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Where is Bhimashankar Jyotirling which Ananya Panday visited, Mahadev himself appeared here, what is the story related to demon Bhima
Samira Vishwas | August 13, 2026 9:24 PM CST

Recently, actress Ananya Pandey reached Pune, Maharashtra to visit the famous Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. In a yellow suit, he worshiped Lord Shiva and took blessings by bowing his head in front of the Shivalinga. While sharing the picture of the temple, Ananya also wrote ‘Om Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev’.

Bhimashankar is considered to be the sixth Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. There is a belief about this temple situated amidst the Sahyadri hills that Mahadev himself appeared here. According to the legend, Lord Shiva killed the demon Bhima to save his devotees from the tyranny of the demon and became enshrined in the form of Jyotirlinga at this place.

Where is Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga?

 

Bhimashankar Temple is located in the Sahyadri mountain range, about 110 kilometers from Pune, Maharashtra. This area is part of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is believed that the Bhima river originated from here, which later became known as Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur. Bhimashankar is also included in the three Jyotirlingas located in Maharashtra. During Sawan and Mahashivratri, a large number of Shiva devotees come here for darshan.

What is the mythological story of Bhimashankar?

 

According to mythological belief, a powerful demon named Bhima used to harass the people and the devotees of Lord Shiva. Troubled by his cruelty, the devotees prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. It is said that after hearing the call of the devotees, Lord Shiva appeared and fought with Bhima. After a long struggle, Shiva killed the demon. Then Lord Shiva resided at this place in the form of Jyotirlinga. In another folk tale, Bhima river is linked to the war between Lord Shiva and the demon. It is said that the flow of river Bhima started due to the sweat released from the body of Lord Shiva during the war.

Shivalinga is believed to have manifested itself.

 

The Shivalinga present in the sanctum sanctorum of Bhimashankar is considered to be Swayambhu i.e. self-manifested. A special thing about the Shivalinga of the temple is said to be that a small hole is visible on the top of it. Deities associated with Lord Ganesha, Kalabhairava and Mother Parvati are also present in the temple premises. Devotees coming here have darshan of these deities along with Lord Shiva.

what does the temple look like

A glimpse of Nagar style is visible in the architecture of Bhimashankar temple. The older part of the temple is considered to be quite ancient, while the construction to the Sabha Mandap and Shikhar took place in later times. The carvings done on the walls and pillars of the temple enhance its beauty. It is said that during the Maratha period, contribution was also made for the development of the temple and worship arrangements. The construction works of the temple are also linked to Nana Fadnavis of the Peshwa period.


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