Shri Naina Devi Temple In Himachal Pradesh

                                                  Shri Naina Devi Temple

Shri Naina Devi Temple is at a distance of just 65km from Bilaspur. It is one of the 51 SHAKTI PEETHS. According to a belief once Shiva's consort Sati, died to avenge an insult. The distranged Shiva picked up her corpse and gyrated in his horrific dance of destruction. Then Vishnu, the preserver, unleashed his Chakra and cut the body into 51 pieces to save the earth from Shiva's wrath. Naina Devi, is where Sati's eyes are believed to have fallen. The temple is situated on a beautiful hillock. Nearby is a holy cave in the name of Shri Naina Deviji. A big fair during Shravan Ashtami is held every year. Again in the Navratras of Chaitra and Ashwin, fairs commemorating the goddess are held here. For night stay, rest houses and sarais are available. For tourist a Route to -Ritual Aerial Passenger Ropeway- is also available from is also available from main Swarghat-Bhakra road to the temple.

History Of Shri Naina Devi Temple:-

According to the Hindu scriptures, Goddess Sati burnt herself alive in Yagna, which distressed Lord Shiva. He picked the corpse of Sati on her shoulder and started his Taandav dance. This horrified all deities in the heaven as this could lead to holocaust. This urged Lord Vishnu to unleash his Chakra that cut the Sati’s body into 51 pieces. Regarded as one of 51 Shakti Peeths, Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes from burned body of Goddess Sati falls when her corpse was being carried by Lord Shiva. So Goddess is praised here in the form of eyes.
Shri Naina Devi Temple is also known as Mahishapeeth because of defeat of demon Mahishasur by the Goddess. According to the hindu scriptures, Mahishasur was a powerful demon who was blessed by the boon of immortality by Lord Brahma, but the condition was that he could be defeated only by an unmarried woman. Due to this boon, Mahishasur started spreading terror on Earth and Gods. To cope with the demon, all Gods combined their powers and created a Devi to defeat him. The Devi was gifted different types of weapons by all Gods. When Mahishasur got mesmerized by the immense beauty of Devi and proposed her to marry him. Devi told him that she will marry him if he would overpower her. During the battle, Devi defeated the demon and took out both his eyes. This urged Gods to happily applaud “Jai Naina” and hence the name.
One more story is associated with Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When he left for his military campaign against Mughals in 1756, he went Shri Naina Devi and performed a Sacrificial Yagna to seek blessings of the Goddess. After getting the blessings, he successfully defeated the Mughals.
During Nanda Ashtami, a big fair is organised in the Naina Devi temple and devotees comes for darshan and take blessings. This Nanda Ashtami festival runs for 8 days in the premises of Naina Devi temple. Other holy occasions Like Navratri, Shravani, Chaitra Fair etc are also witness of huge number of devotees in Naina Devi temple.

Naina Devi Temple:-

Naina Devi Temple is a holy shrine that is dedicated to Shri Naina Devi, one of the forms of Goddess Shakti. Located on the top of a hill in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Naina Devi Mandir is one amongst the fifty one Shakti Peeths. The Temple of Naina Devi is a famous temple, connected to the National Highway No. 21 for the facility of pilgrims. The hill can be reached through a road by vehicles and to reach the summit, one can opt for concrete steps or cable car.

Naina Devi Temple is a sacred place especially for the Hindus. Pilgrims come to visit this temple to pay their homage to the Goddess. According to the legends, the different body parts of Sati fell on the earth during the time of self-sacrifice. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at this point and subsequently, a temple was built here to commemorate the goddess. The term 'Naina' suggests 'eyes', so the goddess came to be known as Naina Devi.

In the temple complex, there is huge Peepal tree that is acclaimed to be present from past many centuries. On the right side of the entrance to the main shrine, idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha are placed. After crossing the main gate of the shrine, two striking statues of Lions are visible. The main shrine reveals the images of three deities. Goddess Kali can be traced on the extreme left. In the centre, image of Naina Devi is visible, while Lord Ganesha is on the right side.
The Temple is perched over a small yet scenic hill. From the suburbs of the temple, one can spot the picturesque Govind Sagar Lake. Close to the main shrine, there is a small cave, which is known as Shri Naina Devi Cave. In the earlier days, people used to trek the steep path of 1.25 kms to reach the temple at the hill-top. Now, the facility of cable car has been launched to make to journey easy and enjoyable. On Shravan Ashtami, a big fair is held annually at this temple. During the time of Navratras, the temple is visited by large number of people.

