Baijnath Temple, Bir Billing | History, Timing & How To Reach
The ‘God of Healing’ is Lord Shiva, who is revered in the most well-known temple in Himachal Pradesh, Baijnath Temple. The great Lord Shiva takes the form of Baijnath or Vaidyanath, and in this form, the great lord purges his followers of all suffering. As a result, this temple is regarded as being exceedingly sacred and has ultimate significance for all Lord Shiva worshipers. In actuality, it is thought that the water in this temple has therapeutic properties and can treat a variety of ailments. Every year, this attracts thousands of devotees from all around the world.
Two native merchants, Ahuka and Manyuka, who were devoted followers of Lord Shiva, constructed the Baijnath temple in 1204 A.D. This ancient temple, which is barely 16 kilometers from Palampur, is a location where one can find pure calm and tranquility in the tender touch of God. It is one of the few temples in India dedicated to worshiping both the demon king Ravan and Lord Shiva.
As a challenge to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva created 12 jyotirlingas—pillars that radiated unadulterated power and pure light—across the nation, according to Hindu tradition’s ancient scriptures. One of these 12 jyotirlingas is housed inside the well-known Baijnath Temple.
The Dhauladhar Himalayan Range serves as the backdrop for the stunning yet ancient temple. Imagine an old, rustic temple majestically looming over vampire-white mountains! One feels both awe and satisfaction when they see the Himalayan Range’s peaks piercing the sky in a ghostly gray mist.
Legend of Baijnath Temple, Bir Billing
Ravan, the demon king, was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. A significant portion of our ancient texts describe how he came to be king of Lanka. Ravan chose to carry out a penance in the name of Lord Shiva because he had always aspired to rule the vast country of Lanka. As part of his prayer, he severed his ten heads and offered them as sacrifices to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased by his commitment and gave him the gift of unmatched power and knowledge to govern Lanka. He also restored all of his heads to their previous positions. He’s known as the ‘God of Healing’ as a result.
Ravan was so moved by Lord Shiva’s kindness that he ventured to make another request of the lord: that the Shiva go with him to Lanka. By becoming into a Shivaling, Lord Shiva granted him this request, but he instructed him to put it down when they got to Lanka. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were deeply concerned that Ravan would become unbeatable due to the sacred Shivling’s potency and his newly discovered strength and wisdom.
As Ravan traveled to Lanka, the lords began to blast severe winds in his face. Ravan had to answer nature’s call because of the excruciating cold. While he was gone, he asked the beggar who was seated on the street corner to hold the Shivaling. Lord Vishnu was actually this beggar in disguise. When Ravan handed the Shivaling over to Lord Vishnu, he set it down right away, and the Shivling rooted itself to the earth, making it immobile. The Baijnath Temple is now located here.
Architecture of Baijnath Temple, Bir Billing
The early medieval North Indian style known as “Nagara” is hinted at in the building of the Baijnath temple. The architectural styles that are most prevalent in Orissa have been combined with this technique. Therefore, the state of Himachal Pradesh is the only place where such an artistic fusion exists.
In addition to the north and south doors, there is a large vestibule with balconies on either side in the center. The Mandap is this. A tiny porch supported by four columns stands in front of the Mandap. Lord Shiva’s mount, or vaahan, Nandi, is seated on this porch. The walls around the inner sanctum, which houses the Shivaling, are dotted with beautiful paintings and drawings.
The complex’s stone walls bear inscriptions detailing the Baijnath Temple’s history. According to inscriptions on the temple’s walls, the location was once occupied by a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This unusual and historic building has the ideal foreground of well-kept lawns and lush green gardens.
How To Reach Baijnath Temple
Baijnath is not directly accessible by train from other large cities. Amb Andaura, the nearest train station, is around 65 kilometers away. Nonetheless, buses travel to Baijnath from all major cities; the closest bus stop is Baijnath Bus Stop, which is about a 4-minute walk from the temple.
Gaggal Airport (DHM), the closest airport, is about 37 kilometers away. Gaggal Airport regularly hosts flights to and from major cities. Motor rickshaws and foot are the primary modes of transportation within cities.
Tips For Visiting Baijnath Temple
1. Security measures are put in place to safeguard the Baijnath Temple and all of its worshipers because it is regarded as a vital component of India’s legacy.
2. This temple actively celebrates Mahashivratri, and visitors from all across the nation come to enjoy the festival with great enthusiasm and zeal. Because of this, the temple is busier than normal, and the lines are very lengthy.
3. Bring appropriate shoes to the temple and be ready to remove them before you enter the inside.
4. In the evenings, the temple is not well-lit. To make sure your visit is hassle-free and safe, bring a flashlight.
5. There are no canteen or other food facilities available inside or around the temple. Carry your own beverages and munchies so that hunger and thirst don’t stop you from being able to admire this example of true art.
Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM, all days of the week
Entry fees: no entry fees
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