Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Wildlife Reserve — Attraction in Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is an ancient shrine situated in the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas, the holiest of holy shrines of Lord Shiva. It is located in Bhorgiri village, near pune. In recent times, it has gained a lot of significance as it was also declared as the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The best time to visit the temple is from September to January. As bhimashankar is 3500 feet above sea level, it observes low temperatures as well as heavy showers in the monsoon season.

According to legend, a demon Tripurasura did penance in the Bhimashankar jungle ages ago in order to please Lord shiva. He hoped that by pleasing the Lord he would be given the gift of immortality. The Lord, pleased by Tripurasara’s devotion, blessed him with immortality on the condition that Tripurasara would use his boon for the welfare of the local folk and help them. In case Tripurasara forgot his vow, the Lord would be entitled to sue him in any way he deemed suitable.

As time went on, Tripurasara forgot all about his vow and began harassing the local folk as well as other deities. Chaos reigned and the deities approached the Lord to help them.

The Lord prayed to Goddess Parvati to help him. Together, in the form of “ardh-narya-nateshwar”, on the eve of Kartik Poornima, they killed Tripurasara and the day is now known as Tripurasara Poornima.

After Tripurasara’s death, his wives Dakini and Shakini approached lord Shiva, questioning their existence without Tripurasara. The Lord blessed them both with immortality. You will encounter patches where you have to execute sound judgement to avoid slipping and falling.

Trekking shoes and trekking sticks are highly recommended. I would say it's a must.

We took 5 hours to reach the summit and all along the way we encountered many beautiful scenery. There were waterfalls, we walked through dense fog. We encountered crabs and cows along the way and also took pitstops to replenish ourselves with lemon water and corn.

Overall I would give the difficulty of the trek a solid 8.5/10 if you are a beginner The Bhimashankar trek is a nature lover’s delight. It takes you into the heart of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary through thick forests. The Bhimashankar trek gives you a full dose of adventure with stream crossings, ladders, and rock climbing all bundled into one trek

While monsoon is the best time to do this trek, it can also be done in other seasons. The route is scenic and thrilling. Those accustomed to trekking can hike the Bhimashankar via the Shidi Ghat route. While for beginners, we recommend the Ganesh Ghat route, which offers splendid views and is easier.

While in the jungle, you’ll have a variety of birds, langurs, and spotted deer for company. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot a ‘Shekar’ or the Malabar Giant Squirrel.

The best part of the trek is the trail to Gupt Bhimashankar, located in the middle of a stream,...

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary A Natural Paradise

Located amidst the rugged Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a testament to the unparalleled beauty and biodiversity of India's natural heritage. Spread over 130 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Biodiversity: Within the lush green expanse of Bhimashankar, one encounters a mesmerizing array of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to over 250 species of birds, including the vibrant Malabar whistling thrush and the majestic Indian eagle-owl. Trekking through its verdant trails, one can witness the diversity of plant life, from towering trees like teak and bamboo to exotic orchids and ferns.

Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary's management prioritizes conservation efforts, with initiatives focused on preserving the habitat of endangered species such as the Indian giant squirrel and the elusive Bengal tiger. Dedicated forest guards work tirelessly to combat poaching and illegal logging, ensuring the sanctuary remains a safe haven for its inhabitants.

Visitor Experience: For those seeking adventure, Bhimashankar offers thrilling trekking routes that wind through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. Wildlife safaris provide an opportunity to spot elusive creatures like the Indian bison and the sloth bear in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to observe rare avian species in the sanctuary's tranquil surroundings.

Infrastructure and Facilities: Visitors to Bhimashankar can avail themselves of well-maintained accommodations and facilities, including eco-friendly lodges and campsites nestled amidst nature. Interpretation centers provide insights into the sanctuary's ecology and conservation efforts, while knowledgeable guides offer informative tours and activities for all ages.

Accessibility: Situated approximately 120 kilometers from Pune, Bhimashankar is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient destination for weekend getaways and nature retreats. Nearest airports include Pune and Mumbai, with ample transportation options available for travelers.

Recommendations: To make the most of your visit to Bhimashankar, plan your trip during the cooler months of October to February when wildlife sightings are most frequent and trekking conditions are optimal. Don't forget to carry binoculars, sturdy footwear, and plenty of water for your adventures in the sanctuary.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the untamed beauty of nature while contributing to the conservation of India's diverse ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, a journey to Bhimashankar is sure to leave you inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to the wonders of the...

Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine situated in the Sahyadri hills in the state of Maharashtra. Bhimashankar temple is one of the well knownJyotirlinga, amongst the twelve jyotirlingas situated all over India. Bhimashankar is located in the village of Bhorgiri 50 km north west of Khed, near Pune. It is located 125 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills.

In recent times Bhimashankar has gained tremendous significance since it was declared as “WILD LIFE SANCTUARY”. This sanctuary is a part of the Western Ghats, so it is rich in floral and faunal diversity. A variety of birds, animals, insects and plants can be seen. A rare animal Malabar Giant squirrel locally called as “Shekaru” can be found in the deep woods.

It is also becoming one of the attractive and well known religious places in Maharashtra as well as in India. Bhimashankar is the source of the river Bhima, which is known as Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur.

Legend has it that the name Bhimashankar was originated from the river Bhima which evaporated due to the generated between the war of Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura. Bhimashankar is also a popular destination for trekkers.

The Bhīmāshankar temple is a composite of old and new structures in the Nagara style of architecture. It shows the excellency of the skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to the 13th century while the sabhamandap was built in the 18th century by NānāPhadnavis. The shikhara was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate worship services. The temple is built in Hemadpanthi style. It is decorated with the Dashavatar statues. These are very beautiful to look at. The Nandi temple is close to the main temple ChimajiAppa collected five large bells after he won a war against the Portuguese from the Vasai Fort. He offered one here at Bhimashankar. This bell weighing 5 mans(1 man=40 seens) is located close to the temple. It has 1721 AD inscribed on it. When this bell is rung, the entire echoes with its sound.

Historical figures like ChatrapatiShivaji and RajaramMaharaj were known to visit this shrine. This was a favourite palce for PeshwaBalajiVishwanath and Raghunath, RaghunathPeswa had a well dug up here. The Diwan of the Peshwar, Nana Phadanvis renovated this temple. A court hall was built by a Pune trader or Sahukar by the name ChimanjiAntajiNayikBhinde in 1437 AD.

There is also a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankar temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Bhrama. Shaakini and Daakini the Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored and...