 Baijnath is an incredibly
hallowed spot situated at 16 kms from Palampur and 132-km from Pathankot
of Beas Valley. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites of
Himachal Pradesh, proudly asks a large group of pilgrims to make
their tour to India. It is a tiny village, 23 miles east of Nagarkot,
near to the Mandi border and its main road leads from the Punjab
plains through Kangra, Kullu, Lahul, and Ladakh to Central Asia.
The most respected and adorned deity of the place is Lord Shiva.
It becomes an ardor of every devotees of Himachal Pradesh to come
for a wise and meaningful travel to Baijnath. As per the local belief,
King Ravana had worshiped lord Shiva in this temple of Baijnath.
Prime Pilgrimage Attraction of Baijnath
Baijnath Temple: Lord Shiva is venerated here
as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and made in the form of 'Lingam'
(phallic form of Lord Shiva). The Baijnath Temple is one of the
most noteworthy monuments of the Bias valley. The temple was built
by two native merchants as Ahuka and Manyuka in 1204 AD. There remain
two long inscriptions in front of the present temple. The structure
of this temple reminds the early medieval North Indian style of
architecture. This style is also called as “Nagara” style.
This unique architectural style of the temple has been swallowed
from Orissa. The exterior walls of the temple has festooned with
numerous alcoves with similes of gods and Goddesses from the Hindu
pantheon.
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 The Baijnath temple
consists of a puri or adytum, 8-feet-square inside and 18-feet outside,
conquered by a spire of the customary tapering shape. The Mandapa
or front hall is 20-feet-square inside and enclosed with a small
pyramid fashioned roof. And both the south and north wall of the
Mandapa are decorated with an elegant balcony window. Baijnath
temple is the landmark of the place and hence the name. Previously
the name of this spot was Kirangama, and its name changed after
the temple being dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is suffered
slight injury from that catastrophe of 1905 whereas neighboring
smaller temple of Sidhnath completely collapsed.
Besides its mythological and architectural significance Baijnath
temple is also known for its renowned 'Shivaratri Festival'. The
festival is obeyed in the month of March to celebrate the marriage
ceremony of Lord Shiva. This festival is meant to be enjoyed in
all throughout the night encompasses of many rituals and ceremonies.
Every year a huge number of devotes gathered in Baijnath to make
their pooja, aarti and Darshan in the blessed festival.
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