Acquiring its name from the ancient temple housed here, the town of Baijnath Himachal Pradesh is situated at an elevation of 1130 m on the bank of the Gomati River. The sacred town lies in the district of Bageshwar in the Kumaon Region of Himachal Pradesh and is counted amongst the must-visit places in the district. Baijnath has immense historical and religious significance. The temple in Baijnath, which is its top attraction, houses the statue of Goddess Parvati, made of black stone. It is said that the temple was built in 1150 A.D. by Kumaon’s Katyuri King. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married at the River Gomati and Garur Ganga confluence. Thus, the temple includes the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati along with the idols of Lord Ganesha, Kuber, Surya, Brahma, and Goddess Chandika.
About Baijnath Himachal Pradesh Temple
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The demon King Ravan was a sworn devotee of Lord Shiva. How he became the king of Lanka is an integral part of our ancient scriptures. Ravan always wanted to become the king of the great land of Lanka, and for this, he decided to perform a penance in the name of Lord Shiva. He cut off his ten heads and sacrificed them to Lord Shiva as a part of his prayer. Pleased by his dedication, Lord Shiva not only granted him the boon of unparalleled strength and wisdom to rule the land of Lanka but also reinstated all his heads as they were before. Hence, he is called the ‘God of Healing’.
Overwhelmed by Lord Shiva’s generosity, Ravan dared to ask the lord of another request: a request for the Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Lord Shiva granted him this wish by turning himself into a Shivling and asked him only to put it down once they arrived in Lanka. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma became extremely worried that the power of the holy Shivling, coupled with Ravan’s newly found strength and wisdom, could make him unbeatable. The lords started blowing strong winds in Ravan’s face as he travelled to Lanka. The unbearable cold forced Ravan to attend nature’s call. He saw a beggar sitting on the corner of the street and asked him to hold the Shivaling while he was gone. This beggar was, in fact, Lord Vishnu in disguise. As soon as Ravan gave Lord Vishnu the custody of the Shivaling, he immediately put it down and the Shivling attached itself to the ground, rendering it immovable. This is now the Baijnath Temple.
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Architecture Style Of Baijnath Himachal Pradesh Temple
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The building of the Baijnath temple resembles an early medieval North Indian style known as ‘Nagara’. This approach has been mixed with architectural styles, which can be particularly famous in Orissa. As a result, such an artistic blend is precise to the country of Himachal Pradesh. There are entrances, north and south and a widespread vestibule in the centre with balconies on either side. This is the Mandap. There is a small porch, which is based on four columns earlier than the Mandap. On this porch rests Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva. The internal sanctum, in which the Shivling lies, is surrounded by partitions that can be speckled with creative drawings and artwork. The history of the Baijnath Temple is inscribed in the stone partitions of the complex. Inscriptions on the partitions of the temple suggest that earlier than the prevailing temple, a shrine of Lord Shiva rested on an equal spot. Lush, inexperienced gardens and manicured lawns make an ideal foreground for this precise and historic shape.
Things To Do Near Baijnath
Here are some things to do and places to visit in Baijnath:
1. Baijnath Temple
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The town’s main attraction is the ancient Baijnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 13th-century temple is a fine example of the Nagara style of architecture and is known for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures. The temple complex also houses several smaller shrines and a beautiful garden.
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2. Trekking And Hiking
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Baijnath is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains, making it an ideal destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. The Thamsar Pass trek is a popular route that offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the Pir Panjal mountains. The trek starts from Baijnath and takes you through beautiful alpine meadows, dense forests, and pristine streams.
3. Palpung Sherabling Monastery
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Located just a few kilometres from Baijnath, the Palpung Sherabling Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist monastery belonging to the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism lineage. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, colourful prayer flags, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can attend prayer sessions and learn about Buddhist teachings and practices.
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4. Bir Billing
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Located about 30 kilometres from Baijnath, Bir Billing is a popular destination for paragliding and other adventure sports. The town is known for its stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the lush green valleys below. Visitors can also explore the nearby villages and monasteries and experience the local culture and cuisine.
5. Tea Gardens
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Baijnath is surrounded by several tea gardens that produce some of the finest tea in India. Visitors can take a tour of these tea gardens and learn about the process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. The tea gardens also offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
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6. Local Markets
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Baijnath has several local markets where visitors can shop for handicrafts, woollen garments, and other locally made products. The markets are also a great place to sample the local cuisine and interact with the friendly locals.
How To Reach Baijnath
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Baijnath is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Reaching it is neither difficult nor complicated. The place is quite well-connected with all three means of transportation. However, due to the brilliant road network, roadways are the best way to reach Baijnath.
By Air
The nearest airport to the town is Pantnagar Airport which is around 189 km away from the place. After reaching the airport, one can take taxis to reach Baijnath.
By Rail
The town of Baijnath is also well-connected by a railway network. The nearest railway station from the place is located at a distance of 160 km, which is Kathgodam Railway Station. Buses and taxi services are available from the railway station to the town.
By Road
Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is very limited, a motorable road network is the best and most economical option for traveling to the place. One can drive directly to Bageshwar and then Baijnath. The town is also connected through interstate bus services from Delhi to Bageshwar. From Bageshwar, you can take a local bus/cab to the town.
Further Read: Trekking Near Manali
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see the beautiful hills of Baijnath Himachal Pradesh Temple make sure you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baijnath Himachal Pradesh
Are hotels in Baijnath very expensive?
Hotels in Baijnath are generally affordable but you would find that the cost of staying at each hotel is different. You can find cheaper hotels with fewer amenities or a more expensive hotel offering a wide variety of services. How much you end up paying would depend entirely on what you are looking for.
Which are the best months to plan a trip to Baijnath?
The best time to visit Baijnath is between the winter months of October and February because the weather is very pleasant during this period. Moreover, you might even be able to witness some snowfall which would make the experience even more memorable. You can also visit.
Is there an entry fee to visit the Baijnath Temple?
No, you can enter the Baijnath Temple for free.
At what time is the aarti held at the Baijnath Temple?
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week and the aarti is held at 7:00 AM from Monday to Sunday.
Which day witnesses the largest crowds at the Baijnath Temples?
Monday is when a large number of people tend to visit the Baijnath Temple since this day is said to be good for followers of Shiva. Moreover, the festival of Shivratri also attracts large crowds.
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