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Baijnath Temple in Himachal Pradesh


Baijnath Temple is located on the Pathankot-Chakki-Manali National Highway No. 20 and is around 20 km from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva – a Swayambhu Shivling is worshipped in the temple. The Shivling worshiped in the temple is believed to have appeared during the Treta Yuga. Shiva is worshipped at Baijnath Temple, as the Lord of the Physicians.

It is believed that Shiva pleased with the devotion of demon king Ravana in the Ramayana decided to accompany him in the form of a Shivling. Ravana carried the Shivling from Himalayas but when he reached the area near Baijnath, he needed to answer nature’s call. Ravana handed the Shivling to a shepherd and went to answer nature’s call. The Shepherd could not carry the huge weight for long time and he placed it down. This Shivling is worshiped in the Baijnath Temple.

The present temple was built in AD 1204 around the Shivling by two merchant brothers.

The temple has a huge murti of Nandi and also a separate shrine dedicated to Sage Jamadagni. There are also images of Surya, Goddess Chamunda and Skanda on the walls of the temple.

The most important festival in the temple is the Shivratri. Shravan Month as per Hindu calendar followed in North India is highly auspicious.

Baijnath Temple is famous for its ornate architecture. The temple is a protected monument.

Baijnath Temple is around 36 km from Kangra and 130 km from Pathankot.