Pune: Bhimashankar Temple To Remain Closed For Devotees Until May 31
Bhimashankar Temple: Devotees Can Now Have Darshan Without Online Booking; New Timings Announced
Pune, 7 April, 2026: The construction of a grand assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and development works in the Surroundings of Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Temple are progressing at a rapid pace. In view of these ongoing works and to ensure the safety of devotees, it has been decided to keep the temple closed for daily darshan from 9 April 2026 to 31 May 2026, informed District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi.
In the backdrop of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled to be held in Nashik in 2027, and based on the experience of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, a significant increase in the number of devotees visiting Nashik and Trimbakeshwar is anticipated. Consequently, a large number of devotees are also expected to visit Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar. Keeping this in view, infrastructure and facility development works are being undertaken to manage the anticipated footfall.
Considering the expected surge in devotees, the existing assembly hall was found inadequate. Therefore, construction of a new grand Sabhamandap has been undertaken. In addition, work on the stepped access pathway leading to the temple is also in progress. At present, the old main Sabhamandap has been completely dismantled and construction of the new structure is underway. Due to the presence of construction materials, large stones, and heavy machinery within the temple Surroundings , along with the geographical conditions and expected crowd, it would be unsafe to keep the temple open for darshan during this period.
Approximately 75 percent of the Sabhamandap construction has been completed, and work on the dome is currently underway. Additionally, the stepped access route to the temple is under construction, and the entry route has been completely closed.
Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar is a high rainfall region, receiving heavy rains from June to September. Considering the likelihood of rainfall beginning in the first week of June, it is essential to complete the works before that period. Accordingly, the development works are being expedited.
The District Collector has appealed to devotees and local residents to cooperate with the temple trust, district administration, police authorities, and all concerned agencies during this period.
