Baijnath Temple in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Baijnath Temple is famous for its 13th-century temple dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, a corrupt form of ancient Binduka, a tributary of river Beas.
History of the Temple
Baijnath Temple According to the inscriptions on the walls of the Temple, the Baijnath Mandir was built by the two native merchants by the name of Ahuka and Manyuka in 13th-century.The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is present in the sanctum of the temple and it has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear of the Shikhara. The entrance to sanctum is from the 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 that mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small pillared shrine.
Significance of the Baijnath temple
The Baijnath temple of Palampur was originally named as Kirangama and changed to Baijnath after dedicating the temple to Lord Shiva. Apart from the main deity, the temple even has the images of Goddess Chamunda, Surya, Kartikeya and a massive structure of Nandi extremely in front of the Temple. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas are also located in the sanctum of this Baijnath temple.
Lord Shiva is commemorated here as and is placed in the form of ‘Lingam’. The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved shikhar. The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.
How to reach the Baijnath Temple
There are different ways to reach the Baijnath Temple.
- Train facility is available from Pathankot to Paprola-Baijnath .
- The Nearest airport is Gaggal from Baijnath. The Indian Airlines flies to Dharamsala thrice a week from Delhi
- By Road – the Baijnath Temple is very well connected by all weather roads to Delhi via Chandigarh and to Manali via Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
- Private taxis or buses are available to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.
- Travelers coming by train may use the rail station of Kalka.