Nestled in the serene Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — the radiant embodiments of his infinite power. Steeped in mythology, divinity, and natural beauty, this temple is not only a major pilgrimage site but also a symbol of Shiva’s fierce protection of righteousness.
Mythological Significance
According to ancient legends from the Tretayuga, a powerful demon named Tripurasura received a boon from Lord Shiva that no male or female could kill him. Blinded by arrogance, Tripurasura began tormenting all three realms — Earth (Prithvi), Heaven (Swarga), and the Netherworld (Patal) — disrupting cosmic harmony.
When the oppression became unbearable, Lord Shiva, along with all celestial beings, decided to end the demon’s tyranny. A divine chariot was assembled using powerful cosmic elements:
The four Vedas as the chariot body,
Sun and Moon as its wheels,
Vasuki (the serpent) as the bow,
And Lord Vishnu as the arrow.
Before the war, the Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and Adi Shakti Parvati worshipped the Panchatatva (five elements) to invoke cosmic energy. Goddess Parvati appeared as Kamalaja Mata, who is still revered in this region.

To slay Tripurasura, Shiva and Parvati merged into the Ardhanarishvara form — half male, half female — transcending the demon’s boon. The fierce battle culminated in the demon’s destruction at Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima.

The Birth of Bhima River
After the battle, Lord Shiva rested atop the hills, and from his body’s perspiration, the sacred Bhima River emerged, blessing the land with life-giving water. At the request of the Devas, Lord Shiva agreed to stay there eternally for the welfare of mankind, manifesting as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga — now worshipped as Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
The warrior goddesses Shakini and Dakini, who assisted in the battle, were blessed by Shiva, who declared that their names would be remembered before his — hence, the temple is often referred to in scriptures as Dakinayam Bhimashankaram

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Visesh Daan Seva