Bhimashankar Temple Heritage Restoration Targets Guinness World Record Ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027

Pune District | February 27, 2026

A major heritage conservation project is underway at the sacred Bhimashankar Temple in Junnar taluka, as part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik. The historic shrine is undergoing large-scale restoration using traditional stone construction techniques, with a grand sabha mandap (assembly hall) being rebuilt in a record time of just four months.

For the first time in the country, a heritage restoration of this scale is being executed through the Archaeological Department of India, using ancient stone masonry methods. Recognising the uniqueness of the project, the district administration has initiated the process to seek official recognition from Guinness World Records.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi confirmed that preliminary discussions have already been held with Guinness World Records officials in London, and a consultant will soon be appointed to guide the documentation and certification process for the world record application.

₹288 Crore Development Plan Approved

The Maharashtra government has already approved the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Tirtha Kshetra Development Plan, allocating ₹288.17 crore for the overall development of the pilgrimage site. Of this, ₹10 crore has been earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction of the historic sabha mandap.

Officials said the project holds immense cultural, architectural and spiritual importance, and is being developed as a model heritage conservation initiative that can serve as a national benchmark, with the aim of achieving global recognition.

Traditional Stone Architecture in Record Time

The sabha mandap is being constructed entirely using traditional techniques and stone craftsmanship:

* **Total area: 2,750 sq ft

* **Structure: 48 stone pillars

* **Design: Central stone dome with arched stone corridors

* Each pillar carved from two to three stone blocks

* Arches and dome also built using multi-stone traditional engineering methods

* No modern construction materials being used

Work on the project began on January 9, 2026, and is scheduled for completion by **April 30, 2026, making it one of the fastest traditional heritage reconstructions in India.

Aligned with Global Heritage Conservation Efforts

Officials noted that the Bhimashankar restoration aligns with international heritage conservation movements, including:

* Ancient temple conservation in Cambodia

* Preservation of historic sites in Sri Lanka

* Reconstruction of traditional wooden architecture in Japan

* Conservation of Roman and Greek archaeological sites

* Restoration of historic structures in Italy

‘Matter of Pride for Maharashtra and the Nation’

Calling the project historic, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the inclusion of the Bhimashankar Temple restoration in Guinness World Records would be a proud moment not only for Pune district, but for Maharashtra and the entire country.

“This project represents India’s commitment to heritage conservation through traditional knowledge and craftsmanship. We are confident this achievement will receive global recognition,” he said.