Baijnath Temple, is a Lord Shiva is worshipped as the ‘God of Healing’, and the water is believed to cure all your illnesses!
This ancient temple in Himachal Pradesh draws devotees from all over the world to soak in the medicinal waters and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The architecture of the Baijnath Temple is a unique blend of early medieval North Indian and Orissan styles, making it a one-of-a-kind structure. As you enter the temple through one of the two entrances, you’ll be greeted by a vast vestibule in the middle with balconies on either side, followed by a small porch that houses the mount of Lord Shiva – Nandi. And if you keep exploring, you’ll reach the inner sanctum, where the Shivaling lies, surrounded by stunning artistic drawings and paintings on the walls.
Did you know that the Baijnath Temple is one of the very few temples in India where both Lord Shiva and Demon King Ravan are worshipped? Yes, that’s right! And according to ancient Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva established 12 jyotirlingas across the country, one of which resides inside this magnificent temple.
The history of the Baijnath Temple is fascinating, and the inscriptions on the stone walls of the complex speak volumes about the shrine’s significance. The temple was built in 1204 A.D by two merchants, Ahuka and Manyuka, who were devoted followers of Lord Shiva. They wanted to create a place where people could attain peace and tranquility in the gentle caress of God, and they succeeded. Even after all these years, the temple exudes a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Now, here’s one more story that adds to the temple’s already rich history. The demon king Ravan was a loyal devotee of Lord Shiva, and he once asked the lord to accompany him to Lanka. Lord Shiva granted his wish by turning himself into a Shivaling and asked Ravan to put it down once they arrived in Lanka. But as Ravan was travelling with the holy Shivling, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma got worried that Ravan’s newfound strength and wisdom could make him unbeatable. So they blew strong winds in his face, forcing him to attend nature’s call. He saw a beggar on the street corner and asked him to hold the Shivaling while he was gone. The beggar was, in fact, Lord Vishnu in disguise, and as soon as Ravan gave him the Shivling, he put it down, rendering it immovable. And that’s how the Baijnath Temple was born!
So, if you’re looking for a mix of history, mythology, and natural beauty, Baijnath Temple is the place for you. Go ahead, take a dip in the medicinal waters, seek blessings from Lord Shiva, and don’t forget to marvel at the stunning view of the Dhauladhar Himalayan Range in the background.