Bhimashankar Temple is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful Lord Shiva temples in India. Located deep inside the lush green forests of the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra, this ancient shrine holds a special place among devotees as the sixth Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by misty mountains, thick wildlife sanctuary forests, and pure mountain air, Bhimashankar offers a peaceful and divine atmosphere that touches the heart the moment you arrive.
Whether you are visiting for spiritual reasons or exploring one of Maharashtra’s most revered pilgrimage sites, Bhimashankar Temple leaves a lasting impression. The calm surroundings, rhythmic temple bells, and powerful presence of the Jyotirlinga create a rare spiritual experience that devotees remember for life.
This complete Bhimashankar Temple guide helps you plan your visit with ease. You will find clear and updated information on Bhimashankar Temple timings, darshan details, pooja and abhishekam rituals, history of the temple, online booking process, and important travel tips. Everything is explained in simple, everyday language so that devotees, families, and first-time visitors can enjoy a smooth and meaningful temple visit.
Bhimashankar Temple Darshan and Pooja Timings
Bhimashankar Temple follows a fixed daily schedule for darshan, pooja, abhishekam, and aarti. Knowing the exact timings in advance helps devotees plan their visit properly, especially on Mondays, during the Shravan month, and on special occasions like Mahashivratri when crowds are heavy.
The temple opens early in the morning and remains active throughout the day with different types of darshan and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some time slots are reserved only for pooja and aarti, during which general darshan or abhishekam is not allowed. Being aware of these time gaps can save devotees from long waiting hours.
Below is the complete daily darshan, pooja, and abhishekam schedule of Bhimashankar Temple, followed every day from Monday to Sunday.
Day-wise Darshan, Pooja, and Abhishekam Timings
| Ritual / Darshan Type | Timings |
|---|---|
| Kakada Aarti | 04:30 AM |
| Nijarup Darshan | 05:00 AM |
| Regular Pooja & Abhishekam Begins | 05:30 AM |
| Naivedya Pooja (No Abhishekam Inside) | 12:00 PM |
| Regular Pooja & Abhishekam Restarts | 12:30 PM |
| Madhyan Aarti (Darshan Closed for 45 Minutes) | 03:00 PM |
| Shringar Darshan (No Abhishekam Inside) | 04:00 PM to 09:30 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 07:30 PM |
| Temple Closing Time | 09:30 PM |
The early morning hours are considered the best time for peaceful darshan and abhishekam, as the crowd is usually lower. Shringar Darshan in the evening offers a beautiful view of the Jyotirlinga decorated with flowers and ornaments, making it a spiritually uplifting experience.
Please note that Bhimashankar Temple timings may change slightly during festivals, Mondays, Shravan Maas, and Mahashivratri due to increased devotee footfall and special rituals. It is always advisable to reach the temple early during these days to avoid long queues.
Abhishekam Rules and Important Notes at Bhimashankar Temple
Abhishekam is one of the most sacred and meaningful rituals performed at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Devotees believe that offering abhishekam to Lord Shiva brings peace, good health, and blessings for the entire family. However, the abhishekam timings at Bhimashankar Temple depend on the day and special religious occasions.
On normal days, except Mondays, Pradosh days, the Shravan month, and Mahashivratri, inside abhishekam is allowed only up to 2:00 PM. After this time, devotees can continue with regular darshan, but abhishekam inside the sanctum is not permitted.
On Mondays, Pradosh days, during the holy Shravan Maas, and on Mahashivratri, the temple allows inside abhishekam till 6:00 PM due to the high spiritual importance of these days. These occasions attract a large number of Shiva devotees, so reaching the temple early is highly recommended.
Devotees should note that no advance booking is required for regular darshan, pooja, or abhishekam at Bhimashankar Temple. All tickets are issued on the same day at the temple counter, making the process simple and convenient for visitors.
Following these abhishekam rules helps ensure a smooth darshan experience and allows devotees to perform rituals without confusion or delay.
Bhimashankar Temple Darshan Booking and Pooja Tickets
Bhimashankar Temple follows a simple and devotee-friendly system for darshan and pooja bookings. There is no mandatory online booking required for regular darshan, pooja, or abhishekam at the temple. Devotees can directly visit Bhimashankar Temple and purchase darshan, pooja, or abhishekam tickets at the temple counter on the same day.
