In a significant development for pilgrims, the revered Bhimashankar temple in Pune district will temporarily close its doors to the general public for a period of three months. The closure is set to begin on January 9, 2024, to facilitate extensive renovation and development works aimed at improving infrastructure and safety.
Key Details of the Temple Closure and Renovation Plan
The decision was finalized during a joint meeting held on December 23, which included officials from the district administration, temple trustees, local shopkeepers, and residents of Bhimashankar village. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi officially announced the move, emphasizing that the primary consideration was the safety of the devotees.
The ambitious development plan for this ancient Jyotirlinga site includes several key upgrades:
- Construction of a new assembly hall for pilgrims.
- Implementation of improved entry and exit systems.
- Enhanced crowd control measures to manage the large influx of visitors.
An official from the district collector's office stated that the renovation work is strategically timed to be completed ahead of the Kumbh Mela in 2027, which will be held in Nashik. A substantial surge in visitors to Bhimashankar is anticipated during that period, as devotees also travel to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
Exceptions and Continuation of Daily Rituals
While direct access for darshan will be restricted for the general public, the temple management has assured that all daily rituals will continue uninterrupted. This includes morning prayers, abhishek, and other essential religious ceremonies, which will follow their usual schedule.
During the three-month closure, only construction personnel, authorized temple staff, and local villagers will be permitted inside the temple premises. Collector Dudi has appealed to all devotees and the local community to cooperate fully with the temple management, district authorities, police, and local administration during this period.
Special Opening for Maha Shivaratri
In a crucial exception for devotees, the temple will reopen for the auspicious period of Maha Shivaratri. The shrine will be accessible to the public from February 12 to February 18, 2024, allowing pilgrims to offer prayers during this major festival before the renovation work resumes.
The need for a complete closure was underscored by the state archaeological department in earlier meetings. They highlighted that the temple experiences extremely heavy footfall, especially on weekends and during festivals, making it nearly impossible to carry out significant construction work while remaining open to the public.
As one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India and a major pilgrimage destination in Maharashtra, the renovations at Bhimashankar are seen as a vital step in preparing the site for future generations of devotees and ensuring a safer, more organized pilgrimage experience.
