Bhimashankar Temple
भीमाशंकर
One of India's twelve Jyotirlingas, hidden deep in the primeval forests of the Western Ghats and surrounded by a sanctuary for the Indian giant squirrel.
The temple is built in the Nagara style of stone architecture. It was expanded in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis, a senior minister of the Peshwas, and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Shiva. The surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Indian giant squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra, and has hiking trails heading toward Mumbai. It is about 110 km from Pune, the mountain road takes around 3 hours, and queues are very long on weekends and holidays.
Opening hours
Approx. 5:00 am–9:30 pm
Nearby sights
- Shivneri Fort
- Lenyadri Caves
- Alandi (Sant Dnyaneshwar Samadhi)
- Mulshi Lake & Dam
- Chaturshringi Temple
- Pataleshwar Cave Temple
- Aga Khan Palace
- Tamhini Ghat