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Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu Himachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu Himachal Pradesh India.


Location:  14 KM from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Built in:1552
Built By:Maharaja Bahadur Singh
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Entry: free
Photography: Allow
Temple Timing: 5:00 Am to 10:00 Pm
Visiting Timing: 30 Mins
Best time to Visit:May to October
Nearest Railway Station: Jogindar Nagar
Nearest Air Port: Bhuntar Airport

Bijli Mahadev Temple is located around 10 km away from the Kullu town. It is situated at an elevation of 2460 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of Kullu and Parvati valleys. The Hindu month of Shravan (holy month for worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu) is the best time to visit this temple.Bijli Mahadev temple is called the ‘Temple of Lightening’ as it is believed that its staff attracts divine blessings, in the form of lightening, from presiding deity Lord Shiva.
 According to a legend, Maharishi Vashishta prayed to Lord Rudra to absorb the excessive electric current within himself. Lord Rudra acceded to his request and absorbed the electricity current, saving humankind. The incident is believed to have taken place at the confluence of Parvati and Beas rivers. Later, a temple was erected at the sight, in commemoration of the event. A stone phallus was enshrined inside the temple and named as Bijleshwar Mahadev or Bijli Mahadev.

In another anecdote, after every 2 years, there is a frightful lightning and the 'lingam' gets reduced to pieces. It is believed that Lord Shiva absorbs the energy discharged from the atmosphere and saves the world. After the incident, the temple priest collects all those pieces and puts them into satto and butter. The image is restored to its original oneness until another similar flash repeats the miracle and in this way, the cycle goes on.

The work of resetting the 'lingam' is carried out in secrecy by the temple pujaris and the temple employees. The doorframes of Bijli Mahadev Temple have delicate and superb carvings. Two Nandis or bulls face the temple door. The big wooden pole of deodar, on the ground of the temple, is believed to receive the first brunt of the electric shock. Thousands of travelers gather at this place every year, for a fair held in the month of ‘Shravan’.
Histry of  Bijli Mahadev temple
 Bijli Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is at a distance of 11 kilometers from the Kullu valley. Situated on a Himalayan hilltop, the temple site offers a panoramic view of the Kullu and Parvati valleys below. The temple is renowned for its 60 feet high flagpole that sparkles like a silver needle while basking in the glory of sunlight. The flagpole is visible even from Kullu. This high structure draws divine blessings in the form of lightening and it is said that with every flash of lightening, the Shiva linga is shattered to pieces. Each time this phenomenon occurs, the Shiva linga is replaced by the priest by covering it with sattoo ( a paste of roasted gram and wheat powder ) and butter. It is due to this legend that the temple has been name Bijli ( lightening ) Mahadev ( another name for Lord Shiva ). Another legend associated with this shrine at Kullu narrates that Vashishth muni prayed at the temple site to Lord Shiva and requested him to absorb the energy of the lightening in order to save the world. His prayers were answered by the lord. This miracle took place at the confluence of the Beas River and Parvati River. To mark this incident a temple was constructed here and named Bijli Mahadev, connoting the `Temple of Lightening.` Moreover, according to popular beliefs while the linga breaks down a lot of energy is emitted from it. This energy is absorbed by Lord Shiva, thus, preventing the universe from destruction. Built by following the Pahari idiom of temple architecture, there is an impressively carved image of the Nandi bull at the entrance of Bijli Mahadev temple.

Important of Bijli Mahadev 

Bijli mahadev temple is full of mystery and miracles. The name comes from the fact that, the lightening ( Bijli ) strikes the Shiva linga inside the temple and breaks into pieces. The Shiva ling ( Mahadev ) will be joined together and installed in a special occasion using a locally made adhesive. One can witness the charred part ( especially on the walls ) inside the temple which is due to the flames resulted during lightning. Devotees can give offerings in the Hundi only kept inside the temple. Some puja articles are available inside the temple without any additional cost. Photography is not restricted anywhere in the place. valley view from Bijli Mahadev temple Opposite to the temple there are small stone statues situated and one can perform pooja there too. A 20mtr tall pole is installed which has got some interesting story. The pole is made of Deodar tree in a nearby forest area. Once in a while during special occasions the pole will be replaced by another one made from the tallest Deodar tree found in the forest. The local villagers and people from surrounding places come together to replace the pole and is a festival celebration for all of them. The tree is carved in the square shape and fixed firm in the place. People feel that this is an opportunity for getting blessing from Lord Shiva and consider this activity as serving God.

Architecture of Bijli Mahadev Temple

Bijli Mahadev Temple represents the pahari style of architecture typical of temples in the Kullu Valley. The entrance door frames have intricate wood carvings and there is also a stone statue of Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull). For darshan (worship), you need to enter the temple sanctum that houses the lingam.
According to popular beliefs, a 60-foot long shaft on the temple top attracts atmospheric lightning and destroys the lingam at regular intervals. It is believed that divine power saves the world from destruction by absorbing the lightning. This lingam is put together using butter as an adhesive.

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How to Rich Bijli Mahadev Temple

By Road: Kullu is connected by motorable roads to all important places and cities in India. Kullu is: 278 km from Pathankot 397 km from Chandigarh 530 km from Delhi 240 km from Shimla 334 km from Palampur 383 km from Chamba 139 km from Bilaspur 213 km from Dharamshala

By Train:The nearest railway station is Jogindar Nagar 126 km from Kullu. 
By Air:Nearest airport Bhuntar, 10 km away from town, is connected is connected by flights from major cities in India. 
Picture Gellery of Bijli Mahadev Temple








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