Bhimashankar Renovation Update: Temple To Shut For 3 Months From January 2026

The famous Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple near Pune, Maharashtra will remain closed for devotees for about three months from 1 January 2026 due to a major renovation and development drive under the state government’s Bhimashankar Development Plan. The work is being fast-tracked keeping in mind the 2027 Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela, when a huge rise in pilgrims is expected. 

This report explains why the temple is closing, what renovation is planned, how long the closure may last, and what it means for devotees and tourism.

Key Highlights

• Darshan closed: Main Bhimashankar temple to remain closed to devotees from 1 January 2026 for about three months.
  
  

• Reason: Major renovation of the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and structural upgrades to improve safety and manage crowds.
  
  

• Big master plan: Maharashtra government has cleared a ~₹288 crore Bhimashankar development plan with helipad, parking, pilgrim amenities, and better roads ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela.
  
  

• Tender issued: A separate tender of ₹106.97 crore has been floated for a Bhavik Suvidha Kendra (amenities centre), parking terminal, bus stand and internal roads.
  
  

• Expected reopening: Authorities have indicated a temporary reopening around Mahashivratri in February 2026, depending on work progress. 

Why Is Bhimashankar Temple Closing?

Safety + Development, Not Any Religious Dispute

Authorities have clearly stated that the decision to close the temple is purely for development and safety reasons, not due to any religious or legal dispute. 

Key reasons:

• The main Sabha Mandap of the temple is being renovated and strengthened.

• Heavy construction inside the core temple area makes it risky to allow crowds for darshan.

• The temple sees lakhs of devotees every year, and with the upcoming 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, footfall is expected to grow further.

To avoid accidents, stampedes or falling debris during construction, the administration has chosen a time-bound full closure instead of partial, risky access.

Local Approval & Administrative Process

• A key meeting on the closure was held under the chairmanship of Ambegaon–Junnar Sub-Divisional Officer Govind Shinde, with revenue officials, police, planning officers and Bhimashankar Devasthan Trust representatives.

• Local villagers and temple stakeholders gave their consent for the temporary closure, seeing the long-term benefit.

• The proposal is part of an already approved master plan worth about ₹288.17 crore for the Bhimashankar pilgrimage area. 

What Renovation & Development Is Planned?

The Bhimashankar project is not just a repaint job. It is a full infrastructure upgrade around a sensitive pilgrimage and forest zone.

1. Inside the Temple Complex

Planned works include:

• Renovation and structural strengthening of the Sabha Mandap (main assembly hall).
  Repairs and improvements in steps, pathways and viewing corridors to manage crowd flow more safely.

• Upgraded queue management, barricading and circulation routes for busy days and festivals. 

2. Pilgrim Amenities & Crowd Management

Under the larger Bhimashankar Development Plan:

• A big Bhavik Suvidha Kendra (pilgrim amenities centre) with waiting space, information, and basic services.

• Large parking facilities designed to handle thousands of vehicles (cars, minibuses, two-wheelers).

• New/modernised bus stand and parking terminal, plus driver toilets and compound walls.

• More toilets, bathing areas, drinking water points, lockers and shops to handle peak rush.

3. Connectivity & Eco-Tourism

The approved plan also focuses on better connectivity and eco-friendly access:

• A proposed helipad facility near Bhimashankar to improve access during the Kumbh period and emergencies.

• Upgrading approach roads, including a new road via Rajgurunagar, to reduce congestion on existing routes.

• Development of trekking routes and pedestrian-friendly footpaths, balancing tourism with conservation in the Bhimashankar forest region.

4. Smarter & Safer Temple Experience

The renovation is also part of a wider push to make Maharashtra’s Jyotirlingas “world-class yet secure”:

• Plans mention modern, AI-based security systems (CCTV, surveillance analytics, emergency alerts) at Bhimashankar, Aundha Nagnath and Ghrishneshwar.

• Dedicated police outpost and improved power supply have been stressed in review meetings led by state leadership. 

Closure Dates & Expected Reopening

When Will Darshan Stop?

• Darshan at the main Bhimashankar temple will stop from 1 January 2026.

• The closure period is planned for about three months (January–March 2026), but the exact end date can shift depending on construction progress.
  
  

When Will Bhimashankar Reopen?

• Officials quoted in local reports and national media have indicated a temporary reopening around Mahashivratri in February 2026, so that devotees can have darshan during the important festival.

• Final dates will depend on civil work, safety clearances and orders from the district administration. Devotees are advised to check official announcements from:
  
  

• Pune district administration

• Bhimashankar Devasthan Trust

• Maharashtra government tourism/temple notices

Impact On Devotees & Tourism

If You Were Planning a Trip

• If you wanted to visit in early 2026, you should either pre-pone your visit before 1 January 2026, or push it to after official reopening.

• Travel agencies and cab services running Jyotirlinga packages are already updating itineraries by dropping Bhimashankar temporarily or offering alternate temples during the closure period.
  
  

Why This Matters Long-Term

In the long run, the development plan aims to:

• Reduce rush, queue time and chaos during peak season.

• Offer cleaner, safer and more organised facilities – especially for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees.

• Prepare Bhimashankar to handle huge Kumbh-linked pilgrim traffic without damaging the fragile forest and hill ecosystem.

So, while the three-month closure is inconvenient in the short term, it is positioned as an investment in making Bhimashankar a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage destination.