Bhimashankar is an ancient temple located in the Sahyadri Hills in the state of Maharashtra. Bhimashankar Temple is one of the famous Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas located all over India. Bhimashankar is located in Bhorgiri village, 50 km northwest of Khed near Pune. It is located in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills, 125 km from Pune.

In recent times, Bhimashankar has increased in importance after it was declared a “Wild Life Sanctuary”. The sanctuary is a part of the Western Ghats, hence it is rich in floral and faunal diversity. A variety of birds, animals, insects and plants can be seen. A rare animal the Malabar Giant Squirrel locally called “Shekaru” can be found in the deep forests.

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

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

Bhimashankar Temple is a blend of old and new structures in Nagara style architecture. It shows the excellence of skill achieved by the ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a modest but beautiful temple and was built in the 13th century, while the Sabhamandapam was built by Nanphadnavis in the 18th century. The peak was built by Nana Fadnavis. The great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is said to have donated this temple to facilitate worship services. This temple is built in Hemadpanthi style. It is decorated with Dashavatara statues. These are very beautiful to look at. Nandi temple is close to the main temple. Chimajiyappa had collected five big bells from the Vasai Fort after winning the war against the Portuguese. He offered one here in Bhimashankar. This bell weighing 5 maunds (1 maund = 40 sens) is situated near the temple. 1721 AD is inscribed on it. When this bell is rung, the entire area echoes with its sound.

Historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji and Rajaram Maharaj were known to visit this temple. This was the favorite place of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Raghunath, Raghunath Peshwa had dug a well here. Peshawar's Diwan Nana Fadnavis renovated this temple. In 1437 AD, a Durbar Hall was built by a Pune businessman or moneylender named Chimanjiantajinayakbhinde.

There is also a temple of Kamalaja near Bhimashankar temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in the war against Tripurasura. Kamalaja was worshiped by Brahma with offerings of lotus flowers. Shakini and Dakini, the deities who helped Shiva in his fight against the demon, are also honored and worshiped here.

Mokshakundtirtha is located behind the Bhimashankar temple, and is associated with sage Kaushik. There are also Sarvatirtha, Kusharanyatirtha where the Bhimamari river starts flowing towards the east, and Gyankund.

Worship services are provided each day. Mahashivratri is a very important day for worship.

The sanctuary offers a breathtaking view of sparkling waterfalls, lush green forests and hills. With a rich diversity of flora and fauna, this place is a gift to wildlife and photography lovers. You will be able to spot the elusive Indian giant squirrel and many rare species of birds in the sanctuary.

The Firefly Festival is held every year before the monsoon, where thousands of fireflies can be seen lighting up the village.

There are many places of tourist interest near the temple. Among these, Mokshkund, Gupt Bhimshankar, Sarva-Teerth, Sakshivinayak, Gorakhnath Ashram, Kamaljadevi Temple, Hanuman Lake etc. are worth seeing. Kokanakada or Nagfani is a very dangerous palace situated at a height of about three thousand feet, from where the entire foothills of the Kokan region can be seen. It feels like we are flying in the air.