Distance: From Pune: 95 Kms, Mumbai: 249 Kms, Aurangabad: 332 Kms On the banks of the Chandrabhaga River (Bhima) in the broad pastures, a large number of volunteers (Varkari) can be seen dancing as if in a nap.
This is a common occurrence in Pandharpur. Beemaniayya (mother Bhima) is equated with Ganga-Bhagirathi and people take a sacred dip in this river. In Pandharpur, the river Bima is known as the Chandrabhaga, which is where Bima turns toward Chandrakor.
The Ganga River came and flowed down King Shankar's Jata (Hair), headed straight for Swallg (Heaven), and came to earth. Bhimamayya sweat of King Shankara, The origin of the Bhima River is BhimaShankar, one of the twelve JyotirLingas. In Maharashtra, Pune district in Tehsil of Rajguru Nagar (Khed) before Ghodegaon, there is Sahyadri mo, the middle distance.
The Bhavargiri, Rathachal, and Bima Shankar Mountains are located here. In the mountains of Bima Shankar, the sacred sanctuary of Bima Shankar is found. Although it is a very windy place, one does not experience cold winds here. There are lions in the forest here.
In these dense jungles, there is another forest life as well. It is valued for its various medicinal properties. How easy it is to reach BhimaShankar. Straight and simple roads are set up to take travelers to the top of the temple. Getting here from Kokanpradesh is a bit difficult because of the mountainous terrain. In ancient times a demon called Tripurasura was intoxicated.
He tormented all the inhabitants of Swarg (Heavens), Narak (Hell), and Patal (Nether world). The gods were terrified. Lord Shankar has taken a great deal of greatness. Tripurasur was frightened when he saw this Rudravatar.
The two continued for a few days. Finally, Lord Shiva killed the evil demon and freed three worlds, Tribhuvan. Lord Shankar in the form of a great hunk (Virat) was very tired. To find rest, he settled here in the highlands of the Sahyadri Mountains and sweat began to flow from his large body in the thousands of streams.
It all came together and collected in a pool or Kund. The river that started there was known as Bhima, which can still be seen today by the devotees and praying to Bhimakaya Rudra in this way: "To save the righteous people, stay here forever".
Bholenath listened to his devotees and stayed there as JyotirLinga forever. Mahadev private, in the form of a chariot, the mountains have become the residence of BheemaShankara. Also known as Rathachala. Another is Bhatirao Lakadhara. (a woodcutter) lived here.
Or maybe he was chopping wood. As soon as he hit the tree with an ax, blood began to flow on the ground. Batirao panicked and fled. Soon, a crowd gathered there.
Someone brought a dairy cow and stopped it there. The milk that came out of the cow's teats stopped the bleeding from the ground. To everyone's surprise, a bright JyotirLinga of Shankara appeared on earth.
The people built the Temple there and installed JyotirLinga in the temple. This temple came to be known as the Bhima Shankara Temple. Bhima Shankara Temple is built in Hemadpanthi style. Decorated with Dashavatar images. These are great to watch.
Nandi's temple is next to the big temple. A large metal object weighing 5 mans (1 man = 40 seens) is near the temple. It has 1721 AD inscribed on it. When the bell rings, the whole place echoes its sound.