Nearest Jyotirlinga from Mumbai – Complete Travel Guide

It’s a Sunday morning in Mumbai. The streets outside are still quiet, your phone is surprisingly free from work calls, and you feel that rare weekend freedom. You don’t feel like going to a crowded mall or just sitting at home. You want to go somewhere peaceful… somewhere that makes you feel fresh and happy inside.

That’s when you remember hearing about the Jyotirlingas — ancient and sacred temples of Lord Shiva that people from all over India visit. And here’s the exciting part — one of them is not far from Mumbai. You can visit it, feel a sense of calm, and be back home the same day. Perfect!

What is Jyotirlinga?

A Jyotirlinga is not just a regular temple. In Hindu belief, it represents a pillar of light — an endless beam — that is Lord Shiva himself.

The word “Jyoti” means light and “linga” means symbol of Lord Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, and each one has its own story, energy, and importance.

Visiting a Jyotirlinga is said to bring peace of mind, spiritual blessings, and a connection with divine energy that you can actually feel. For many people, it’s not just a trip, it’s a life experience.

The Closest Jyotirlinga to Mumbai

If you live in Mumbai, the nearest Jyotirlinga is Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. It’s around 210 km (130 miles) away, located deep inside the beautiful Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra.

Bhimashankar Temple – More than Just a Pilgrimage

The temple is located inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary — which means you get two experiences in one trip: a spiritual visit and a nature getaway.

The moment you get out of your car, you can breathe in fresh air, hear birds’ voices instead of horns, and feel the slow, calming pace of nature.

When you walk to the temple, you can hear the soft ringing of bells and people chanting prayers. You might also hear the wind moving through the trees. The air feels cool and fresh, even on hot days, and the place feels very calm and peaceful.

Insights of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Village: Bhorgiri, located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India.

Distance from Mumbai: Around 210 km (130 miles) from Mumbai.

Distance from Pune: Approximately 125 km (78 miles) northwest.

Altitude: Situated at an elevation of 1,034 meters (3,392 feet) above sea level.

Nearest Town: Khed, about 50 km away.

Accessibility: Accessible by road; the nearest railway station is in Pune.

Estimated Annual Visitors: Approximately 4 to 5 lakh (400,000 to 500,000) devotees visit the Bhimashankar temple each year during the Maha Shivaratri festival. 

Peak Season: The temple experiences a significant increase in visitors during the month of Shravan (the fifth month of the Hindu calendar), with daily footfall reaching about 2 to 2.5 lakh (200,000 to 250,000) devotees.

The History Behind Bhimashankar

A long time ago, a very powerful demon (rakshasa) named Tripurasura was causing trouble in the three worlds. No one could stop him, and everyone was scared. The people prayed to Lord Shiva for help.

Lord Shiva came to this place in the form of Bhimashankar and fought a battle with the demon. During the fight, drops of his sweat fell to the ground and became the Bhima River, which still flows near the temple today.

After Shiva defeated the demon, the place became peaceful and holy. People believe that visiting Bhimashankar brings peace, strength, and blessings. Even today, the calm river, the green hills, and the temple make it feel magical, like stepping into the story itself.

Temple Design

Bhimashankar Temple is built in a special style called Nagaran, which means it has a tall tower on top and lots of designs carved in stone. These carvings show old stories about gods, battles, and blessings.

Inside the main part of the temple, called the garbhagriha or inner sanctum, the Jyotirlinga stays there all the time. It is washed with water, decorated with flowers, and the smell of incense makes the place feel very calm and holy.

How Far from Mumbai?

• Distance: About 210 km (130 miles)
  
• Travel Time: 5–6 hours by road (depending on traffic and breaks)
  

The journey is part of the fun. As you get closer, the road winds through green hills and small villages. In monsoon, waterfalls pop up along the way, making the drive even more scenic.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Perfect weather — neither too hot nor too rainy.
  
• Monsoon (June–Sept): The area turns lush green with flowing waterfalls. But be careful — the roads can be slippery.
  
• Summer (April–May): Avoid if possible, as it can get quite hot.
  

Temple Timings

• Open: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
  
• Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM
  
• Nijarup Darshan: 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
  
• Maha Puja: 12:00 PM
  
• Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM
  

How to Reach Bhimashankar from Mumbai

1. By Road (Car or Bus)

• The easiest way is to take the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
  
• If you are driving yourself, it takes about 5–6 hours depending on traffic.
  
• From Pune, follow the road towards Manchar and then to Bhimashankar. The last stretch is through small hilly roads, so drive carefully.
  
• If you prefer a bus, you can take one from Mumbai to Pune, and then hire a taxi or local bus to Bhimashankar.
  

2. By Train

• The nearest major railway station is Pune Junction, about 111 km away from the temple.
  
• From Pune station, you can hire a cab or take a local bus to reach Bhimashankar.
  
• The train is good if you want to avoid driving through the busy Mumbai–Pune highway.
  

3. By Air

• The nearest airport is Pune International Airport.
  
• From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bhimashankar.
  
