Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
భీమశంకర్
Lord Shiva as Bhimashankar · Bhorgiri, Sahyadri (Western Ghats), Pune district, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Bhorgiri, Sahyadri (Western Ghats), Pune district, Maharashtra. Source of the Bhima river. Set in dense Western Ghats forest. The temple architecture is in Hemadpanthi (Nagara) style.
Significance
Source of the Bhima river. Set in dense Western Ghats forest. The temple architecture is in Hemadpanthi (Nagara) style.
Mythological Origin
Shiva slew the demon Bhima (son of Kumbhakarna and Karkati) here. The blood of Bhima's mother gave birth to the Bhima river.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.