Trek to Bhimashankar (June 3 and 4, 2006)

Trek to Bhimashankar with friends Giri, Raghu, Yogesh and later Chetan, began at 1330 from the village Khandas, some 30 km from Karjat. There are two ways to reach Bhimashankar – Shidi ghat (Route of stairs) and Ganesh ghat (Route via Ganesh temple). Shidi ghat is short and difficult, while Ganesh ghat is longer and simpler. We decided to ascend from the Shidi ghat since it would be more thrilling to do so. Also, the Shidi ghat is supposedly closed during monsoon, as the whole route gets slippery and extremely risky, so this was the right time to hike.

A villager Haribhau Vinde accompanied us, since we did not know the route. The sky was completely devoid of any trace of cloud; it was disappointing to walk in the sweltering heat. We were hoping to trek in heavy rain and not sport a lovely tan. Walking for about thirty minutes thru the Kathewadi village, we moved towards a near vertical mountain patch. Padargad fort can be seen prominently to the right side of the trail, while Siddhagad fort was visible towards the left. Probably next time Siddhagad to Bhimashankar trek can also be planned. Further away from Padargad, one can see Peth fort (see photo)

It was from here that the near vertical climb began. The shidi ghat has 3 stairs. First two are wooden and shorter than the third one, which is metallic. Wonder how these stairs were installed. We ascended steadily thru narrow slots in rock faces, sticking close to the mountain as there was deep valley on the other side. Soon, a plateau appeared. While looking from the base Khandas village, one couldn’t possibly see the existence of a large plateau, with farms etc. After this, we entered the reserve forest, where the route from Ganesh ghat meets.

At about 1600, we were walking along a narrow rock patch, with vast valley towards the west side. The clear sky turned darker and in no time, we could see gray clouds approaching us. It looked like a magnificent cloud of dust raised by an army of horses running towards me! It was a weird sight, as we were above the clouds and we could see them engulfing the infinity of the valley below. In seconds, the clouds, eager to precipitate, embraced us. Finally it started raining we were delighted. The remaining route through forest was slippery, with large yellow crabs scurrying away as we approached and monster flies clinging to our bodies.

Soon, amidst dense fog we reached the Bhimashankar village, and signs of human inhabitation were visible – heaps of garbage and plastic strewn around. We hired a room, dumped out bags and set out to the main temple. Bhimashankar is one of India’s 12 jyotirlingas and there is an ancient temple of Shiva, which also makes it a pilgrimage centre. The temple can be maintained better; there are ‘n’ number of electricity wires going around spoiling the view, also the cleanliness is sloppy, nevermind. Chetan joined us here. Dinner was lovely Maharashtrian thaali followed by long yielding sleep.

Next day morning I woke up early and visited the temple, read 3 days’ older issues of Sakaal newspaper, made casual enquiries at the bus stop and strolled around in general. Soon others joined and prayed at the temple. After breakfast and jambhols, we entered the reserve forest, walking towards gupt (hidden/obscure) Bhimashankar. Although we couldnot see any shiv ling, the walk was immensely pleasurable.

Return journey began exactly 24 hours later, i.e. at 1330. We took the Ganesh ghat route to descend. A small Ganesh temple is on the way, hence the name Ganesh ghat. Although it rained a lot, it felt inadequate anyway. Like any typical return journey, this was a lengthy and monotonous walk. We reached Khandas village at 1800, onwards to Neral and home by 2100.

Details

Name: Bhimashankar.
Legend: This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the Bhima form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.
History: The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new architecture. The shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The shrine has been referred in literature by saint Dyneshwar in 13th century.
Location: 3400ft above MSL, Sahyadri mountain ranges. River Bhima (Chandrabhaga) originates from here.
How to reach:
By road: Maharashtra State Transport buses run from various places such as Mumbai, Kalyan, Pune, Nashik etc. You can also drive your own vehicle too.
Trekkers can reach Karjat station (Mumbai suburban) and go upto Khandas village by bus or auto. From Khandas, two routes reach Bhimashankar. The shidi ghat is difficult and shorter (4 hrs) while Ganesh ghat is longer but easiear (7 hrs)
Time to visit: except summers
Overnight stay: Accommodation is available in Bhimashankar village
Food: Food is available in Khandas village and at Bhimashankar.

Photo Gallery

Dry plateau	The summer effect	Kathewadi village and Bhimashankar range	View of the valley
shidicha ghaat	Padargad	Plateau at the end of shidi ghaat	Padargad and Peth fort
View of valley again	Clouds engulfing the valley	Heavenly!	Drained clouds
Crab (clicked by Raghu)	Temple at night	Bhimashankar at dawn	Entering the temple
Bhimashankar jyotirling sinhadwar	Locusts	Ant and grasshopper!	Grasshopper ready to fly
Ripples in water	Mushrooms	Dark sky	Darker sky
Pretty flowers	Ganesh temple	Road.
guys	guys