trimbakeshwar TempleMaharashtra · about 96 km in a straight line
- Shirdi Sai Baba TempleMaharashtra · about 125 km in a straight line
More Shiva Temples to Visit
- Grishneshwar TempleMaharashtra
- Somnath Mahadev Temple DamanDadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Somnath TempleGujarat
- Shri Mangueshi TempleGoa
- Omkareshwar TempleMadhya Pradesh
- Mahabaleshwar TempleKarnataka
Frequently Asked Questions about Bhimashankar Temple
Where is Bhimashankar Temple located?
- Bhimashankar Temple is located at Bhimashankar, Khed 410509, in Bhimashankar, Maharashtra, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Bhimashankar Temple?
- The presiding deity at Bhimashankar Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Bhimashankar Temple?
- Bhimashankar Temple is generally open 04:30–12:00, 16:00–21:30. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Bhimashankar Temple built?
- Bhimashankar Temple was established 13th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Bhimashankar Temple?
- Bhimashankar Temple is built in the Nagara-Hemadpanti style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple include Maha Shivaratri, Karthik Purnima. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Maharashtra and beyond.
How can I reach Bhimashankar Temple?
- 110 km northwest of Pune by road. The temple is reached by descending a stone staircase into a wooded valley.
Why is Bhimashankar Temple significant?
- Jyotirlinga hidden in the dense Sahyadri hills within a wildlife sanctuary. Source of the Bhima river.