Baijnath Temple - The Ancient Shiva Temple in Kangra District

Posted Date: 14-Jun-2010		Category: Other Place to Visit
Author: RR	Member Level: Gold
Rating:	Points: 20 (Rs 4)

The Shiva Temple in Baijnath is a unique monument and was built in early thirteenth century. The architecture is of famous nagara style. The style was very famous in the medieval era in North India.

History of Baijnath Temple, Kangra

The Shiva Temple in Baijnath is a monument with unique sculptures and different mouldings. It was built in early thirteenth century. The architecture of the ancient temple is of famous nagara style. The style was very famous in the medieval era in North India.

Baijnath Temple was built in 1204 AD by Ahuka and Manyuka. They were the local traders. The temple has two entrances and just in front of the main gate is lively statue of nandi. Apart from the main Shiva Temple there are few other small temples inside the courtyard.

The Southern entrance has inscriptions of Ganesh and Hanuman on each side. The other entrance has a large garden outside with mesmerising and breathtaking panoramic view of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas.

Mythology Associated with Baijnath Temple, Kangra

According to Hindu Mythology, Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva in the Himalyas and to please him Ravan offered his heads in the fire of havan. Shiva was pleased and asked Ravana for wish. Ravana wanted to be invincible and immortal and also asked Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Shiva agreed and became Ling and asked Ravana to carry him. Shiva also said that he should keep the Ling on the ground during his journey to Lanka. However on the way Ravana had to answer the natur'e call so he handed over the Ling to one shephard who could not hold it for long and kept it on the ground. Hence the Shiva Linga was established here in Baijnath. Since it was Ravana who brought Shiva Linga to Baijnath, the people here do not burn effigy of Ravana during Dussehra fesival.

How to Reach Baijnath Temple, Kangra?

Baijnath is very well connected by road, air and train from Delhi and other major towns in Himachal Punjab, Haryana and Jammu.

The distance from Delhi is around 550 Kms and number of buses ply between Delhi and Baijnath. It is located on the Pathankot Manali Highway and is around 120 Kms from Pathankot. All the buses heading towards Manali in this route go via Baijnath.

Toy train runs between Pathankot and Baijnath Paprola.

Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala which is around 60 Kms.

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