Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Bhimashankar Temple in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Hills is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Set at 3,250 feet elevation amidst dense forests that form the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (home to the Indian Giant Squirrel), the temple is the source of the Bhima River. Built in Nagara architectural style, the temple has exquisite carvings on its pillars and walls. The Shiva Lingam here is one of the Swayambhu (self-manifested) lingas. The surrounding Western Ghats forests, misty mountains, and the Gupt Bhimashankar (hidden cave shrine) add to the spiritual experience.