Baijnath Shiv Temple or Vaidyanatha Temple is located on the foothills of the Dhauladhar Ranges, on the left bank of the Binwa River, a distance of 16 km from Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. The famous Chamunda Devi is just 22 km from the temple. This temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Here the lord is Svayambhu. The temple was built in 1204 A.D by Ahuka and Manuka, merchants in the region. The temple water is believed to have healing properties, one of the many reasons people visit this temple in search of blessings. There is no entry fee to enter the temple.
Inscriptions in the temple suggest that a Sivalinga named Vaidyanatha existed here, but had no proper home. The current temple and a portico on its facade were built as a result. A British archaeologist, Alexander Cunningham, noted a 1786 inscription on the temple which refers to its renovation by King Sansara Chandra. An inscription on the wooden doors of the temple sanctuary indicates the date as Samvat 1840 (1783 AD). An earthquake struck Kangra on April 4, 1905, causing damage to the shrine. Currently, the temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, but worship and rituals are managed by a local council in Baijnath. Hereditary priests receive a share. This temple is very famous for its water which has medicinal value. Devotees believe it cures several diseases.
The speciality of the temple Nandi is in Standing Posture.
Baijnath Temple Timings 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM:
Baijnath Temple History:
Treta Yuga king of Lanka Ravana meditated on Mount Kailash for Lord Shiva’s sake. He initially denied the fruit of severe penance. Finally, he cut off the head with a fire pit, laid it down in the Shiva began to pay. The tenth and final approval by Shiva appeared before decapitating grabbed the hand of Ravana. Lord Shiva restored him all ends Ravana demanded a bridesmaid.
Ravana in Lanka said I want to set up the appearance of your lingam. You and I in two very strong and make their appearance. Amen was said by Lord Shiva and disappeared. Shiva lingam his appearance before vanishing before Ravana two marks on the ground that they have not.
Both went to Lanka to Ravana Shivling. on their way ‘Gukarn’ area (Baijnath) to reach Ravana experienced urination. He ‘Baju’ lingam explaining all things handed to name a Gwale went to prevention and suspicion.
Shiva’s Maya because of the weight of Baju Shivlings and could not endure any longer placing their cattle grazing on the land left. While both the lingam was installed.
Ravana had kept the lingam in the casket. The casket was in front of the lingam. He was known as Chandrabal’s and the one which was towards the back was Baijnath’s known.
Some small temples in the courtyard of the temple and the statue of the bull Nandi. Nandi his oath of pilgrims seeking the ear. The Pandavas could not complete the temple. During the exile of the Pandavas in the Dwapara Yuga, the temple was built. According to locals, the remaining construction of the temple ‘Ahuk’ and ‘Mnuk’ by two businessmen in 1204 AD. Since then, the place was full, “Shivdham’s name is well known in northern India.
According to the mythology of Shiva Ravana meditated on Treta Yuga. Despite harsh austerity, Mahadev was pleased when they did not cut their heads one by one at the end Ravana laid down in the fire pit, dedicated to Lord Shiva started. The tenth and final head been cut off by Shiva appeared before Ravana grabbed the hand of a physician, like Ravana and all the ends of the re-established.
Ravana was pleased with the penance demanded Shiva blessed him. Ravana in Lanka to establish the format I want your lingam. Amen said by Shiva and have disappeared. Disappeared before the Shiva lingam form the two signs before Ravana said they do not keep on the ground. Ravana of Lanka, Ravana, came and went in the way Gukarn was the urination. He caught the lingam Baju name Gwale explaining all things and went to surmise prevention.
Due to the weight of the Maya Shiva Baju Shivling, they could not endure much longer and put them on earth to feed their cattle left. While both the lingam was installed. The casket was placed in the casket in front of Ravana both Shiva lingam which was known as the Cndrabal and Baijnath which was known as the back.
Baijnath Temple images:
- Lord Brahma
- Dharma Raj
- Marriage of Shiva
- Saraswati Devi
- Vayu Deva
- Mahisasur being destroyed
- Maa Durga
- Hanuman
- Kartikeya on his peacock
- Durga Shakti
- Kuber
- Surya Bhagwan and his seven horses
- Indrani
- Balaknath
- Mahatara
- Yama
- Matsya Avtar
- Laxmi Devi
- Pitambri Devi / Dhan-dash – diety of Holi
- Brijeshwari Devi
- Laxmi Narayan
- Ardhnarieshwar on Garuda
- Shiva & Parvati
- Radha Krishna
- Sri Vishnu on Nag Somya
- Bhairon
- Yamuna
- Ganga
- Ganesh
- Mahavir Jain
- Eight-handed Bhavani Durga
Nearby Places:
Brijh Raj Swami Temple, Nurpoor
Chamunda Devi Temple
Nagni Mata Temple, Nurpur
Jwalamukhi Temple
Kaleshwar Temple, Pragpur
Saurabh Van Vihar
Sobha Singh Art Gallery
Jakhani Mata
Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery
Baijnath Temple Festivals:
- Makar Sakranti: Gritmandal (column of butter) is placed on the Shiv Ling for 8 days. The butter for the gritmandal is prepared by washing desi ghee with water. On removal of gritmandal, the butter which is believed to have medicinal importance is distributed among the devotees.
- Shivratri is celebrated for 5 days.
- Khor Maar: On the occasion of Panch Bhikham Chaturthi (October-November) walnuts are showered on the temple by the devotees.
- Sawan Melas
Baijnath Shiva Temple Donation Details:
BANK: HDFC Bank
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 50100342978490
BENEFICIARY NAME: Shiv Mandir Trust Baijnath
IFSC: HDFC0002349
BRANCH: Baijnath, Kangra District
How to Reach Baijnath Temple:
By Air:
Kangra airport is the nearest airport which is 54.4 Km from Baijnath Temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Moranda near Palampur, 20.3 km.
By Road:
The Shiva temple is located about 10 km west of Palampur on the Baner River and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Baijnath Temple Address:
Shiv Mandir Trust,
Baijnath,
Kangra District,
Himachal Pradesh – 176125
Phone: 941-806-0508, 701-855-7957
e-mail: shivmandirtrustbaijnath@gmail.com
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM