Bhimashankar Temple: VIP Darshan Demands Trigger Arguments, Locals Seek Uniform Rules

Pune, 24th August 2026: Rising crowds at Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, coupled with limited space and pressure on existing facilities, have posed challenges for the administration in maintaining smooth darshan arrangements.

According to local residents and devotees, arguments have reportedly broken out between some visitors and temple employees, security guards and police personnel over demands for immediate darshan without waiting in queues. Some devotees allegedly insist on being given VIP treatment and object when security personnel ask them to follow the prescribed arrangements.

Locals have also raised concerns over videos of such arguments being recorded on mobile phones and circulated on social media. They said such videos often capture only part of an incident and can create a negative impression of the temple and its management.

Bhimashankar is known not only for its religious significance but also for its scenic surroundings and attracts devotees, tourists and nature lovers throughout the year. However, its hilly terrain and limited space make crowd management particularly challenging during peak periods. The temple administration deploys security personnel and police and manages devotees through designated queues.

Residents and devotees have now called for clear guidelines on photography and video recording inside and around the temple premises. They said the focus should remain on maintaining the sanctity and religious atmosphere of the temple rather than allowing videos of arguments involving temple staff or security personnel to circulate online.

“Standing in the queue and following the rules is the responsibility of every devotee. It is not appropriate to argue with employees and record videos of such incidents. Such behaviour damages the image of the temple. There should be an appropriate ban or restriction on filming on the temple premises,” said Shivram Ganpat Waghole, a devotee from Ahilyanagar.

Dattatray Moramare, a local resident of Bhimashankar, said, “During crowded periods, everyone should get darshan through the same system. Some people insist on immediate darshan, which leads to arguments. The administration should enforce the rules strictly and ensure equal darshan arrangements for everyone.”

Dattatray Hile, sarpanch of the Bhimashankar-Bhorgiri Group Gram Panchayat, said, “Bhimashankar is not only a religious place but also an identity of our region. The image of the entire temple should not be affected because of an argument between an individual and an employee or police personnel. Devotees should remain patient, and the administration should ensure a transparent and equal darshan system.”

With the number of devotees increasing, residents have called for improved crowd management, clear signage, adequate security and uniform darshan rules. They have also urged the temple administration to consult local residents, devotees, security personnel and police before introducing clear guidelines on mobile photography and video recording.