Pune: Bhimashankar Temple to Remain Closed for Three Months for Infrastructure Upgrades Ahead of 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela

Pune, 24th December 2025: The Bhimashankar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country, is likely to remain closed to devotees for the next three months due to proposed development works under an approved master plan. The decision was discussed at a meeting held on Tuesday (December 23) under the chairmanship of Ambegaon–Junnar Sub-Divisional Officer Govind Shinde.

The meeting focused on temporarily closing the temple to facilitate infrastructure and development works aimed at improving facilities for devotees and managing large crowds expected during the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik–Trimbakeshwar. Officials said Bhimashankar and other nearby pilgrimage centres are expected to witness a significant influx of pilgrims during the Kumbh period.

Local villagers expressed their consent to the proposed temporary closure during the meeting. Administrative officials will now submit the views of the Bhimashankar Devasthan Trust, local residents, and the detailed meeting report to the District Collector. A final decision and official order regarding the temple closure will be issued only after the District Collector’s approval.

To strengthen infrastructure and crowd management ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela, a comprehensive development plan worth ₹288.17 crore has already been approved for Bhimashankar. The plan includes facilities aimed at improving pilgrim convenience, safety, and overall management. Officials said expediting the development works is necessary to ensure timely completion.

The meeting was attended by Ambegaon–Junnar Sub-Divisional Officer Govind Shinde, Khed Sub-Divisional Officer Anil Daunde, Police Sub-Divisional Officer Amol Mandave, District Planning Officer Ganesh Dani, Bhimashankar Devasthan Trust President Adv. Suresh Kaudare, Khed Tahsildar Prashant Bedse, Ambegaon Tahsildar Sachin Wagh, Assistant Police Inspector Sagar Pawar, Archaeology Department Assistant Director Vilas Vahane, Deputy Executive Trustee Madhukar Shastri Gavande, Maruti Lohkare, Bhimashankar Sarpanch Dattatray Hile, Nigadale Sarpanch Savita Titkare, and local villagers.

Officials said the temporary closure is intended to ensure smooth execution of development works and better preparedness for the anticipated surge in pilgrims during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027.