Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu - Mystery & Best time to visit

Bijli Mahadev Temple

Bijli Mahadev, The Famous Abode of Lord Shiva in Himachal Pradesh

Bijli Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is just 29.3 KM from Kullu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the important religious places in the region. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2,460 meters on top of a hill near the river Beas. Its location makes it one of the most visited places in the region. This temple is known as Bijli Mahadev because of a special ceremony that takes place in the temple. The Parbati, Garsa, Bhuntar and Kullu valleys surround the hill of Bijli Mahadev Temple.

Significance of Temple

The temple has a unique significance for the local people in Kullu. The Shiva Lingam located in the temple is believed to be one of the 72 Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees visit the Bijli Mahadev temple yearly to worship Lord Shiva. This Temple is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic spiritual experience in the Kullu Valley. Its stunning location, unique architecture and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating and captivating destination. The rich history and tradition of the temple, combined with the breathtaking views of the valley it provides, make it an ideal place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayan range and the rich culture and traditions of India.

History and Mystery

The history of Bijli Mahadev Temple is found in the Puranas. It is believed that the Pandavas built this temple during their exile. However, the present temple was constructed in the 20th century. The story of the establishment of the temple is fascinating. Popular legend believes the Shiva temple was built after killing a demon named Kulanta. Legend has it that the devil Kulant wanted to submerge the valley by stopping the flow of the Beas River. He assumed the form of a dragon to carry out his plans to kill every life form on the planet by submerging it underwater. Lord Shiva came to rescue the people living here and to end the demon.

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The mountain of Bijli Mahadev is believed to be formed from the body of a dead demon. To do this, Lord Shiva asked the devil to look back as his tail caught fire. As soon as he looked back, the Lord struck the demon with his mighty Trishul, which shattered the demon's body into many parts. On the order of Mahadev, every 12 years, celestial lightning falls on the temple with the permission of Indra so that there is no disaster in life here. Mahadev Shiva protects the people's lives by taking a lightning strike on himself. Makhan or butter is applied on the Shivling of the temple to treat strokes caused by lightning. For this reason, he is also called Makhan Mahadev.

Architecture

Bijli Mahadev Temple is in a picturesque location, surrounded by dense deodar forests. The temple offers stunning panoramic views of the Kullu Valley, and on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range can also be seen. The temple's architecture is simple yet unique, with an impressive wood and stone structure indicative of traditional Pahari architecture. The temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum, a mandapa and a dome-shaped roof topped with a gold-coloured shikhara.

Must do Things in Temple

1. Temple Trek

The Temple can be reached by trekking a steep, winding mountain road from Chansari village. It all looks fantastic when viewed from the top of the hill. The trek is about 3 km long and takes 2-3 hours to reach the top. The path is mostly uphill.

On the way, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and panoramic views make it a worthwhile and enchanting experience. The trek to the temple is one of the famous treks in the Kullu Valley and has been undertaken by tourists and locals alike.

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2.Camping in Bijli Mahadev

Camping can be done in Bijli Mahadev. Some local people run shops here. They arrange to camp here. Travelers can also pitch their tents if they wish. This facility is operated according to the season. In the evening, as soon as it gets dark, you can light a bonfire, cook food, and enjoy sleeping under the stars.

Nearby places to visit

There are also many other small temples and tourist places around the Temple, such as the Raghunath Temple, which is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Other places to visit are:

1. Manikaran

Located 22 km from Bijli Mahadev Temple, Manikaran is a notorious tourist destination for its hot springs and beautiful surroundings. The Gurudwara holds a special significance for the Sikh community and attracts a large number of devotees every year.

2. Kasol

Located at a distance of about 30 km from Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kasol is a picturesque village situated in the Parvati Valley.

3. Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a delightful place for those who live in the company of nature. Located around 60 km from Bijli Mahadev Temple, the valley is home to dense forests, gushing waterfalls and pleasant weather throughout the year.

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4. Banjar

One of the lesser explored places in Kullu, Banjar, is a quaint village located about 45 km from Bijli Mahadev Temple. The town is known for its untouched natural beauty and ancient temples like Shringi Rishi Temple and Jalori Pass.

5. Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park is located 75 km from Bijli Mahadev Temple.

Best Time To Visit

(March - September)

The best time to visit is during Shivratri. Where travelers and devotees from all over the world come to see and experience spiritual harmony.

The temple doors are closed in winter, but the trek remains open. During this, the entire temple gets covered with a white sheet of snow. In summer, the weather becomes a bit muggy or humid, and the days also get hot. The view here becomes dramatic in the monsoons, with dark clouds covering the Parvati Valley on one side and the Kullu Valley on the other on both sides of the peak. The view of the rain is lovely, and the trek becomes quite slippery. Also, the unique view of lightning is an unforgettable experience.

How To Reach

To go to Bijli Mahadev, first, one has to reach Kullu (District Headquarters) from Delhi or other places. Then, come from Kullu to Ramshila, which is very near (about 1 km) and cross the bridge to cross the river Beas to go towards Bhuntar or Manikaran. After crossing the bridge, ask any local person to walk towards temple Hill. The motorable road is available from Ramshila to the parking lot, which is 20 km after Chansari village. The parking place is 5 km from Chansari village. A parking fee will have to be paid. One must trek 3-4 km from this place to Bijli Mahadev. Trekking duration is 2-3 hours with 3-4 rest points.

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