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.

Jhakhu Temple / Hanuman Temple In Simla

                                                     Jhakhu Temple

Nestling atop Jhakhu Hill, the Jhakhu Temple is one of Shimla's popular places of religious importance. It is situated 2.5 km away from the ridge, at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level. Tourists either can walk up to the temple from the ridge or can hire a pony or taxi. This ancient shrine was built by a sage named Yaaku and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman.

There are a number of legends associated with the origin of the temple, one of which states that Lord Hanuman stopped at the Jhakhu Hill when he was looking for Sanjeevani herb. He met sage Yaaku on the hilltop and then moved ahead in his journey.
Two km from city centre, this is Shimla’s highest point and offers a panoramic view of the town’s hills and distant mountain ranges. There are spectacular views at sunrise and sunset especially during the monsoons. The peak has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend has it that he stopped here while searching for the sanjeevani plant – the herb required to cure Laxman who lay mortally wounded on a battlefield in Lanka in an episode from the epic Ramayana. A variation of the legend says that his sandal fell here. The temple has been exhaustively renovated and this vantage point is being connected by a ropeway. At the top of the hill in the temple complex at 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman is a big attraction for the tourists.The way to the temple is, on foot, from the Ridge near Christ Church. Other option is to hire pony from the Ridge or drive taking via the Cart Road.

History of Jakhu / Jakhoo Temple:-

The temple has a great mythological tale attached to it dating back to the fierce battle between Lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka. During the course of the battle, Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama got injured by an arrow of Meghanath, Ravana's son and lost his senses. He could not be cured despite numerous efforts. Then a herb practitioner told Lord Rama that Lakshmana could only be saved by Sanjeevani herb to be brought from Himalayas. Hanuman was entrusted with this life saving task of bringing the herb.
While going towards Himalaya to get the herb, He saw sage Yaaku sitting on Jakhu mountain in penance. Lord Hanuman landed on the mountain to gather more information about the herb. The mount could not bear the weight of the Lord and sunk to the earth, remaining half of its original size. Having cleared his doubts about the herb, the Lord restarted his journey and promised Yaaku to meet him while returning.
But on his way back, Lord Hanuman had to fight with a dangerous demon, Kaalnemi. This took a lot of time and He had to take the shortest route to reach Lanka whereas the sage kept waiting for Hhm. Hanuman did not want to make the sage unhappy. So he appeared before the sage and told him the reason for not keeping his promise. As Hanuman disappeared, having pacified Yaaku, an idol of Him appeared on the hill by itself. Yaaku built a small temple to commemorate the Lord's visit on the hill and kept that idol there. The idol can be seen in the temple till date along with the foot prints of the monkey god.
Like many other hanuman temples in India, endless number of monkeys can be seen at this temple also. These monkeys are generally very peaceful but if provoked can be very dangerous too. Pilgrims offer peanuts and bananas to these monkeys which are readily accepted by them.

About Jhakhu Temple :-

The temple is situated on the Jakhoo Hill which is also Shimla’s highest peak (at an altitude of about 8,050 feet). While trekking up to the temple, one can see the magnificent, 108 feet tall Hanuman statue behind the deodar trees. It will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the temple by the trail. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to the temple that will just take 5 minutes.
The main temple complex has Lord Hanuman’s foot prints engraved on a marble (as believed by the devotees), paintings and statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram. The pious chants (or Bhajans) and the ringing of bells fill up the entire complex.
The temple, which is seen as ruby in the crown, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Once on the top of the hill near the temple, one will be greeted by numerous monkeys - vanaras. They will be playing tricks on the visitors to get the 'prasad' from the visitors. Like taking away one of the sandals, taking away visitors spectacles, keeping away the handbag etc., but with no harm done for the 'prasad' offered by visitors the articles are returned.
The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla, and is famous for its trekking options. The Jakhu hill offers excellent views of sunrise, sunset, mountains and town. The hill is full of narrow paths and roads which are an enjoyable walks.

