Baijnath Himachal Pradesh has the famous Baba Baijnath Dham, also known as baijnath shiv temple, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Baijnath – The adobe baba baijnath dham
Baijnath was Originally known as Kiragrama. Baijnath town lies on Pathankot-Chakki-Manali highway (National Highway No. 20) which is midway between Kangra and Mandi.
The town is called as Baijnath and became popular after the name of the temple. The town is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, ( in ancient times the river was known as Binduka, a tributary of river Beas )
Baba Baijnath dham Story ( Baijnath ki katha )
According to local legens, Ravana is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva in the Kailash during the Treta Yug in order to gain invincible abilities.
To please Lord Shiva he offered his ten heads in the havan kund . Ravana’s extraordinary deed influenced Lord Shiva, who not only restored his heads but also conferred invincibility and immortality upon him.
image source
After obtaining this unparalleled boon, Ravana requested Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka . Shiva agreed to Ravana’s request and transformed himself into Shivling.
Lord Shiva instructed him to carry the Shivling and warned him not to set it down on the ground on his journey. Ravana began his journey towards Lanka and arrived in Baijnath, where he felt compelled to respond to nature’s call.
When Ravana saw a shepherd, he handed over the Shivling to him and went away to relieve himself.
When the shepherd discovered the Shivling was quite heavy, he placed it on the ground, and the Shivling became settled there, taking the form of Ardhnarishwar (God in form of Half Male & Half Female).
There is a similar story behind the Gokarna temple ( In Karnataka). But then these local legends are many a times similar in nature. You can read the story here.
Some interesting facts about baijnath temple Himachal Pradesh
- The Dussehra festival, in which the effigy of Ravana is customarily burned to flames, is not held in Baijnath as a symbol of respect for Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva.
- Another unusual feature in Baijnath is the lack of goldsmith stores.
How to reach baijnath shiv temple
Shri baijnath shiv temple is very near to Palampur and Kangra.
How to reach Baba Baijnath Dham by Road:
From Dehli to Baijnath it is 480 Kms via NH44 and will take around 19 hrs if you drive by your own.
Chandigarh to Baijnath is around 250 Kms via NH503 and it will take around 6 to 7 hrs if you drive on your own.
Shimla to Baijnath – 205 Kms again around 6 hrs of drive.
There are regular bus service to Baijnath from Delhi, Chandīgarh, Shimla etc
How to reach Baijnath Shiv Mandir by Train:
Baijnath has a railway station – it is called as Baijnath Mandri Railway Station – BJMR
Trains passing through Baijnath Mandir Rauilway Station:
| Name | Number | From | To | Days |
| PTK-JDNX PASS | 52471 | Pathankot | Joginder Nagar | ALL |
| JDNX-PTK PASSNGER | 52472 | Joginder Nagar | Pathankot | ALL |
| PTK-JDNX PASSANGER | 52473 | Pathankot | Joginder Nagar | ALL |
| JDNX-PTK PASSNGER | 52474 | Joginder Nagar | Pathankot | ALL |
| SVDK GKP SPL | 4602 | Joginder Nagar | Pathankot | ALL |
How to reach Baijnath Shiv Mandir by Air:
So if you are travelling by Air, the best way is to reach Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi first and then take a cab, or bus or train.
From Delhi/ Chandigarh you can go to Pathankot first and then take one of the trains or you can check if there are direct trains from Chandigarh or Delhi.
Places to visit near Baba Baijnath Dham
There are many other places which can be visited if you are visiting Baijnath. Please have a look at the list below:
- Mukut Nath as Sansal ( 6 km)
- Awahi Nag temple ( 2 Kms)
- Mahakal Temple ( 5 Km)
- Sherabling ( Tibetan Monastery ) ( 5 km)
- Bir ( 14 km)
- Bling ( 14 km) – World famous paragliding spot
