Bhimashankar Temple

Location

Bhimashankar Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country, legend connects the town with the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. There are references to the ‘Bhimashankaran shrine’ and the ‘Bhimarathi River’ in manuscripts dating back to as early as the 13th century.

Constructed in the traditional Nagara architecture, the sanctum has been constructed at a lower level like other Shiva temples in the region. The temple is not very elaborate in its appearance. Several notable personalities have contributed to its development over the years. Nana Phadnavis undertook the construction of the temple ‘shikhara’. The renowned Maratha warrior chieftain, Shivaji, is credited with having contributed generously to the temple for various purposes. The massive temple bell, housed in the Hemadpanthi building constructed by Nana Phadanavis, is reported to have some connections with former Portuguese settlers from nearby trading settlements. There are reports that it was taken from the Portuguese after their fort at Vasai was captured by Chimaji Appa, the brother of Nanasaheb Peshva and the son of Bajirao Peshva. The resonant chimes of the bell can be heard far away.

The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new structures and is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to mid 18th century. The shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.

A unique bell (Roman style) can be seen in front of the temple which was presented by Chimaji Appa (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa )Chimaji Appa collected two large bells after he won war against Portuguese from Vasai Fort. He offered one here at Bhimashankar and other is at Menovali near Wai in front of Shiva Temple on the banks of Krishna river.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganuullu/5871368647/in/set-721576273215202…