This walk-in system makes it easy for pilgrims, especially those visiting from nearby cities like Pune and Mumbai, to have a smooth darshan without prior planning. However, during peak days such as Mondays, Shravan month, Pradosh days, and Mahashivratri, it is advisable to reach the temple early due to heavy crowd.
For devotees who are unable to visit Bhimashankar in person, the temple also offers an online pooja booking facility. Through the official Bhimashankar Temple website, devotees can book selected poojas, make the payment online, and receive prasadam delivered to their home by courier. After successful booking, confirmation details are sent to the registered email address.
This online pooja and prasad service is especially helpful for elderly devotees, families living outside Maharashtra, and Shiva devotees who wish to stay spiritually connected to the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga from their homes.
Overall, the darshan and pooja booking process at Bhimashankar Temple is simple, transparent, and convenient, making it accessible for devotees from all parts of India.
Steps to Book Bhimashankar Temple VIP Pass Online
Bhimashankar Temple is one of the most sacred Jyotirlinga temples in India and holds great importance for Lord Shiva devotees. To control heavy crowds and make darshan easier, the temple trust provides an online VIP Darshan and Puja Pass booking facility. This option helps devotees save time and enjoy a peaceful darshan experience.
Below are the simple and clear steps to book the Bhimashankar Temple VIP Pass online, explained in easy words for everyone.
Step 1
Open the official Bhimashankar Temple website in your browser: https://shreebhimashankar.com/. This is the only trusted platform where genuine VIP darshan and puja booking options are available.
Step 2
On the homepage, look for the option related to Special Darshan or Puja Registration. This section is specially created for devotees who want to book a VIP pass online.
Step 3
Click on the VIP Darshan Pass or Special Puja Pass option. You will be redirected to the online registration form to begin the booking process.
Step 4
Fill in all the required details carefully. This usually includes the devotee’s full name, mobile number, email address, and basic identity details. Make sure the information entered is correct to avoid any issues during darshan.
Step 5
After completing the form, proceed to the payment page. Select a suitable online payment method and pay the VIP pass charges securely.
Step 6
Once the payment is completed successfully, your Bhimashankar Temple VIP Pass will be booked. You will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number and email address.
Step 7
On the day of your visit, carry the confirmation message or a printed copy of the VIP pass. This confirmation helps you get priority entry for darshan or special puja and saves valuable time at the temple.
Using the online VIP pass booking option makes visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple easier and more comfortable, especially during busy days like Mondays, Shravan month, festivals, and Mahashivratri.
Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar Temple remains open throughout the year, but choosing the right time can make your visit more peaceful and comfortable. Different seasons offer different experiences, depending on weather, crowd levels, and travel comfort.
The Shravan month from July to August is the most sacred period for Lord Shiva devotees. During this time, Bhimashankar Temple witnesses very heavy crowds, especially on Mondays and Pradosh days. Darshan lines can be long, but the spiritual energy during Shravan is unmatched, making it a special time for devoted pilgrims.
The months from October to February are considered the best time to visit Bhimashankar Temple. The weather stays cool and pleasant, roads are safer, and the surroundings look fresh and calm. This season is ideal for families, senior citizens, and first-time visitors who want a relaxed darshan experience.
During the monsoon season, the Sahyadri hills around Bhimashankar turn lush green and extremely beautiful. Waterfalls, misty views, and forest paths create a magical atmosphere. However, roads can become slippery due to rain, so extra care is needed while traveling, especially on hill routes.
For a calm and quick darshan, early morning visits on weekdays are highly recommended. Crowd levels are lower, and the peaceful temple environment allows devotees to spend more time in prayer.
How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar Temple is well connected to major cities in Maharashtra, making it accessible by road, train, and air. The temple is located around 125 km from Pune and approximately 210 km from Mumbai, making it a popular weekend pilgrimage spot.
By road, devotees can easily reach Bhimashankar using state transport buses, private taxis, or self-drive vehicles from Pune and Mumbai. The road journey is scenic, especially in the hill section, with dense forests and fresh mountain air.
By train, Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station. From Pune, regular buses and taxis are available to Bhimashankar Temple, making onward travel simple and convenient.
