Lord Shiva Temple Baijnath Himachal Pradesh

The Shiv temple Baijnath is one of the most historical monuments of the Kangra district of himachal Pradesh.Baijnath is famous for its 13th century temple devoted to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians. Originally known as Kiragrama, Now The present name of the town is Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is situated on the left bank of the Binwa river, a side stream of river Beas.Baijnath lies on Pathankot-Manali highway (NH 20) almost midway between Palampur and jogindernagar.

The Temple

The Shiv temple Baijnath has been constantly under worship ever since its construction from 1204 A.D. The two long epitaph in the porch of the temple indicates that a temple of Lord Shiva existed on the spot even before the construction of present one. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian Temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple.The temple  has five projections on every side and is surrounded with a tall curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to temple is through a vestibule that has a large square "Mandapa" in front with two large balconies  in north and south. There is a small porch in front of the mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of "Nandi" the bull in a small pillared temple. The whole temple is surround by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the temple have many niches with pictures of gods and goddesses. A large number of images of great beauty and iconographic importance are also fixed or carved in the walls. Most of images are very rare to be found elsewhere.

Mythology

According to the folk tales, it is believed that during the Treta Yug, Ravana in order to have unbeatable powers worshiped Lord Shiva in the Kailash. In the process to please the Lord shiva he offered his ten heads in the havan kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of the Ravana, the Almighty shiva  not only restored his heads but also endow him with powers of invincibleness and imperishability.

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).

Facts about town

In the town 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.

Attractions

The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasons. Makara Sankranti, MahaShivaratri, Vaisakha Sankranti, Shravana Mondays, etc. are celebrated with great zeal and splendour. A five-day state level function is held here on Maha Shivratri every year.