Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple -

Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Miles away from the urban lifestyle, Bhimshankar is not just a pilgrimage site but also a heavenly escape into nature’s paradise. The ancient Shiva temple is home to the sixth Shivliinga among the 12 self-emanated Jyotirlingas of Mahadev.

“ॐ इंदुशब्दसहिताय विध्महे त्र्यम्बकाय धीमहि। तन्नो भीमाशंकरः प्रचोदयात्।।
यह मंत्र भगवान शिव के भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग स्वरूप को समर्पित है। इसका अर्थ है: “हे, चंद्र-चिह्नित भगवान, हम आपका ध्यान करते हैं, त्र्यम्बक (तीन आंखों वाले) भगवान, हमें मार्गदर्शन करें, हमें भीमाशंकर प्रेरित करें “

― Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

The temple is situated at the extreme edge of the Sahyadri mountain range as if the Lord himself is keeping a vigil over the mountains. The forest area surrounding the temple is rich with various species of flora and fauna. The temple has a blend of ancient style architecture and the modern Nagara style which adds to its splendid visuals. Being in the embrace of lush greenery, lofty mountains, and shimmering waters of river Bhima, the temple is fancied by religious souls and thrill-seekers alike.

History Behind the Bhimashankar Temple

There are many stories associated with the Bhimshankar temple that find mention in Hindu mythological texts. According to one such legend, in the Treta Yuga, Kumbhkaran (brother of the evil King Ravana in Ramayana) had a son named Bhima who wanted to take revenge for his father’s death at the hands of Lord Rama.
Fueled by revenge, Bhima started penance in the worship of Lord Brahma, the creator god, and received a boon of extreme power from him. After receiving so much power, Bhima became even more arrogant. And he threatened the then king Kamarupehsvar to stop worshipping Lord Shiva.

When the king denied, Bhima held him captive, but the king continued his worship even in prison and made a Shivlinga there. Blinded by power, Bhima tried to destroy the Shivlinga with his sword, but Lord Shiva appeared at the site and killed him to save the innocent king. After that, all Gods appeared there and requested Shiva to stay in the place as a Jyotirlinga, which came to be known as Bhimshankar Jyotirlinga.

Architectural Significance

The temple is located at an altitude of 1034 feet and offers a sparkling view of the virgin wilderness spread around the area. Bhimshankar temple has a mix of Indo-Aryan and Nagara style of architecture. The temple features huge court spaces, intricate carvings on walls, and colossal pillars. It is a testimony to the architectural excellence of the ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. You will also notice some exquisite Buddha-style Amba-Ambika carvings inside the temple.
The sanctum of the temple, called Garbhgriha, has been constructed at a lower level inside which the sacred Jyotirlinga is present. The Swayambhoo or self-emanated Shiv Linga is precisely in the center of the floor of the Sanctum Sanctorum. The massive pillars and doorframes of the temple are awash with exquisite mythological carvings of divine figures and holy symbols. One can also notice some popular scenes from Hindu mythology captured in these beautiful carvings.
The temple also houses an ancient shrine of Lord Shani which is considered very auspicious by the devotees. The statue of Nandi, the revered bull who’s the vehicle of Shiva, is present right at the entrance of the temple. In the vicinity of the temple, you will find a lot of Kunds (ponds) namely the Mokshakunda Teertha, the Saravateerth, the Kusharanya Teertha, and the Jyanakunda.

The Spiritual Experience at Kedarnath Dham

A visit to Kedarnath Dham is a deeply spiritual experience that is transformative for many pilgrims. The atmosphere around the temple exudes a sense of peace and divine energy, making it an ideal place for prayer, meditation, and reflection. The chanting of mantras, the rhythmic sound of bells, and the sight of devotees offering their prayers all create an environment that feels deeply sacred.

For many, the journey to Kedarnath is as important as the destination itself. The challenging trek, the high altitude, and the serene beauty of the region all combine to elevate the spiritual experience. The temple itself, standing in the midst of towering mountains, evokes a profound sense of reverence and connection with the divine. It is believed that the powerful energy of Lord Shiva is felt by every pilgrim who visits Kedarnath, leaving them with a sense of spiritual renewal and enlightenment.