By air, Pune International Airport is the closest airport to Bhimashankar. After reaching Pune by flight, devotees can continue their journey by road using buses or taxis.
The final stretch to the temple passes through beautiful hill roads surrounded by forests and wildlife sanctuary areas, offering a refreshing and memorable travel experience.
Dress Code and Temple Guidelines
Devotees visiting Bhimashankar Temple are advised to wear simple, clean, and modest clothing that reflects respect for the sacred place. Short, tight, or revealing clothes should be avoided to maintain the temple’s spiritual atmosphere.
Maintaining silence, following temple rules, and standing patiently in queues helps preserve the peaceful environment inside the temple. Mobile phones and photography are generally restricted near the sanctum, so devotees should cooperate with temple staff and follow instructions for a smooth darshan.
Following these basic guidelines ensures a respectful visit and allows everyone to experience the true spiritual essence of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple.
Why Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Is So Special
Among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga holds a very special place because of its deep bond with nature and ancient beliefs. The temple is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and fresh mountain air, which makes the spiritual experience even more powerful. Devotees strongly believe that offering prayers at Bhimashankar helps remove fear, reduce mental stress, and clear problems that have been troubling them for a long time.
Another reason why Bhimashankar is so important is its connection with the holy Bhima River, which is believed to originate near the temple. This sacred link adds great religious value to the shrine. Many Shiva devotees make sure to include Bhimashankar Temple in their Jyotirlinga Yatra, as it is believed to bring inner peace, spiritual strength, and positive change in life.
Bhimashankar Temple History and Mythology
The history of Bhimashankar Temple is closely connected with ancient Hindu stories and legends. According to mythology, this holy place is linked to the powerful battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura. After defeating and destroying the demon, Lord Shiva is believed to have rested in this region.
It is said that the sweat that fell from Lord Shiva’s body during this time gave birth to the Bhima River, and the place later came to be known as Bhimashankar. This story has been passed down through generations and continues to strengthen the faith of devotees.
The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture and has gone through several repairs and improvements over the years. Many of these changes were made during the rule of the Maratha kings. Even though the temple structure has seen changes with time, the spiritual energy and divine presence of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple remain strong and unchanged, drawing devotees from all parts of India.
Bhimashankar Temple FAQs – Quick Answers for Devotees
Q. Where is Bhimashankar Temple located?
Bhimashankar Temple is located in Pune district, Maharashtra, inside the Sahyadri hills.
Q. Is Bhimashankar one of the Jyotirlingas?
Yes, Bhimashankar is the sixth Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva out of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Q. What are the Bhimashankar Temple opening timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:30 AM and closes at 9:30 PM.
Q. What is the best time for Bhimashankar darshan?
Early morning hours on weekdays are best for peaceful and quick darshan.
Q. Is online darshan booking required for Bhimashankar Temple?
No, online booking is not mandatory. Darshan and pooja tickets are available at the temple counter.
Q. Can I book pooja online and get prasad at home?
Yes, devotees can book pooja online and receive prasad at home through the official temple website.
Q. What are the main poojas performed at Bhimashankar?
Abhishekam, Rudra Abhishekam, Naivedya Pooja, and daily aartis are the main rituals.
Q. Are abhishekams allowed every day?
Yes, but abhishekam timings vary on Mondays, Shravan month, Pradosh days, and Mahashivratri.
Q. Which month is most crowded at Bhimashankar Temple?
Shravan month is the most crowded and sacred period for Lord Shiva devotees.
Q. Is Bhimashankar also a wildlife sanctuary?
Yes, the temple area is part of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q. How far is Bhimashankar Temple from Pune?
Bhimashankar Temple is about 125 km from Pune city.
Q. Is there any dress code for Bhimashankar Temple?
Devotees are advised to wear simple, modest, and traditional clothing.
Q. Are mobile phones allowed inside the temple?
Mobile phones and photography are usually restricted near the sanctum.
Q. Is Bhimashankar suitable for a one-day trip?
Yes, it is suitable for a one-day trip from Pune with early planning.
Q. Why is Bhimashankar Temple famous?
It is famous for being a Jyotirlinga, its connection to Lord Shiva, and its serene forest surroundings.