Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is one of the sacred Shiva temples among the 12 Jyotirlingas traced back to ancient India. This charming temple is counted as the 6th Jyotirlinga. 12 Jyotirlingas are the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva and appeared as a column of fire. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is installed on the Bhimashankar mountain near the banks of the holy Bhima river in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Temple is engulfed with soul-soothing green forests, lakes, rivers, and beautiful natural scenery. 

Meanwhile, many of us don’t know the origin and Sanatan history of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Today, we at Vedic Story are going to unfold the secrets, stories, and regional tales of the temple. 

The Spiritual Significance of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga 

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, the temple of Lord Shiva, holds profound spiritual and transcendental significance for Hindus and devotees of Mahadev. People visit the 12 Jyotirlingas on Mahashivaratri and other festivals to pray and perform rituals by offering offerings to the Lord. 

Pilgrims visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga seeking blessings, spiritual and transcendental enlightenment, and the purification of souls.

They feel peace within their hearts while offering their devotion to the feet of Lord Shiva, asking for the removal of sins and requesting prosperity and an abundance of peaceful life.

The Geography of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga rests near the shores of the Bhima River, which originates from the Kusharanya Tirtha. The river flows, creating soul-pleasing sounds of water drops in the south-east direction, and merges with the panoramic Krishna river as Radha does near Raichur, Karnataka. 

Mokshakunda Tirtha

Behind the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, there is a tirtha place called Mokshagundam. It is believed that Sage Kaushika performed penance here for years. 

Hanuman Kunda

Apart from Kusharanya Tirtha and Mokshagundam Tirtha, one can find the Hanuman Kunda, Jaya Kunda, and Sarva Tirtha and experience the divine energy present in the entire region. 

The entire place is so appealing, as if Lord Shiva himself established the location with a tranquil, serene atmosphere with singing birds and animals, a cool breeze, and soothing water. 

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple has pleasant weather with constantly running rains and a wildlife reserve. 

History of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga 

According to Indian mythology, there was a giant demon in the Treta yuga named Tripurasura. He was so huge, so he came to be known as Bhima. Tripurasura was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and did penance. Mahadeva was so pleased with his penance that he appeared before Tripurasura. He asked for the boon of immortality. Lord Shiva happily blessed him, saying no human or god could kill him. 

Tripurasura became powerful with the blessing of Mahadev and began torturing the people, gods, and demons of the three worlds—Earth, Heaven, and Pataal. 

Indra, the king of heaven, and other gods went to Kailash and took shelter from Lord Mahadev when Tripurasura attacked them. Thereafter, Lord Shiva decided to kill the demon. 

Lord Shiva: The Slayer of Tripurasura at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Rudra, the destroyer of evil, descended to earth on the day of Karthika Pratipada and constructed a chariot—a symbol of the four Vedas, the pillars of Dharma, the moon, the wheel of the sun, the Sheshnag bow and arrows, and the force of Lord Vishnu. 

Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva invoked Devi Shakti, goddess Parvati, with lotus flowers. She appeared as Kamalja Mata, or goddess Kamalja. Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati took the form of Ardhanari. 

Ardhani, the avatar of Lord Shiva, and Parvati fought with Tripurasura from Kartika Pratipada to Kartika Purnima for 15 days straight and killed the demon. 

Tale of the Bhima River at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

After killing Tripurasura, the gods were so tired that they sat in the seating area and started sweating profusely. A river formed. It was named the Bhima River. Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and other prime gods requested that Lord Shiva stay in the Bhimashankar Mountains and bless people. Lord Shiva agreed and manifested himself as Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. 

Bhima had two wives, Dakini and Shakini, and thus Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga also came to be known as Dakinyam Bhimashankaram Jyotilinga. 

Architecture of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple was built in the 13th century using granite and other mountain rocks. The temple is constructed in Nagara and Hemadpanthi architecture, with beautiful carvings on it. Bhimashankar temple is 3.5 feet and 15 meters long. The Shikhara and Sabhamandap of the temple were built in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis with adoring pillars. Garbhagriha, or sanctus sanctorum, is placed at a lower level.

Chimaji Appa, the brother of Peshwa Bajirao, presented a bell to the temple after his victory over the Portuguese-ruled Vasai Fort. 

Legends of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple 

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is filled with divine and captivating myths and legends that boast Indian culture and spirituality. These unparallel myths add an unknown layer of mystique and attract pilgrims and tourists. 

• Myth 1: The Divine Birth of the Bhima River 

This Indian mythological myth is something devotees narrate to each other and feel peace within.

The Bhima River is also known by the name Chandrabhaga. Ancient texts, especially the Shiva Purana, narrate the tale of an intense battle between Lord Shiva and Bhima, the demon. Lord Shiva struck the earth on his trident and began to sweat profusely, leading to the birth of the Bhima River. 

• Myth 2: The Rejuvenation of Lord Mahadev

Another legend from Indian mythology narrates a tale about Lord Shiva’s self-manifestation as a Jyotirlinga at Bhimashankar temple. He decided to rejuvenate himself after the battle with Teipurasura and sat for deep meditation. It signifies the eternal, infinite, and uncommon nature of Lord Shiva.

• Myth 3: The Healing Water of the Bhima River

It is believed that the waters of the Bhima River are the result of the sweat of Lord Shiva and were formed as a river. Devotees believe that whoever takes a dip in the river gets free from all sins, purifies his soul, and becomes free from illness. 

Conclusion These captivating myths and Vedic storytelling of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple in Maharashtra boast Indian culture, history, and mythology among people and draw their attention towards ancient texts and places to explore and experience divinity.

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