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In the dense Dakini forests there lived a vengeful demon named Bhima whose desire for revenge from the Gods led to a clash with Lord Shiva, resulting in the manifestation of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
Characters in the story:
Lord Brahma: Lord Brahma holds a significant position in Hinduism as the divine creator of the universe and all living beings. He is commonly portrayed with four heads, symbolizing his association with the four Vedas.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Demon Bhima: Bhima was a formidable asura, the offspring of Kumbharkarna, the younger sibling of Ravana. He was driven by an unrelenting thirst for vengeance against Lord Vishnu.
In the heart of the dense Dakini forests (in modern Maharashtra), nestled amidst the peaks of the Sahyadri Mountains, resided a formidable asura named Bhima, along with his mother, Karkati. What remained hidden from many was the fact that Bhima was not just any demon; he was the offspring of Kumbharkarna, the younger sibling of Ravana.
When Bhima discovered that Lord Vishnu had slain his father during his incarnation as Rama, seething anger consumed him. Fueled by an unquenchable thirst for vengeance, he embarked on an arduous journey of penance to seek the favor of Lord Brahma.
Years of relentless penance bore fruit as Bhima’s devotion finally moved Lord Brahma to grant him a boon. With this newfound strength, Bhima quickly transformed into a cruel and oppressive ruler, terrifying both humans and divine beings. People began to discuss his ruthlessness, and he even defeated the gods in battles. Worshiping gods and deities ceased under his oppressive reign as Bhima’s lust for revenge consumed him.
As Bhima grew into his might, he unearthed the details behind his father’s demise, deepening his resolve to exact vengeance upon the divine. In the land of Kamrupeshupa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva ruled as king. One fateful day, Bhima chanced upon the king fervently worshipping a Shivlinga.
Bhima, his ego towering over him, demanded that the king abandon his devotion to the deity and instead worship him. When the king refused to yield to his demands, Bhima imprisoned him. Undeterred by captivity, the devoted king began crafting a Shivlinga within the confines of his cell, continuing his worship.
Witnessing this defiance, Bhima attempted to shatter the king’s handcrafted Shivlinga with his sword. In that very moment, Lord Shiva manifested within the Shivlinga. A fierce and momentous battle happened between them, culminating in Bhima’s defeat and demise.
In the wake of this monumental battle, the gods requested Lord Shiva to grace the place with His eternal presence. Answering their pleas, Lord Shiva established Himself at that very spot as a Linga. This sacred site, where the clash between Bhima and Lord Shiva had transpired, came to be known as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, a testament to the victory of divine righteousness over malevolent vengeance.
Thus, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga stands as a symbol of divine justice prevailing over vengeance, a sacred reminder of the power of devotion and righteousness. Bhima’s quest for revenge ultimately led to his downfall, while the eternal presence of Lord Shiva offers solace and hope to all who seek it.