In 2010, a huge statue of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple in Shimla. This is considered as world’s tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, which surpasses the current tallest statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’, which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Significance of Jhaku Temple:-

 Jakhoo Hill, is a play set in a home in 1950’s Jakhoo Hill, directed by Sunit Tandon.
World’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman was unveiled to public by Abhishek Bachchan on November 5th 2010.
Jakhu Temple is situated at Jakhu hill which is at the height of 8048feet above sea level.
The snowy peaks, valleys offers a panoramic view of Shimla. The religious center dedicated to Lord Hanuman ‘ridge’ is located near to it.
From here visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. According to legend Manyata Ram and Ravana during the war between Lord Rama’s brother Lakshman Meghnad arrows were injured and unconscious.
All the time due to abortive treatment Vadyraj Susen said that one solution is left. Laxman saved the lives of Himalayan herbs can be lifesaving. I said Lord Hanuman devotee this crisis will bring lifesaving. Hanuman Himalayan and flew down the hill on the way, he ‘Jas’ walked down the hill, they saw the sage.
Jakhu Temple is now fitted with a giant statue of Hanuman, whose height is 108 feet. The statue was installed in 2010. Previously only 135 feet in Andhra Pradesh is a statue. Hanuman you appear anywhere in Shimla. To avoid monkeys at the gate of the temple also get stick. But if there is no tampering with the monkeys is good. It is said that the crews are Jakhu temple monkeys centuries.
Various trekking and mountain climbing mountaineering activities by the state government are held. Trekking path is surrounded by picturesque pine forests. Jakhu temple visitor to reach the ‘pony can also be hired. Jakhu hill by many shops in the area, which offer up to Trackers to help provide walking sticks etc.

Jhaku Temple Timings:-

Jhaku Temple is opened for darshan all the seven days of the week. The darshan timing starts from 7am to 8pm. It hardly takes 1 to 2 hours for darshan. There is no entry fee in the Temple.

Places to visit near Jhaku Temple:-

Kali Temple:-

 The trek up to the Kali Temple is an amazing experience as one comes across rare species of various animals, which also makes for some interesting photography. Situated at the Jakhoo Hills, the temple is believed to be about 150 years old and houses idols of three goddesses, namely Kali, Shyamala and Chandi. Kali Devi, however, remains the prime deity of importance here and sees devotees come to offer their respects from near and far. The place is surrounded with breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range. Situated atop a grassy knoll kept judiciously manicured by the local bovine population, the temple presents two manifestations of Kali to humble and inspire you. It’s also a great spot for a picnic.

State Library:-

 As you walk down the charming street of the ridge in Shimla, you can see a small colonial style building, standing as a lone structure right behind the Christ Church. It is the State Library in Shimla that was built back in 1860s. Today it’s an important structure in the city from a cultural point of view and has preserved numerous rare and age old books that awaits keen readers. It is a quaint building built in stone and timber with a sloping roof and wide wood penaled windows adding to the splendor of the structure. Try taking out some time from your schedule and visit this lovely place to find some timeless books that you have always wanted to read.

The Ridge:-

 A wide open street in Shimla lying next to the Mall Road adjoining the Scandal Point is he Ridge . A hub of all activities, this place also offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains around Shimla. The age old Christ church is also located on the ridge which is yet another reason for the tourists to swarm the place during the peak season. Moreover, just like the Mall road no vehicles are allowed on the ridge. This place is also where festivals like Summer Festival, New year’s Eve and Christmas are celebrated with much fervor and joy.

The Mall:-

Once you are at the Mall in Shimla, you will witness the myriad of activities happening all around the street. Tourists roaming around scrutinizing the place, locals busy with their daily activities, enthusiastic groups enjoying street food, others actively bargaining at the roadside stalls and many such scenes are a regular part of a normal day at the Mall. Vehicular movement is restricted inside the Mall Road to maintain a pristine environment as well as for the shoppers’ and tourists’ convenience. It is the most important place of the city with the presence of places like the Viceregal Lodge and the Cultural complex. Spend some quality time at the mall road on your visit to Shimla. Be it shopping or eating at your favourite food joints, Mall road will offer you with some memorable moments here

How to Reach:-

Airport :- Shimla Airport is the nearest airport.
Railhead :- Shimla Railway Station is the nearest railhead.