Bhima River

About:

Bhima River originates in Bhimashankar hills near Karjat on the western side of Western Ghats, known as Sahyadri, in Maharashtra state in India. Bhima flows southeast for 725 km through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh states. Bhima is the most important tributary of the Krishna river, which is one of the two majors rivers in Maharastra, the other being Godavari River. Nira confluences with Bhima in Narsingpur, Solapur. Bhima is a major tributary of the Krishna River. Its banks are densely populated and form a fertile agricultural area.The river is prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Rising in the western ghats to the east of Mumbai, the Bhima River is one of the major confluents of the Krishna River. The river rises from the Bhimashankar hills near Karjat on the western side of the Western Ghats at an altitude of about 945 m above the sea level. It is known as Sahyadri in Maharashtra. The Bhima River flows in the southeast direction for seven hundred and twenty five kilometers covering the states of Maharastra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In the course of the journey it meets many small rivers. The major tributaries of this river around Pune are Kundali River, Ghod River, Bhama River, Indrayani River, Mula River, Mutha River and Pawana River. The Indrayani, Mula, Mutha and Pawana flow through Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad city. The major tributaries of Bhima in Solapur are Chandani, Kamini, Moshi, Bori, Sina, Man, Bhogwati and Nira. The Bhima meets the Nira River in Narsinghpur in Malshiras taluka in Solapur district. The last 298 km of its course is in Karnataka where it merges with the Krishna River near Kudlu in Raichur District.

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History:

In this temple, Lord Eshwara is shown in Half man and Half woman (Ardha Narishwara) form.Bhimashankar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas is at a distance of around 200kms from Mumbai. It is also the source of the River Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the river Krishna. It is built in the Nagara style of architecture and dates back to the 18th century. One can also find influences from the Indo Aryan style of architecture. It is believed that the ancient shrine was erected over a Swayambhu Linga or a Self Emanated Shiva Linga. Thus the Linga is exactly in the centre of the floor of the Garbagriha or the Sanctum. Intricate carvings adorn the pillars and the doorframes of the temple. Within the temple precincts there is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shani.

Interesting things to do:

Offer prayers to the deity, trekking, hiking, bathing in the river, visit to the nearby tourist attractions.

Shopping in Bhimashankar:
The replicas of the Shivalinga and the temple, images of various Gods and Goddesses and handicraft items are the things to look for in the local shops located near to the Bhimashankar temple.

Interesting things to Visit:

Bhimashankar temple:
This temple is famous all over the country for its architectural brilliance that resembles the Nagara style. Comprising both the old and new structures the temple holds a supreme religious importance in the minds of the devotees. The temple worships Lord Shiva in the form of a Shivalinga, which is one of the several Jyotirlingas in the country. The devotees to this temple are believed to have achieved everything they wished for. A dip in the River Bhima can wash off all sins as believed by the pilgrims. The temple is worth visiting during the Tripuri Poornima when the place indulges itself into festivities and celebrations. The Mahashivaratri fair held at the place is well known all over the country for its grandeur and activities.

Shani temple:
It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shani located inside the Bhimashankar temple. Adorned by a large Portuguese bell, the place is worth a visit for its architecture.

Mokshakund thirtha:
Dedicated to Rishi Kaushika, it is a temple that is located at the back of the Bhimashankar temple.

Kamalaja:
It is temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kamaljala, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that it was Kamaljala who helped Lord Shiva to win the battle against the demon Tripuraasura.

Bhimashankar Wild Life Sanctuary:
Housing wide range of species of flora and fauna, it is a reserve forest that is well known for its scenic beauty. Several rare animals and plants are found in the region.

Nagfani:
It is a mountain peak located near to the temple at the elevation of 2750 feet from the sea level. The peak provides a wonderful panoramic view of the landscape around. It is a perfect destination to spend some time in the lap of nature.

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