Baijnath temple In Himachal Pradesh

                                                                  Baijnath temple

The Baijnath temple is situated in the Bias valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a temple that has been dedicated to Siva Vaidyanatha, meaning the Lord of the physicians.By the roadside on the Mandi-Palampur road, within a vast enclosure is the Baijnath Temple. Known as Kirangama, its name was changed after the temle was dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as vaidyanath or the lord of Physicians. The temple is a good exaple of the Nagari style of architecture. The walls have the characteristic niches and the Shikhara ( tower ) has an amalaka and enshrine images of goddess Chamunda, Surya the Sun God, Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva. A life sized stone Nandi, believed to be the carrier of Lord Shiva stands at the entrance. Also are other miniature shrines and memorial stones within the complex said to have been built around 804 A.D. The Lingam enshrined in its sanctum is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. Every year during the Shivratri Fair, pilgrims descend on Baijnath for the colorful fair and festivals.

History of  Baijnath Temple:-

The history of the temple itself is given in the two long inscriptions fixed in the walls of the mandapa of the temple. Accordingly we are told that Kiragrama (modern Baijnath) situated on the bank of the river Binduka was a part of Trigarta (the territory lying between the rivers Ravi and Satluj, roughly represented by districts of Kangra and Jalandhar) under the suzerainty of king Jayachandra, the overlord of Jalandhara. Under him a Rajanaka (local chief) Lakshmanachandra, who was matrimonially related to Jayachandra from his mother’s side, was ruling over Kiragrama. Genealogy of Lakshmanachandra (see box) is given in these inscriptions.
At Kiragrama resided two brothers, Manyuka and Ahuka, sons of a merchant named Siddha. Their genealogy up to fourth generation is also mentioned in the inscriptions (see box). They out of their devotion to Siva Vaidyanatha constructed the temple under discussion in Saka 1126 (CE 1204). They also donated a machine for extracting oil, a shop and some land in the village called Navagrama (modern Nauri near Baijnath) to the temple. The Rajanaka Lakshmanachandra and his mother also made some donations to the temple in the form of money and land respectively.
The inscriptions tell us that a Sivalinga known as Vaidyanatha already existed on the spot but was without a proper house so the present temple and a porch in its front was constructed. It clearly indicates that a shrine already in existed on the spot before the construction of the present temple.
What happened to the shrine in the centuries that followed is not exactly known but it appears to have continued under worship, as there is clear evidence of repairs and renovations from time to time. In the 18 th century Sansara Chandra II, the Katoch king of Kangra, carried out extensive repairs and renovations of the temple. Alexander Cunningham noticed an inscription of 1786 in the temple referring to its renovations by Sansara Chandra. An inscription on the wooden doors of the sanctum of the temple provides the date as samvat 1840 (AD 1783) that is very near to Cunningham’s date.
The devastating earthquake that shook the entire region of Kangra on 4 th April 1905 also caused damage to the shrine, which has been reported by J. Ph. Vogel and has since been repaired. At present the temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India but the performance of worship and rituals are under a local board at Baijnath with SDM as its chairman. The hereditary priests continue to get a share of the offerings.
Legends As per a legend, it is believed that the King of Lanka, Ravana had worshipped Lord Shiva in the main Baijnath Temple. He sacrificed his head ten times at a place marked out in the temple. And because of this, the people here do not consider it right to celebrate Dussehra which remembers the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana. The people here think that celebrating Dussehra can offend Lord Shiva a lot. In past too, whenever any attempt has been made to celebrate the festival, the organiser died within years. Though the fact is that the deaths were in no way related to the celebration of Dussehra, the people here linked the two. Currently plans are again on to start the celebration of Dussehra in a nearby stadium.

Baijnath Temple in Himachal Pradesh:-

Two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka built the famous Baijnath Temple in 1204 AD. It is an example of the north Indian style of architecture that emerged in the medieval era. Known as the Nagara style of temple architecture, the focal point is the lingam in the inner sanctum. The entrance to this sanctum is through a narrow hallway that has a mandapa or outdoor pillared hall in front.
Apart from the idol of Lord Shiva, this temple also houses images of Surya (the sun god), goddess Chamunda, Nandi (Shiva's bull vehicle) and a sculpture of Kartikay (the son of Shiva and Parvati). The outer walls have carved images of several other deities.

Architecture of Baijnath Temple:-

Besides the serene surroundings and salubrious climate of middle range hills of Baijnath, tourists interested in adventure can also enjoy paragliding at nearby (about 10 km) Bir and go for trekking in the region.

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 that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to sanctum is through a vestibule that has a large square Mandapa in front with two massive balconies one each 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 shrine. The whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in the south and north.

The outer walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls. The outer doorway in the porch as also the inner doorway leading to the sanctum of the temple are also studded with a large number of images of great beauty and iconographic importance. Some of them are very rare to be found elsewhere.