• Flights are helpful for travelers coming from other cities in India.
  

Tip: The road near the temple can get slippery during the monsoon season (June–September), so it’s better to travel carefully or avoid heavy rains.

Where to Stay

Near the Temple:

• Bhimashankar Lodge – Basic rooms, very close to the temple.
  
• Dharamshala Bhimashankar – Simple and affordable stay for pilgrims.
  
• Local Guesthouses – Small family-run hotels near the temple.
  

For More Comfort:

• Pune Hotels (about 110 km away):
  
  • Hyatt Regency Pune – Comfortable and modern.
    
  • Hotel Marriott Pune – Great facilities for a relaxed stay.
    
• Nearby Towns:
  
  • Manchar: Shree Sai Lodge, local guesthouses.
    
  • Rajgurunagar (Khed): Hotel Sai Leela, simple and budget-friendly.

Nearby Places to See 

• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Great for nature walks and spotting birds like the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
  
• Hanuman Lake – Calm and peaceful, perfect for a break.
  
• Gupt Bhimashankar – A hidden temple connected to the main shrine’s legends.
  
• Nagphani Point – A viewpoint with breathtaking views of the Sahyadris.
  

Food Near Bhimashankar Temple

1. Maharashtrian Snacks
   
   • You can find poha (flattened rice with spices), upma, misal pav, and vada pav at small local eateries.
     
   • These are simple, tasty, and filling for a morning or evening snack.
     
2. Local Restaurants
   
   • In nearby towns like Manchar or Rajgurunagar, there are small restaurants serving vegetarian thalis, bhakri (flatbread), and sabzi (vegetable dishes).
     
   • Perfect for lunch after visiting the temple.
     
3. Fresh Fruits and Tea
   
   • Many small stalls along the way sell seasonal fruits and hot tea or coffee, great for a quick refreshment during your journey.
     
4. No Heavy Non-Veg Food Near Temple
   
   • Since it’s a sacred area, most food near the temple is vegetarian.

Other Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra

If this trip inspires you to see more, here are three others you can visit:

• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Near Nashik.
  
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Near Ellora Caves.
  
• Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga – In Hingoli district.
  

A Quick View about Other Jyotirlingas in India

Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, where it is believed that Shiva himself appeared as a column of light. The word ‘Jyotirlinga’ comes from “Jyoti” (light) and “Linga” (symbol of Shiva). There are 12 such holy sites spread across India, each with its own unique history, legend, and spiritual significance. Pilgrims from all over the world visit these temples to seek blessings, witness architectural beauty, and connect with deep spiritual energy.

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Somnath, meaning “Lord of the Moon,” is considered the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, near the Arabian Sea. The temple has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed in invasions, symbolizing strength and devotion.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Situated on the Srisailam hill, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga represents the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Surrounded by the Nallamala Hills and the Krishna River, it is not just a place of worship but also a scenic pilgrimage spot. The temple is especially popular during Maha Shivaratri.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Located in Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is unique because it is the only Jyotirlinga facing south (Dakshinamukhi). It is believed that Lord Shiva here protects devotees from negative energies and evil forces. The famous Bhasma Aarti is a major attraction for pilgrims.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Found on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar gets its name because the island is shaped like the sacred ‘Om’ symbol. It is one of the most peaceful Jyotirlinga sites and is often visited along with nearby Mamleshwar Temple.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Kedarnath is one of the most remote Jyotirlingas, located high in the Himalayas. Accessible only during certain months due to heavy snowfall, it is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra. The natural beauty and spiritual aura here leave pilgrims feeling deeply connected to divinity.

6. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Situated in the holy city of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas. It is believed that a visit here can lead to liberation (Moksha). The temple stands on the banks of the River Ganga, making it a must-visit for spiritual seekers.

7. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Located near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is unique because the Shiva Linga here has three faces symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is also considered the origin point of the holy Godavari River, adding to its spiritual importance.

8. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Also known as Baidyanath, this Jyotirlinga is associated with the story of Ravana offering his ten heads to Lord Shiva. The temple is a major site during the Shravani Mela, where lakhs of devotees walk barefoot carrying holy water.

9. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Located near Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to protect devotees from poison and evil. The temple houses a huge statue of Lord Shiva and is surrounded by calm and peaceful surroundings, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.

10. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, located on an island in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its long temple corridors and sacred water tanks. The temple is closely linked to the Ramayana and Lord Rama’s worship of Shiva.

11. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Situated near the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar is the smallest of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is known for its red stone architecture and peaceful environment. It is believed that visiting this temple completes the pilgrimage of all Jyotirlingas.

Also Read: Bangalore to Mysore One Day Road Trip

Conclusion

Visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is more than just going to a temple. You get to enjoy the green hills, listen to prayers, smell the incense, and feel the calm all around. It’s a peaceful and special place that can make you feel happy and relaxed even after you go back home.

Start your trip early, wear comfy shoes, carry some water and snacks, and keep your heart open. This little journey could turn into a memory you will always remember.

FAQs About Nearest Jyotirlinga from Mumbai