Legend Of Shri Naina Devi Temple:-

It is believed that Sati (another name of Goddess Parvati)  jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. To mourn the death of his beloved wife, Lord Shiva carried the body across the country. Then Lord Vishnu released his Chakra and cut the Sati’s body into fifty one pieces to save the earth from Shiva’s wrath. Parts of her body fell at various places which became sacred worship places for the Hindus. The temple here is said to have been built on the precise spot where Sati's eyes had fallen.The picturesque blue green Naini lake located near the temple is said to be the eyes of Sati.

Significance of Naina Devi Temple:-

The temple is situated on a triangular hill which offers a great view of the foothills near Naina Dhar hill and also offers the view of beautiful Gobind Sagar lake which was created Bhakra Nangal dam.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina,legend say its a spot where Goddess Sati’s eyes fell and hence the name.It is situated at the end of the naini lake and also its surrounding areas is really serene,positive and peaceful,a perfect place to have a getaway with your spiritual side,The moment you enter the vicinity of this temple,a calming aura of the place that take over your senses and certain lightness and calmness is experienced.Also,the temple compound provides unobstructed view of the Nanital lake.
The best part of this temple is there are no “holy men” distracting you,no beggars,very serene environment conducive to meditation and prayer.

Important Places at temple site:-

Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple:-

The temple is created from marble and looks simply magnificent. The doors of first door are overlaid by silver on which beautiful figures of deities have been carved out. The door of main temple is also overlaid by silver and has pictures of Lord Sun and other Gods on it. The main temple has three stone statues. First one is the main figure of Shri Naina Bhagwati in the form of a Pindi having two beautiful prominent eyes. Second figure on the right side also has two eyes and is believed to be established by Paandavs in Dwaapar Yug. There is a figure of Lord Ganesh on the left side. Two statues of lions are present at the main entrance of the temple.

Cave:-

The cave of Shri Naina Devi Ji is 70 feet long and located near the main shrine. Earlier, people used to trek the steep path of 1.25 KMS to reach the temple but the facility of cable car has now facilitated the journey.

Kripali Kund:-

When Devi defeated the demon Mahishasur, she took out both his eyes and threw them on the back side of Naina Devi hills. Both eyes fell on different places where two wells originated later. Both these wells are at a distance of 2 K.M. downside from the temple. One of these is called “Bam ki Bawri” or ‘Jheera ki Bawri” and other is “Bhubhak Bawri”.  Another legend about Kripali kund is that it was created by Lord Brahma on the site where skull of Mahishasur fell. It is also called Brahm Kripali Kund.

Khappar Mahishasur:-

It is a scared place located near the bhavan, where devotees take bath before going to darshan.

Kala Johar:-

This place is also called “Chikshu Kund”. The skull of Chikshur, main commander of Mahishasur fell at this site. This is a holy place where people take bath to get rid of skin problems, especially children. According to folklore, married ladies are blessed with children after taking bath in its water that otherwise have problems in having kids.

Kolan wala Toba:-

This place is popular for blooming lotuses and is the first halt in the journey of Shri Naina Devi Ji. There is a sacred pool of water here in which people take bath before going to darshan. Temple trust has invested Rs. 1.25 Crore for the development of this area.

Festivals celebrated in Naina Devi Temple:-

Navratras:-

This festival is celebrated on the special three period of the year. The first time is for Mata Durga in order to destroy the vices, impurities and defects. The next period of three days are dedicated to Lakshami Mata who is considered to be the mother of wealth. And the last period of time Navartri is dedicated to Mata Sarawati who is considered the mother of knowledge.

Makar Sankranti:-

Makar Sankaranti is a one of the popular festivals in India. Almost every Hindu celebrates this festival. Thousands of people dips diyas in Ganga Sagar on this day. This day is celebrated as Pongal in the Southern India. In Gujarat, people flies hundreds of kites in the sky and celebrates Makar Sankranti.

Vasant Panchami:-

This festival is especially dedicated to Saraswati Mata. She is known as the Goddess of learning. Many devotees come here on this day. On this day, the Goddess is made dressed with yellow clothes and then worshipped. Also, most of the men and women wear yellow dress on this day.

Maha Shivaratri:-

This is a very special festival of Hindus. The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, people sing bhajans, recite Shlokes in Sanskrit, offer prayers, and also keep fast on this day. This festival is also celebrated with joy in Bhaijnath Temple of Himachal Pradesh. The players for Lord Shiva continue for late nights. Also, some special food is prepared for the honor of Lord Shiva.

Best time to Visit:-

April to Oct Temple Timing: 5:00 Am to 9:00 Pm.

Puja Archana:-

Puja archana of Shri Naina Devi Ji is done 5-times a day. Different type of “Bhog” is offered to Shri Mata Ji in each puja accompanied by 5 different aarties. These include Mangal Aarti.

