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Himachal Pradesh

Baijnath Temple

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January

2 - 22.8 °C

February

3.3 - 26.8 °C

March

5.5 - 31.7 °C

April

10.5 - 35.9 °C

May

13.5 - 39.1 °C

June

17.7 - 40 °C

July

18.7 - 34.9 °C

August

19.5 - 33.6 °C

September

15.9 - 33.3 °C

October

10.4 - 31.9 °C

November

6.4 - 27.9 °C

December

1.9 - 25 °C


Major Airports :

Kangra Airport (DHM), Kangra (Gaggal)

Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC), Chandigarh

Nearest Railway Station :

Pathankot Junction Railway Station (PTK)

Major Airports :

Kangra Airport (DHM), Kangra (Gaggal)

Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC), Chandigarh

Entering the realm of sacred majesty in Kangra

At the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges and on the tranquil banks of the river Binwa, lies the sacred enclave of Baijnath Temple. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas spread across the country. Steeped in mythology and adorned with architectural elegance, this revered pilgrimage site attracts travellers from far and wide to experience its divine aura and rich heritage.

Mythological significance

Legend has it that during the Treta Yug, the demon king Ravana sought to attain immortality by propitiating Lord Shiva at Kailash. However, when his prayers went unanswered, he resorted to extreme penance at Kurah (now believed to be Manimahesh in Chamba District). Concerned about Ravana's quest for invincibility, the Devas beseeched Lord Shiva to intervene. Thus, Shiva halted Ravana's sacrificial rites and restored his ten heads, earning the title of Shri Vaidyanath.

As per the lore, Shiva granted Ravana's request to carry him to Lanka for consecration in the form of a linga. However, Shiva stipulated that he must not keep it on earth along the way. When Ravana felt an urgent need to relieve himself near Baijnath, he entrusted a shepherd with the sacred basket containing the Linga, cautioning against placing it on the ground. Unfortunately, the shepherd could not bear the weight of the basket and put it on the earth, leading to establishment of the Linga at Baijnath, with one half as Vaidyanath and the other as Chandrabhal.

Historical insights

The history of the temple is given in the two long inscriptions fixed on the walls of the mandapa of the temple. In CE1204 the temple was built by two brothers Manyuka and Ahuka, to house the sacred Sivalinga of Vaidyanatha, which existed on the site prior to its renovation but without any temple.

Over the centuries, the shrine witnessed extensive repairs and renovations, most notably during the reign of Sansara Chandra II, the Katoch king of Kangra, in the 18th century. The devastating earthquake of 1905 caused significant damage, necessitating extensive restoration efforts.


Baijnath temple in Himachal Pradesh
Timings

Opening time - Open on all days

06:00AM to 09:00PM

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Baijnath temple in Himachal Pradesh

Architectural grandeur

The temple complex of Baijnath is a great example of ancient craftsmanship and devotion. Enclosed within a fortified perimeter, the main temple features a mandapa (hall) leading to the sanctum sanctorum, adorned with a majestic Shikhara (spire). A graceful porch, supported by ornate columns, adorns the entrance, while balconies embellish the walls of the mandapa.

The temple yard hosts a myriad of minor structures, including shrines dedicated to Murlimanohar, Jamadagni, Bhairava, and Narmadeshwar. Enriched with niches containing image slabs depicting various deities, the outer walls of the sanctum exude divine magnificence.

Festivals and celebrations

Throughout the year, Baijnath Dham resonates with the chants of devotees, especially during the monthly Shivratri and the grand Mahashivratri celebrations. These festivities are marked by fervent devotion, cultural performances, and vibrant rituals, showcasing the enduring legacy of devotion and spirituality that defines Baijnath Temple.

Embracing the divine essence of Baijnath dham

Here, amidst the tranquil banks of the river Binwa and the majestic backdrop of the Dhauladhar Ranges, pilgrims are drawn into a sacred communion with the divine. Each step taken within the temple complex is imbued with reverence and awe, as devotees seek solace and enlightenment in the presence of Shri Vaidyanath and Chandrabhal.

In the sacred precincts of Baijnath Dham, the boundaries between the material world and the spiritual realm blur, as pilgrims are transported into a world of transcendence and inner awakening. Here, in midst of the sanctified surroundings and the ancient echoes of devotion, one discovers not only a temple but a sanctuary of the soul—a place where the journey of self-discovery unfolds in the presence of divine energy of Lord Shiva and the eternal essence of the universe.

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