Pune: Bhimashankar Temple to Remain Closed for Three Months from January 9, Except Mahashivratri Period

Pune, 27th December 2025: The Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Temple will remain closed to devotees for three months starting January 9, 2026, except during the Mahashivratri period, as part of major infrastructure development and safety-related works, District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi informed.

The decision has been taken by the Shri Bhimashankar Devasthan Trust to facilitate construction of the sabhamandap and stairway routes, ensure devotee safety, and complete the work in a planned and time-bound manner. Devotees have been urged to cooperate during the temporary closure.

Shri Bhimashankar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, has received approval from the state government for a comprehensive development plan. Considering the importance of the next phase of construction and safety during execution, a joint meeting was held on December 23 involving the district administration, temple trust trustees, local shopkeepers, and residents of Bhimashankar village. With mutual consent, it was decided to temporarily close the temple for three months from January 9, excluding the Mahashivratri period from February 12 to February 18, 2026. During Mahashivratri, the temple will remain open for devotees.

The decision has also been taken in view of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela to be held in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. Based on experiences from the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025, the administration anticipates a large influx of devotees visiting Bhimashankar during the Kumbh period. Completing critical infrastructure such as crowd management systems, secure entry and exit routes, and the sabhamandap before the event is a key administrative priority.

Officials said that considering the scale and nature of the work, temporary closure of the temple is necessary to ensure safety and timely completion of development activities.

Despite the closure for darshan, daily rituals including puja, abhishek, and other religious ceremonies will continue as per tradition and scheduled timings.

During the closure period, direct darshan and entry into the temple premises will not be allowed for devotees. Entry will be restricted strictly to construction agencies, authorised officials and staff, and residents of Bhimashankar village.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the development of Bhimashankar Temple is essential for long-term safety, improved facilities, and devotee convenience. He appealed to devotees and local citizens to understand the seriousness of the decision and extend full cooperation to the temple trust, district administration, police, and local authorities.