Built in the early 1200s, the Baijnath Temple stands tall today as a place of meditation and worship. Remarkably, this landmark is known as a rare location for worshiping the Demon King Ravan and Lord Shiva. On your next trip to Himachal Pradesh, India, discover the Baijnath Temple and its fascinating background.
Learning About the Temple's Legend
According to ancient tales, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. In Sanskrit, this term translates to radiant sign. As the story is told, King Ravan was so devoted to Lord Shiva that he asked him to travel to Lanka. During this trip, Lord Shiva connected himself to the ground as King Ravan stepped away momentarily. This ground connection is now the Baijnath Temple. Indeed, many Hindu followers pray and meditate at the temple because of its significance in ancient texts.
Knowing the Architectural Details
This temple is made from stone, which allows the intricate carvings to take center stage as you walk around the grounds. From an architectural perspective, the temple has an early medieval style with a Northern Indian flair. Truthfully, the temple's design is simple and humble.
Enter the temple from either the north or south entrances. To the east and west are balconies, which allow light into the vestibule. On the interior, the stone walls are home to the temple's history in great detail.
Traveling to the Temple
Luckily, there are several transportation options for visitors to the temple. For instance, fly into Kangra Airport, and take a motor rickshaw to the temple. Alternatively, try a bus ride to Baijnath Temple. Indeed, the temple's nearest bus stop is about 4 minutes away by foot. By taking a bus, you can also enjoy the scenic drive through the combination of rural roads and busy streets surrounding the temple.
Preparing For the Visit
The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Typically, you're allowed to walk around the exterior and interior spaces. Because of the terrain, wear comfortable shoes. Also, be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the sacred vestibule.
In addition, consider using a flashlight if you enjoy the grounds before or after the sun rises. Understandably, this ancient property doesn't have a lot of lighting. Then, you can roam the property without missing any part of the temple.
Staying in Town
If you want to extend your stay in and around the Baijnath Temple, the town offers several hotels for your convenience. Access them by foot or taxi. Because the temple has a busy neighborhood surrounding it, cafes and restaurants are plentiful. From Indian staples to breakfast favorites, many cafes here are small businesses owned by local families. Ideally, read reviews about each cafe to narrow down your selections.
Surrounding the Baijnath Temple are lush gardens, which are a contrast to the busy town nearby. As you immerse yourself in India's culture and ancient teachings, marvel at the natural wonders around this sacred site. In the end, you can appreciate the tales of Lord Shiva and his devotee King Ravan.
