Bhimashankara Temple- The 6th Jyotirlinga among 12

 


Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is located in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, near the town of Bhorgiri. The temple is named after the Bhima River, which flows nearby, and is also known as the Bhimashankara Temple. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and legends associated with the sixth Jyotirlinga, Bhimashankara.


History:


The history of Bhimashankar dates back to ancient times. The temple is believed to have been built during the 18th century by the Maratha ruler, Nana Phadnavis. However, the original structure of the temple is said to have been constructed during the 13th century by a king named Raja Bhimadeva.


According to legends, the temple was built at the site where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, who had been causing havoc in the three worlds. The demon had been granted a boon that he could only be defeated by a single arrow shot from Lord Shiva's bow. Lord Shiva fulfilled the condition by creating an arrow from his own energy and shooting it at the demon, who was then vanquished. It is said that the place where Lord Shiva rested after the battle is where the Bhimashankar Temple stands today.


Significance:


Bhimashankar is considered to be one of the most important Jyotirlingas, as it is associated with several legends and mythologies. The temple is located in a dense forest, which adds to its beauty and charm. It is also believed to have a strong spiritual energy, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.


One of the unique features of the Bhimashankar Temple is the presence of both the Ardhanarishvara and the Maha Mrityunjaya idols of Lord Shiva. The Ardhanarishvara idol represents the unity of Shiva and Shakti, while the Maha Mrityunjaya idol symbolizes the victory over death.


Legends:


There are several legends associated with the Bhimashankar Temple, which add to its significance and importance. Some of the most popular legends are:


The Legend of Bhima: 

According to this legend, the temple is named after a demon named Bhima, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The demon had been granted a boon that he would be invincible in battle, but he misused the boon and began causing destruction. Lord Shiva then appeared before him and defeated him in battle, after which the demon became a devotee of Lord Shiva. The place where the battle took place is where the Bhimashankar Temple stands today.


The Legend of Tripurasura: 

As mentioned earlier, the Bhimashankar Temple is believed to have been built at the site where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. According to this legend, the demon had been granted a boon that he could only be defeated by a single arrow shot from Lord Shiva's bow. Lord Shiva fulfilled the condition by creating an arrow from his own energy and shooting it at the demon, who was then vanquished.


The Legend of Kamandalu: 

According to this legend, Lord Shiva had once lost his kamandalu (water pot) while taking a bath in the Bhima River. A demon named Bhima appeared before him and offered to retrieve the kamandalu, on the condition that Lord Shiva accepted him as his disciple. Lord Shiva agreed, and the demon retrieved the kamandalu. The place where the demon retrieved the kamandalu.

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