The Myth of the Temple:-

On attainting boon from Lord Shiva,Ravana requested the Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. The Lord Shiva agreed to the request of Ravana and converted himself into Shivling. The Lord Shiva asked Ravan to carry Shivling and told the Ravana that he should not place the Shivling down on the ground on his way. Ravana started moving south towards Lanka and reached Baijnath. On seeing a shepherd,Ravana handed over the Shivling to the Shepherd. On finding the Shivling heavy the shepherd kept the Shivling on the ground and Shivling got established there.

Places Nearby:-

Tourists get scintillating views of the Dhauladhar Ranges and several mountain streams from the town. Tibetan Monastries at Sherabling Bhattu, Chowgan and Chauntra on the Mandi Highway and at Bir, are worth a visit. The Khir Ganga Ghats, along the left of Binwa River, is where perennial holy water springs can be found. It is situated at the base of the temple. Before paying obeisance to the Lord, pilgrims bathe here. This place is called Chota Haridwar as it is a sacred place for people to consign ashes after cremation. Tatwani hot water springs are also famous. A fair is held here on the 13th of April. It can be reached from Fatahar or Sansal. The journey through the coniferous forests is deserves a special mention.
If you travel 5 km away from Baijnath Temple you will get to Mahankaal Temple on Chobin Road, another sacred site. This temple is also from the medieval times, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Local devotees visit the temple mostly on Saturdays as it is considered to be an auspicious day.
Another Hindu Pilgrimage destination 8 km away from Baijnath is Mukut Nath Temple. It is believed that the first ever holy basil or tulsi plant was found in its premises.
You can visit the international paragliding site named Billing that is 28 km away from Baijnath. It is said to be one of the best sites for paragliding and other aero sports in the world. It has hosted big events like Paragliding Pre-World Cup several times and many other international and national events.
 Trekking routes in this region are.
Bir-Billing-Rajgundha-Baragran (Chotabhangal) route
Bir-Billing-Rajgundha-Palachak-Paniartoo-Thumsar Pass-Barabhangal Holi route
Uttrala-Jaisu- Holi (Chamba) Pass route
Fatahar-Karnarthu-Tatwani-Sansal route
The Binwa Hydro-Electric Project, Mahavatar Baba Ji Meditation Centre and Sherab Ling Monastery are few other places located near the Baijnath Temple. All these places have their own charm that attracts people from everywhere to this place.

Hotels Near Baijnath Temple:-

Hotel Highland Regency, Palampur:-

Located close to the bus stand at Palampur, Hotel Highland Regency has 20 well-appointed rooms for its visitors. Overlooking the green surroundings of the region, this hotel has scenic views. Yet, being in the centre of the city, it is easy to get around from here. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant to suit everyone’s taste buds as well.

Welcom Heritage Taragarh Palace:-

Once a striking palace, this is a palatial hotel located close to the temple. It was earlier used by the royal family of the region as their summer retreat. Spread over an area of 15 acres, this hotel overlooks forests and tea gardens. It has 26 modern rooms and suites along with many recreational facilities including a swimming pool, bridge table, horse riding, fitness centre and ayuvedic health centre.

Fairs & Festivals:-

Maha Shivaratri:-

Baijnath Temple, people coming from far and holds an important place for religious faith. Baijnath Temple devotees from all over India throughout the year, foreign tourists and attracts a large number of pilgrims. Every morning and evening prayer is. Also special occasions and festivals are special prayers. Makar Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Vaishakh Sankranti, the festival of Shravan Monday etc are Mnaae with huge excitement and elegance. Shravan falling in prayers at the temple every Monday is considered to be particularly important. Monday of Shravan is celebrated as fair. Maha Shivaratri festival is held every year on the five-day State level.

Dussehra festival:-

 Dussehra festival, which traditionally is celebrated to burn the effigy of Ravana, but here in Baijnath by Ravana devotion to Shiva’s penance is celebrated as the honor. Baijnath Another interesting thing about the city is not here goldsmith shop.

Bath’s importance:-

 Flowing with milk remained at the temple Vinwa ravine bathing in the Ganga ghat has a special significance. After bathing the Shiva devotees bathe Panchamrit Bilwa get letters from him, flower, hemp, etc. Dtura Bhole Nath please pay by the sins and virtues earn their sufferings.

Rali:-

In the month of April is celebrated a traditional festival called Rali. There is a story behind the festival, which tells one of the supreme sacrifices by a girl called Rali who jumped into the river as she was married to a boy child, years younger to her. Today, of course, the festival is hosted by young girls and boys to 'obtain suitable husbands and wives'. It comprises of a series of fascinating rites such as dressing up of images of Rali and her child groom in bridal finery.

How To Reach:-

By Air:-

 The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar, which is at a distance of 180 km from Kausani.

By Rail:-

 Kathgodam is the nearest rail station. Some important trains for Kathgodam are the Shatabdi Express, Howrah Express, Ranikhet Express, Rampur Passenger, and Nainital Express.

By Road:-

Kausani is linked to Almora (54 km), Ranikhet (62 km), Pithoragarh (107 km) and Nainital (117 km). It can be accessed by roads from Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Nainital, Pant Nagar and Ranikhet.