Baijnath Temple is an adored sanctum of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at a location of 16 kms from Palampur in the Beas valley, Baijnath Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.
As indicated by the engravings on the dividers, Baijnath Mandir was worked by the two local vendors by the name of Ahuka and Manyuka in 1204 A.D.
In the patio of the temple, the two long engravings express that before the present temple, there was a hallowed place of Lord Shiva at a similar spot.
This particularly beautiful ancient Shiv temple at Baijnath Temple is 16 km from Palampur, on the Pathankot-Mandi national highway .
Built of stone in the 9th century AD in the shikhara style, it is a fine blend of sculpture and architecture.
The temple is easily accessible from both Palampur and Kangra. The linga enshrined in its sanctum is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.
Every year during the Mahashivratri fair, pilgrims decend on Baijnath for the colourful fair and festivities.
The structure of this temple gives the insights of the early medieval North Indian style of engineering. This sort of structure used to be known as “Nagara” style of temple.
The design style has been guzzled from Orissan style, which is especially one of a kind in the condition of Himachal Pradesh.
The outside dividers of the temple have various niches with pictures of divine beings and Goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.
Keeping in mind the end goal to enter the temple, one needs to cross the vestibule that has a huge “Mandap” in the inside and two enormous overhangs on either side.
The temple has strongholds, leaving space for two passages in the north and the south. Just before the Mandapa, there is little patio set on four segments.
Here, a tremendous picture of Nandi (the bull of Lord Shiva) is put. The entryway prompting the sanctum is dotted with numerous pictures of masterful nature.
Lord Shiva is celebrated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is put as “Lingam” (phallic type of Lord Shiva).
The principle sanctum involves five projections on each side and a tall bended shikhar (tower). The historical backdrop of Baijnath temple is engraved on the stone pieces inside the complex.
According to the convictions, Ravana (King of Lanka) had revered Lord Shiva in this temple.
The water of this temple is accepted to contain restorative properties, which can cure sicknesses of individuals. Because of this reason as well, Baijnath Temple gets a huge number of individuals consistently.
Shivratri is the real celebration that is seen at this temple with full energy and intensity. Lovers visit the temple amid this opportunity to look for the favors from the God.
Other than the place of worship of Lord Shiva, there are numerous other little holy places devoted to Gods and Goddesses.
History of Baijnath Temple Himachal Pradesh
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In the mid twentieth century, the temple was experienced a tremor. Raja Sansar Chand endeavored to revamp the temple after the cataclysm.
The temple complex gains rich green greenery enclosures, which makes an immaculate closer view to the old and extraordinary structure of this temple.
Baijnath temple is considered as a piece of Indian Heritage, so security courses of action are made here to stay away from any undesirable component.
According to the legend, it is believed that during the Treta Yug, Ravana in order to have invincible powers worshiped Lord Shiva in the Kailash.
In the same process, to please the almighty he offered his ten heads in the havan kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of the Ravana, the Lord Shiva not only restored his heads but also bestowed him with powers of invincibility and immortality.
On attaining this incomparable boon, Ravana also requested the Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Shiva consented to the request of Ravana and converted himself into Shivling.
The Lord Shiva asked him to carry the Shivling and told him that he should not place the Shivling down on the ground on his way.
Ravana started moving south towards Lanka and reached Baijnath where he felt the need to answer the nature’s call.
On seeing a shepherd, Ravana handed over the Shivling to him and went away to get himself relieved. On finding the Shivling very heavy, shepherd kept the ling on the ground and the Shivling got established there and the same is in the form of Ardhnarishwar (God in form of Half Male & Half Female).
In the town of Baijnath, Dussehra festival in which traditionally the effigy of the Ravana is consigned to flames is not celebrated as a mark of respect to the devotion of Ravana towards Lord Shiva.
Another interesting thing about the town of Baijnath is that there is no shop of goldsmiths.
How to reach Baijnath Temple Himachal pradesh
The temple is easily accessible via road from Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh.
Tourist can hire private taxis or take state transport buses to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.
It is about 130 Km from Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge rail head. The nearest airport is Kangra airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala. It is 60 Km from Baijnath.
By Road
Baijnath is located on the Pathankot Cant-Manali Highway No. 20, midway between Mandi and Kangra. Bus routes connect Baijnath to all the major cities of India, including Delhi (550 km), Chandigarh (300 km), Jalandhar (200 km), Pathankot (130 km), Ludhiana (260 km), Amritsar (260 km), Jammu (260 km), Shimla (250 km), Manali (200 km), Una (190 km), Palampur (16 km) and Dharamshala (55 km). One can also drive to Baijnath from these cities.
By Rail
Railhead close to Baijnath temple is at Pathankot. Tourists can also avail an amazing toy train ride to reach Baijnath Temple via Paprola-Baijnath, which is a narrow gauge ride. One can enjoy scenic beauty on the way and click photographs. Pictures clicked here would make excellent memoirs of your tour to one of the most sacred destinations in India.
By Air
The Gaggal Airport is closest to Baijnath Temple, 50 km away. This airport is 8 km from Kangra. Jagson Airlines reach Gaggal on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. One can also get here from Kangra Airport near Dharamshala.