Why in the News?

Tensions escalated at the Bhimashankar temple recently as a dispute unfolded between two groups of religious leaders, referred to as pujaris, regarding the leadership of the puja ceremony, leading to a brawl.

Bhimashankar Temple Overview:

• The Bhimashankar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located amidst the Sahyadri hills in the Pune District of Maharashtra.
• Recognized as one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India, it holds immense spiritual significance.
• In recent times, it has gained additional importance as it was designated a "Wildlife Sanctuary," forming part of the Western Ghats and serving as the source of the Bhima River.

Historical Significance:

• Constructed around the 13th century, the temple is a testament to the craftsmanship of Vishwakarma sculptors.
• Subsequent enhancements, including the addition of spires (shikhara) by Maratha Empire statesman Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century, contribute to its historical evolution.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler, is believed to have played a role in fostering worship at the temple through his endowments.

Architectural Marvel:

• A blend of old and new structures in the Nagara style of architecture, the Bhimashankar Temple boasts spacious courtyards, intricate wall carvings, and imposing pillars.
• The sanctum, or Garbhgriha, houses the sacred Jyotirlinga, positioned at a lower level. The Swayambhoo, a self-emanated Shiv Linga, holds a central place in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
• Exquisite mythological carvings adorn the massive pillars and doorframes, depicting divine figures and sacred symbols.
• Additionally, the temple encompasses an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shani, considered auspicious by devotees, and features the revered Nandi statue at its entrance.

What are Jyotirlingas?

• Jyotirlingas are shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam, representing different manifestations of the deity.
• Among the 12 main Jyotirlingas in India, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is one.
• Each of these sacred shrines is named after its presiding deity and holds unique spiritual significance for devotees across the country:
• Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gir, Gujarat
• Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
• Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
• Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand
• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
• Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat
• Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nasik, Maharashtra
• Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
• Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra