09 February,2026 08:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple in Pune. File Pic
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple in Pune district of Maharashtra will remain closed to devotees during Mahashivratri 2026, an official statement said on Monday.
The decision comes amid ongoing construction work on the temple's assembly hall (sabhamandap) and the stone steps leading to the shrine, part of the Bhimashankar Development Plan.
Earlier, the district administration had announced that the temple would be closed for three months from September 9, 2026 to complete the construction, but it had also stated that the shrine would reopen for devotees during the Mahashivratri period (February 12-18, 2026).
However, the latest update states that large stones have been brought into the temple premises for the construction work. Because of the heavy materials and the risk of accidents due to crowds, the temple cannot be opened even during the festival period.
A press note announcing the closure has been issued by the District Planning Officer of Pune, urging the devotees to stay informed.
Mahashivratri, one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be observed on February 15, 2026, according to the Hindu calendar. The festival holds deep religious and spiritual significance and is marked by night-long prayers, fasting and devotion.
Mahashivratri falls on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna. Since the festival is centred on worshipping Lord Shiva throughout the night, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15.
Devotees observe the night with special rituals, including offering milk, water and bel leaves to the Shiva lingam, chanting prayers and performing meditation. The night symbolises gratitude, spiritual awakening and the victory of light over darkness.
Meanwhile, the Railways on Monday announced that special trains will be operated between Mumbai CSMT and Sawantwadi Road for Maha Shivratri. The Central Railway will run these special trains, an official statement said.
The special train announcement comes ahead of the occasion of Maha Shivratri, which is on February 15.
Train No. 01129 Mumbai CSMT-Sawantwadi Road Special will depart from Mumbai CSMT at 12.20 am on February 14, 19 and 21, 2026, and reach Sawantwadi Road at 12.30 pm the same day, railway officials said.
In the return direction, Train No. 01130 Sawantwadi Road-Mumbai CSMT Special will leave Sawantwadi Road at 5.20 pm on the same dates and arrive at Mumbai CSMT at 4.05 am the following day.
The special trains will halt at Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Pen, Roha, Mangaon, Veer, Khed, Chiplun, Sawarda, Aravali Road, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhavwadi Road, Nandgaon Road, Kankavali, Sindhudurg and Kudal stations.
Each train will have 22 coaches, including one AC 2-tier, five AC 3-tier, ten sleeper coaches, four general coaches and two SLR coaches.
