Legend Of Bhimashankar Temple
Mythological legends suggest the Bhimashankar temple to be an outcome of deva-asur struggle. Aiming to conquer the universe, an asura called Tripura stood erect on the mountain Meru for centuries and undertook severe penance. Anxious of Tripuras growing strength, the apprehensive gods and the Lord of the Heavens, Indra approached Brahma for help. Reassuring them of help, the grand old sage proceeded to the spot where Tripura was continuing his fierce tapa. Offering his blessings to the asura, Brahma granted Tripura his chosen wishes of being an invincible and unconquerable force in the universe.However, Brahma also added that the asura would meet his death at the hands of the person who would be able to destroy his three puras( lands) in a single arrow. Thinking this impossible, the jubilant Tripura and his followers turned arrogant and went about establishing a complete asur regime. They dethroned Indra, dishonoured gods and indulged in rampant violence and debauchery. The defeated and sorrow-filled Indra appeased Shiva to free the world from the clutches of Tripura by slaying him. Armed with an army of ganas and yoginis like Dakini and Shakini, Shiva assumed the gigantic Bhima form, mounted upon his vahan, Nandi and attacked Tripura. The battle was stiff and soon Shiva aimed his great trishula at Tripuras three puras. That missile destroyed them in a single hit, clearing the way for the death of Tripura, who was slain by the flames emanating from Shivas third eye.Exhausted from the tussle, Shiva sat down with streams of sweat running around his body. Impressed by Shivas valour, the gods and rishis requested him to permanently stay where he sat in his Bhima form and the streams of sweat to turn into an eternal river. The lord of the Himalayas, Shiva agreed to have his abode at the spot as Bhimashankar and the river to be known as Bhimarathi. Thus the temple and river immortalize the struggle and triumph of good over evil.
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