History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Himachal Pradesh houses many temples of Lord Shiva, who has always been referred to as the God of Gods (Mahadev). His residence is always associated to be housed in the Himalayas. Thus, all Lord Shiva temples in the Indian Himalayas are greatly revered and in Indian tradition, especially Shaivism. Bijli Mahadev Temple in Kullu, stands out as the one of most the anciently sacred temples of Himachal Pradesh.
Located across the Beas River, the temple is situated at significant height of mountains of the Kullu valley. The temple is situated exactly atop the mountain that locates itself to the confluence of rivers Parvati and Beas.
History of Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The temple’s establishment tale is an interesting one. Popular legends believe that the temple was formed after the killing of a Demon called Kulant. The legend goes that the Demon Kulant wanted to submerge the valley by stopping the flow of River Beas. He took a form of a dragon in order to execute his ideas of killing every life form existing on the planet by submerging it under the water. Lord Shiva rescued the people living here and came to put an end to the demon’s regression. In order to do this, Lord Shiva asked the demon to look back as he had his tail on fire. As soon as he looked back, the lord smashed his mighty trident through the demon to put an end to his ill plans. The mountain on which the Bijli Mahadev temple stands today is believed to be formed from the body of the dead demon, whose death made his body to cover the adjoining lands to turn into the shape of a mountain.
Legends of the Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The locals describe the Bijli Mahadev legend as a way of revering the supreme of all gods, Lord Shiva. After defeating the demon, Lord Shiva is believed to ask Lord Indra to strike down the mountain with an electric discharge in every twelve years. As the god did not want his devotees who lived in the area to be harmed by this lightning, it is said that the lightning strikes directly on the temple on the Shiva Linga. As the father and protector to his devotees, Lord Shiva takes the strike of the lightening on himself. This is how the temple is believed to got its name as 'Bijli Mahadev'. Whenever the lightning falls on the Shiv Ling of the temple, it breaks into pieces. How the priests put the Shiv Linga back together to its original state by using salted butter and sattu is part of the ‘Bijli Mahadev mystery’.
In this temple of lightning, it is said that the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightning. It is believed by the locals that Lord Shiva has granted Kullu eternal beauty which radiates throughout the year. That is why it is called the ‘Valley of Gods’. When you visit Kullu it is very hard to take your eyes off the memorizing view of the valley.
Importance of the Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The presence of the Bijli Mahadev temple story makes people from all over India and the world come to visit the temple want to experience the tales of the temples themselves, which promotes tourism in Kullu. Panoramic View of Kullu and Parvati valleys can be seen from the temple. The 60 feet high staffs of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun.
The Bijli Mahadev trek, named after the temple, attracts trek lovers from faraway lands. Even though trekking is not very challenging, it enthrals the visitors. Giving a trek that will take their mind off the busy world and put it in the lap of nature. It offers many adventure sports such as river rafting, paragliding, mountaineering, and hiking across the Himalayan glaciers.
Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - Temple Timings
The temple is opened from 4:00 am in the morning till 08:00 pm in the evening.
Best Time to Visit Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The best time to visit the place is when you can also take part in the festivities of Bijli Mahadev temple which the locals enjoy very much – where travellers and devotees from all over the world come to spectate and experience spiritual concord. The monsoon here starts in July and continues till August. It is not ideal to visit Kullu during the monsoon season because landslides become a frequent business during this period.
Waking up in the morning, going out on your balcony, and seeing the vast valley stretch in front of our eyes is a feeling that people associate with Switzerland. You can get it here!
How to Reach Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Major Tourist Center of Himachal Pradesh, India
Kullu being one of the major tourist center along with important district and city of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Kullu more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 10 km from the city. Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 110 km from city. Kullu is located at 40 km from Manali, 252 km from Chandigarh, 200 km from Shimla, 510 km from Delhi, 415 km from Vaishnodevi, 145 km from Palampur, 86 km from Mandi and 108 km from Joginder nagar.
