Bhimashankar Temple

Bhimashankar Temple stands in the village of the same name in Khed taluka, Pune district, about 110 kilometres from Pune, in the forested Bhimashankar range, an area noted for rare plants and animals. Its Shiva lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of three in Maharashtra, making it a major pilgrimage centre. The Bhima river rises here.

The shrine is built of black stone and is said to date back to the 13th century, when writers already mentioned it, though much of the present fabric is later. The Peshwa minister Nana Phadnavis improved the hall and spire in the 18th century, Shivaji granted the village of Kharosi to support worship, and Chimaji Appa, brother of Bajirao I, gave a large bell. The poet-saint Namdev recorded visits by Jnaneshwar and himself. Old rock carvings of Bhimashankar and Amba-Ambika are found on nearby hills.