Aarti:-

Jai Ambe Gauri, Mayya Jai Shyama Gauri
Tumko Nish-Din Dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivri [1] Jai Ambe Gauri
Maang Sindoor Virajat, Tiko Mrig-Mad Ko
Ujjwal Se Dou Naina, Chandra Vadan Niko [2] Jai Ambe Gauri
Kanak Samaan Kalewar, Raktaambar Raaje
Rakt Pushp Gal-Mala, Kanthan Par Saaje [3] Jai Ambe Gauri
Kehri Vahan Rajat, Kharag Khapar DhaariSur Nar Muni Jan Sevat,
Tinke Dukh Haari [4] Jai Ambe Gauri
Kanan Kundal Shobhit , Naas-Agre Moti
Kotik Chandra Divakar, Sum Rajat Jyoti [5] Jai Ambe Gauri
Shumbh Ni-Shumbh Vidare, Mahisha Sur Ghati
Dhumra-Vilochan Naina, Nish-Din Mad Mati [6] Jai Ambe Gauri
Chandh Mundh Sangh-Haare, Shonit Beej Hare
Madhu Kaitabh Dou Maare, Sur Bhe Heen Kare [7] Jai Ambe Gauri
Brahmani Rudrani, Tum Kamla Rani
Aagam Nigam Bakhani, Tum Shiv Patrani [8] Jai Ambe Gauri
Chon-Sath Yogini Gavat, Nritya Karat Bhairon
Baajat Taal Mridanga, Aur Baajat Damaroo [9] Jai Ambe Gauri
Tum Ho Jag Ki Maata, Tum Hi Ho Bharta
Bhakto Ki Dukh Harata, Sukh Sampati Karata [10] Jai Ambe Gauri
Bhuja Chaar Ati Shobhit, Var Mudra Dhaari
Man Vaanchit Phal Pavat, Sevat Nar Naari [11] Jai Ambe Gauri
Kanchan Thaal Virajat, Agar Kapoor Baati
Shri Maal-Ketu Me Rajat, Kotik Ratan Jyoti [12] Jai Ambe Gauri
Shri Ambe-Ji-Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Nar Gaave
Kahat Shivanand Swami, Sukh Sampati Paave [13] Jai Ambe Gauri

Places Of Interest:-

Bhakra Dam :-

 Situated at Bhakra village of Bilaspur, about 13 km upstream from Nangal township, it is one of the highest straight gravity dams in the world. The lake is about 90 km long covering an area of about 168 sq km of which 90 percent is in Bilaspur and 10 percent in Una district.

Bahadurpur Fort :-

 It is just 6 km. On the top of a hill known as Bahadurpur the highest (1980 m) point in the district near Tepra Village in Paragana Bahadurpur, distance about 40 km. from Bilaspur. The range is embellished by a beautiful wood of deodar and ban trees.

Tibetian Market :-

 Near the temple is the Tibetan market which sells many interesting items.

Nainital Boat Club :-

 The Nainital Boat Club is a popular tourist attraction. Many of our film directors have captured the lake for song sequences. Many of our film directors have captured the lake for song sequences. The sunset over the lake is an amazing sight. The reflection of the surrounding mountains in the lake creates a image which is indescribably beautiful.

How To Reach:-

By Air :-

 Chandigarh and Bhuntar are the nearest air stations, located at 135 km and 131 km from Bilaspur.

By Rail :-

 The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Kiratpur Sahib and nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla.

By Road :-

 Situated on the National Highway No. 21 Deluxe Buses and Ordinary Buses ply from Chandigarh to Biaspur via Kiratpur on the way to Manali crossing Mandi and Kullu..

Once you reach the Temple Bus Stand, you have the following options to go to the temple.

1. Ropeway :-

Ropeway facility is avaialble as per the following timings:
MARCH TO SEPTEMBER: 8:00 AM 7:00PM
OCTOBER : 8:00 AM 6:30 PM
NOVEMBER: 8.15 AM to 5.30 PM
DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 9:00 AM 5:30 PM.

2. Palkis/On Foot :-

Most pilgrims reach to the top of the hill on foot chanting Jai Mata Di. The distance is quite comfortable and can be covered within half an hour. Palkis are also available which can be hired, if required. Resting facilities including toilets are available on the way. Facilities for refreshments and cold water are also there. However, it is advisable to bring bottled/mineral water along with you. Lots of new facilities are coming up with the help of Shri Naina Devi Shrine Board.

3. Accommodation:-

To date there are no starred hotel facilities available. There is a rest house near the bus stand managed by Himachal Pradesh Government. Recently, a new Dharamshala "Mat Anchal" has come up near the Bus Stand. Reasonable accommodation can be found on the hill top. It is difficult to get accommodation during Navratras.

 

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.