BHIMASHANKAR TEMPLE
AT
PUNE
Bhimashankar is a popular temple town and located about 100 km from Pune
and 223 km from Mumbai. Bhimashankar is located in the village Bhorgiri in the
ghat region of the Sahyadri range. Situated at an height of around 3,250 feet,
Bhimashankar is surrounded by hills and is covered by thick green rainforests.
Bhimashankar gets its name from the two things that define its existence
– the river Bhima, which originates here, and the temple of Shankar, or Shiva,
which gives it importance.
It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India because of the
jyotirlinga. Bhimashankar is also a popular destination for trekkers.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is another important reason why people come
here.
A pristine natural environment with hills, waterfalls and forests; a
wild life sanctuary and an ancient temple! Bhimashankar offers the ideal
setting to find spirituality. It is also the perfect place for adventure lovers
with a plethora of treks. Moreover this is where you can find the shekru the
giant flying squirrel which is also the state animal of Maharashtra.
The Shiva temple in Bhimashankar is the sixth jyotirlinga and one of the
most popular places for the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the
original temple of Bhimashankar was built in 12th century CE. However, no
material remains dating to that period have been found since the temple has
undergone many alterations over a period of time.
The temple was renovated by Chimaji Antaji Bhide Naik in 1733 CE
followed by some repair works by Dikhit Patwardhan in 1766 CE. A well was constructed in the complex by
Raghunathrao Peshwa. The famous minister of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis carried
out a lot of renovations, including the construction of the shikhara.
The present temple sanctum (garbhagriha) and the shikhara are built in
the Nagara or Indo-Aryan style and have a strong influence of Rajasthan and
Gujarat on the figurines and motifs of the temple. The exterior walls of the
sanctum are adorned with scenes from the Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Shiv Leela
and Dashavataras.
Inscriptions in the courtyard give a record of grants given
and a large bell confiscated from the Vasai fort by the Maratha Commander
Chimaji Appa hangs in front of the sabhamandapa.Bhimashankar is also the perfect place to combine adventure and
trekking. Monsoon is a good season to enjoy the region’s stunning natural
beauty.
By Air
The nearest airport is Pune Bhimashankar is 250 km from Mumbai and 127
kms from Pune.
By Train
Pune is the nearest railway station.
By Road
You can take the route of Pune-Rajgurunagar-Manchar- Ghodegaon–Pokhari
Ghat Bhimashankar. State Transport buses are available at regular intervals
from the Shivajinagar Bus Terminus and the last bus is at 5 pm. Private
transport is more convenient if you would like to visit places around
Bhimashankar.
0 comments:
Post a Comment