Bijli Mahadev Temple

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Address: Sultanpur
City: Kullu
State: Himachal Pradesh
Location: North India
Altitude: 2,438m
Type of Construction: Ancient
Type of Building: Temple
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
Religion: Hinduism

Bijli Mahadev Temple :

Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres (8,000 ft) and can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb through a 6 km long trek. From the temple site, a panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is available.A sixxty feet high staff of Bijli manadeve Temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun, this is a bisible even from Kullu. In this temple of Lightening , the tall staff attracts the divine blessing in the form of lightening, it is said. with every flash of the lightening , coming down the staff, the Shinva Ling is shattered into pieces. These are put toghter by the priest and covered with satto and butter. The image is restored to its orginal oneness till another similar flash repeats the miracle. The cycle goes on.

The Legend of Bijli Mahadev Temple :


The Rig-Veda has a prayer of Maharishi Vashishta to Lord Rudra to absorb the excessive electric current within himself and so Lord Rudra acceded and absorbed the electricity current saving mankind. This episode took place at the 'Sangam' of Parvati and Beas rivers and is one of the popular stories in the mythological background of Beas basin, in Himachal Pradesh. As expected the devotees had set up a temple and the 'linga' in it, is named Bijleshwar Mahadev or Bijli Mahadev. There is a popular story too. After about 12 years regularly there is a frightful lightning and the 'linga' is reduced to pieces. It is said that Lord Shiva absorbs the energy discharged from the atmosphere and saves the world. These pieces are put together by the temple priest and covered with satto and butter. The image is restored to its original oneness till another similar flash repeats the miracle. Thus the cycle goes on. The work of resetting the 'linga' is carried out in secrecy by the temple pujaris and the Kardars or the temple employees. Two Nandis or bulls face the temple door. The doorframes have a delicate and superb carving. The big wooden pole of deodar on the ground of the temple is said to receive the first brunt of the electric shock. A fair is held in the month of 'Sravan' at this place, which attracts thousands of people.

Significance :

This is set on a spur that offers some spectacular views. The remarkable feature of the shrine is a high pole or staff that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the `Shivlinga' and scorches the building. These pieces are put together by the temple priest and covered with satto and butter. The image is restored to its original oneness till another similar flash repeats the miracle. Thus the cycle goes on. It is said that Lord Shiva absorbs the energy discharged from the atmosphere and saves the world.

How to Reach Bijli Mahadev Temple:

It is located in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.

Airport :- Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport.

Railhead :- Jogindernagar is the nearest railhead.

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