Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Temple to Remain Closed for Three Months District Administration Appeals to Devotees for Cooperation

 

Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Temple to Remain Closed for Three Months

 District Administration Appeals to Devotees for Cooperation

Pune, Dec. 27: The historic Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Temple will be temporarily closed to devotees for a period of three months starting from January 9, 2026, with the exception of the Mahashivratri period, the district administration announced. The decision has been taken by the Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Devasthan Institution to carry out planned construction work on the sabha mandap and temple access steps and to ensure devotees’ safety without interruption.

 

In a joint meeting held on December 23, attended by the district administration, temple trust members, local shopkeepers and villagers, it was unanimously decided that the temple will be closed for three months from January 9, 2026—excluding the Mahashivratri period (February 12–18, 2026) to complete necessary construction work in a timely and safe manner. Devotees are urged to cooperate with this decision.

The closure is part of a special development plan approved by the state government for the all-round development of the temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. With the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled in Nashik-Trimbak in 2027, authorities expect a sharp rise in pilgrim numbers. Hence infrastructure upgrades, crowd management improvements, and safety enhancements are being prioritised.

Although the temple will be closed for darshan during this period, daily rituals such as puja, abhishek and other religious rites will continue according to tradition. However, devotees will not be allowed entry into the temple premises or darshan services during the closure. Only authorised construction teams, officials and local residents will be permitted access.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi stressed that the development of the Bhimashankar temple complex is essential for long-term safety, convenience and improved facilities for devotees, especially before the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Devotees and local citizens are requested to support the temple trust, district administration, police and local authorities in their efforts.