Story behind the name of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

How did Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga get its name?

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: The ideology of Jyotirlingas has unique importance in Shravan. The position of Bhimashankar  is on 6th among the 12 significant Jyotirligas. This Jyotirlinga is situated on a mountain called Sahyadri, around 110 km from Pune, Maharashtra. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is otherwise called Moteshwar Mahadev. It is accepted that just by visiting this Jyotirlinga one disposes everything being equal.

It is located on the banks of the Bhima River and is viewed as a wellspring of this stream. The legend about the presence of this Jyotirlinga is identified with Bhima, child of Kumbhakarna. When Bhima came to realize that he was the child of Kumbhakarna who was manifested by Lord Vishnu as Lord Rama, he pledged to retaliate for Lord Vishnu.

Why Lord Shiva killed the Bhima demon?

According to Shivpuran, there was a powerful demon named Bhima in the ancient times. He was the son of Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of Ravana. He became very angry when he came to know that his father had died by Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. For the purpose of tormenting Vishnu, he pleased Brahma by meditating. After getting a boon from Brahma, that demon became very powerful and he defeated Indra and other gods. After this he started conquering the earth. Here he had a terrible war with King Sudakshin of Kamrup country. In the end, Bhima defeated and imprisoned King Sudakshin.

King Sudakshin was a devotee of Shiva. While in captivity, he made a earthly Shivling and worshiped it. When Bhima came to know about this, he became very angry and reached there with the purpose of killing King Sudakshin. When Bhima asked Sudakshin, what were you doing? Then Sudakshin said that I am worshiping Lord Shankar, the lord of this world. Seeing the devotion of King Sudakshin towards Lord Shiva, as soon as Bhima shot a sword at that Shivling, then Lord Shiva appeared there.

Lord Shiva appeared and said that - I am Bhimeshwar and have appeared to protect my devotee. A fierce battle took place between Lord Shiva and the demon Bhima. In the end, Lord Shiva consumed Bhima and other demons with just his hunk. Then the gods and sages prayed to Lord Shiva that you should stay in this place forever. Thus, Lord Shiva became stable as Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga at that place after hearing the prayers of all.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple best time to visit  there?

If you are planning to visit Bhimashankar Temple then the ideal time to visit there from October to March after the monsoon,deserting a floor covering of greenery and a lovely climate. It is the ideal season to investigate the nature conservancy land and go for trekking as well.. By the way, you can come here at any time except summer season.

Best place to stay at Bhimashankar Temple

The devotees who come here definitely stay for at least three days. Every kind of arrangement has been made for the devotees to stay here. Just a short distance from Bhimshankar is Shinoli and Ghodgaon, where you will get all kinds of facilities.

How to reach Bhimashankar Temple from Pune?

By Bus: Bus facility and taxi are easily available from Pune to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple. MRTC government buses run daily from 5 AM to 4 PM from Pune, which you can easily reach Bhimshankar temple by holding. Special buses are also arranged to reach here on Mahashivratri or Shivaratri that comes every month.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to the temple is Pune. Buses and taxis are available from Pune to Bhimashankar.

By Air: The interesting thing is that, there is also an airport in Pune itself. You can take help of air service till Pune.