Dakinyam Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Story Of Bhimashankar

In the 'Treta Yug' there was a demon named Tripurasura. He worshiped Lord Shankar and asked Shankar for his immortality. Lord Shankar blessed him that no man or woman can kill you. Due to Shankar's boon, he became frantic in all the three worlds (earth, heaven, hell) and started harassing the human race including Devgana. This went on for a long time. Everyone, including Devgana, surrendered to Lord Shankar. Lord Shankar became angry and decided to kill Tripurasura. A chariot was prepared for this. Lord Shankar descended on the earth on the day of Kartika Pratipada, carrying this chariot with the four pillars, the wheels of the moon, the sun, the bow of the remaining serpent, and Vishnu on the arrow as symbols of the 4 Vedas.

Puranic References

According to Maharshi Vedavyas's work, translated into Odia by Babaji Shri Vaishnav Charan Das, the lingam in Bhimpur is named Bhimashankar.

The Brihat Linga Purana's Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Nama Stotra mentions Dakinyam Bhimashankaram, where Dakinyam refers to the Dakini region.

The term Dakini is associated with a sorceress, a deceptive woman, or a female attendant of Parvati.

The region from Mahendragiri to Dandakaranya (Panchavati) is historically known for female characters like Hidimbi and Surpanakha who transformed their appearance through tantric practices. The presence of the Shakini (Sabara) tribe in this area since the Treta Yuga and the prevalence of tantric knowledge have led to it being considered the Dakini region.

Discovery: The original site of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga was discovered in 1974 when the lingam was struck during farming, causing blood to flow, which led to its excavation.

Features of the Jyotirlinga: The Jyotirlinga bears the mark of an upaveeta (sacred thread) and is surrounded by a quadrangular shakti.

Archaeological Findings: Carved stone fragments and bricks measuring 15x9 inches have been found, along with handmade tasa coins. These stone carvings are similar to those found in the temples of Mahendragiri.

Festivals at Bhimashankar

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shiv Ratri is a hindu festival celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi, 14th day of hindu month of Phalguna. The festival commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. On this occasion Lord Shiva performs Tandava. Devotees stay awake throughout this night.

Shiva Chaturdashi

Shiva Chaturdashi is a hindu festival celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi, 14th day of hindu month of Magha. It is also known as Masik Shivaratri. Devotees fast on thid day that involves fasting from sunrise to moonrise.

Shiva Parvati Kalyanam

Shiva Parvati Kalyanam is a Hindu festival that celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February/March).

Bhairava Ashtami

Bhairava Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is observed on the eighth day of the waning phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha.

Kartika Purnima

Kartika Purnima is a hindu festival celebrated on purnima, the 15th day of the hindu month of Kartik. The festival commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over the demon known as Tripurasura. It is sometimes called Tripurari Purnima or Deva-Deepawali or Kartika Deepam.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in January. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path. It is also known as Uttarayan, as it marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey.

Pana Sankranti

Maha Bishuba Sankranti is the traditional new year day festival of Odia people in Odisha, India. The festival fall on the first day of the traditional solar month of Meṣa, hence equivalent lunar month Baisakha

Shravan Maas

Shravan Maas is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. It is considered to be the most auspicious month of the year. During this month, devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts and perform special pujas.

Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela is a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism. It is celebrated in a cycle of approximately 12 years at four river-bank pilgrimage sites: Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

Holi

Holi is a Hindu spring festival, also known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love”. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March).

Rudra Abhishek

Rudra Abhishek is a Hindu ritual performed to appease Lord Shiva. It involves the pouring of milk, honey, and other offerings on the Shiva Linga.

Shiva Puja

Shiva Puja is a Hindu ritual performed to worship Lord Shiva. It involves the offering of flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the Shiva Linga.

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