Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is enshrined in the Sahyadri Hills near Pune, Maharashtra, its panoramic setting and grand architecture making it a magnificent pilgrimage site.
Origin Story: After Lord Rama killed Ravana, a powerful rakshasa named Bheem, son of Kumbhakarna, lived on the Sahya Mountains with his mother Karkati. Learning that Rama had killed his father and stepfather, Bheem vowed revenge against Vishnu and performed intense penance to Lord Brahma, gaining unmatched strength. He conquered the heavens, defeated even Vishnu, and then turned to conquering earth, imprisoning King Sudakshina of Kamarupa, a devout follower of Shiva, in an underground dungeon.
Even in prison, Sudakshina continued worshipping a Shivalinga he had made. When the gods and sages prayed for relief from Bheem's tyranny, Lord Shiva assured them he would protect his devotee. When Bheem discovered the king's worship and attacked the Shivalinga with his sword in fury, Lord Shiva emerged from it in his mighty form. A tremendous battle shook the universe until Sage Narada urged Shiva to end it swiftly - and with a single sound, Shiva reduced Bheem and all rakshasas to ash.
Pleased by the gods' pleas, Shiva agreed to remain there forever as Bhimashankar, granting the wishes of devotees. It is said the sweat from his body during the battle gave rise to the Bhima River, which originates nearby. The temple grounds also honour Shaakini and Daakini, the two Shiva Ganas who assisted in the battle, and today Bhimashankar is a protected wildlife sanctuary, home to the rare Malabar Giant Squirrel, Maharashtra's state animal.