Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Bijli Mahadev Temple in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is situated at a distance of eleven kilometers from the valley.
|
|
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 ParvatiRiver. 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 Nandibull at the entrance of Bijli Mahadev temple. The temple doors are also beautifully carved with sculptures that are worth beholding. As per history the Pahari temple architecture in Himachal Pradesh was prevalent from 8th to 13th centuries. This shrine, too, was probably built during this time.
During the new moon day of Shravana month, devotees offer prayer to their forefathers at Bijli Mahadev temple. A fair is also organised every year at this time which is quite popular with the pilgrims. Both devotees and tourists from different corners of India flock to the Bijli Mahadev temple during this time.
(Last Updated on : 15-04-2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Temples
|
|
|
• | Buddhist Cave Temples In India Buddhist Cave Temples in India reflect the typical Buddhist mode of art and architecture. The Buddhist caves in India form an important part of Indian rock-cut architecture, and are among the most prolific examples of rock-cut architecture around the world.
| | • | Temples of Odisha Temples of Odisha have remarkable architectural construction and beauty and this state serves as a home to the famous Jagganath Temple and the great Lingaraja Temple.
| | • | Yamunotri Temple The Temple of Yamunotri is at the foothill of the Kalind Parvat at the left bank of the Yamuna at a height of 3,185 mtrs. It is a famous religious site of the Hindus as it included among the Chota Char Dhams.
| | • | Temples in Bhubaneshwar Temples in Bhubaneshwar offer the visiting tourists an unforgettable experience of its rich and glorious past.
| | • | Panhalakaji Caves Panhalakaji Caves are the Buddhist caves in western India depicting the Buddhist art and architecture of ancient era. The cave displays Bramhi and Devanagiri scripts dating back to the 10th or 11th century AD.
| | |
|
|
|
|