Baba Balak Nath Ji, Deotsidh
The land of gods has numerous religious and historic sites in Himachal Pradesh. One of these religious sites is the famous Baba Balak Nath Temple (Deotsidh). It is a divine Siddha Peeth in North India, situated on a hill in Chakmoh village of Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh. This revered place is known as Diotsidh. Actually, Baba Balak Nath is a Hindu deity who is worshipped with great devotion in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi. Therefore, a large number of devotees from North India reach this Baba Balak Nath Siddha Dham situated in Diotsidh.
There is a natural cave in this sacred temple of Baba Balak Nath. It is believed that this is the abode of Baba Balak Nath. There is a statue of Babaji in the temple premises. Devotees offer Baba ji roti made of flour, sugar/jaggery, and ghee. Here, a goat is also offered to Baba ji, which is a symbol of their love. However, the goat is not sacrificed but nurtured and taken care of. According to tradition, women visit the vicinity of the cave but do not enter inside.
Instead of entering the cave, women come to the courtyard and pray for their wishes. Brahmachari’s status of Baba ji’s disciples is considered to be the reason behind not allowing women to enter the cave. However, there is no prohibition on women’s entry into the cave by the Trust or the Government.
Who is Baba Balak Nath Ji?
Baba Balak Nath Ji is a revered Hindu deity who is worshipped in the northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi. He is considered to be a divine child sage and is also known as Balak Nath or Sidh Baba Balak Nath. The Baba Balak Nath Temple, also known as Deotsidh Temple, is located in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh and is considered to be one of the most important religious sites dedicated to Baba Balak Nath Ji. Many devotees visit the temple to seek his blessings and offer their prayers. The temple complex also includes a natural cave where it is believed that Baba Balak Nath Ji meditated and lived.
Fairs and Festivals at Baba Balak Nath Ji
There are several fairs and festivals associated with Baba Balak Nath. Some of the major ones are:
- Mela Chetar: This is one of the biggest fairs celebrated in honor of Baba Balak Nath, which is held in the month of March/April in the village of Chetar, located near the Una district in Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of devotees gather to participate in this fair, which is marked by several cultural events and religious rituals.
- Baba Balak Nath Jayanti: This festival is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Baba Balak Nath. It is usually celebrated in the month of January/February and is an important occasion for his followers.
- Shravan Ashtami: This festival is celebrated on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Shravan, which falls in July/August. It is an important occasion for Baba Balak Nath’s followers, who observe a fast and perform special prayers and rituals on this day.
- Navratri: This is a nine-day festival celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin, to worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga. Many devotees of Baba Balak Nath also celebrate Navratri with great enthusiasm.
- Diwali: This is a major festival celebrated in India and is also celebrated by the followers of Baba Balak Nath. It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, and devotees visit the temples to seek the blessings of Baba Balak Nath on this day.
- Guru Purnima: This festival is celebrated to honor the Guru, who is considered the spiritual guide and mentor. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June/July) and is an important occasion for Baba Balak Nath’s followers.
Things To Do In Baba Balak Nath Ji
Baba Balak Nath Ji is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus in Northern India. Here are some of the things to do in Baba Balak Nath Ji:
- Visit the Temple: The main attraction of Baba Balak Nath Ji is the temple dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, where devotees come to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
- Attend the Aarti: Participate in the daily aarti (worship ceremony) that takes place in the temple early in the morning and in the evening. The aarti is a beautiful ritual where devotees sing hymns and offer prayers to the deity.
- Trek to the Cave: Baba Balak Nath Ji is known for the cave where the deity is believed to have meditated. The cave is located about 3 km from the temple, and it’s a popular trekking destination. The trek is a bit challenging, but the scenic views make it worth it.
- Shop for Souvenirs: There are several shops in the vicinity of the temple where you can buy souvenirs, such as idols, pictures, and other religious items.
- Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Baba Balak Nath Ji is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is famous for its cuisine. Don’t forget to try the local delicacies, such as Siddu, Chana Madra, and Dham.
- Attend the Festivals: Baba Balak Nath Ji is known for its colorful festivals, such as the Navratra Mela, which is held in March-April, and the Shravani Mela, which is held in July-August. These festivals are a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
- Explore the Surrounding Area: The region around Baba Balak Nath Ji is full of natural beauty, with scenic valleys, forests, and waterfalls. You can plan a trip to nearby attractions such as the Chintpurni Temple, Jwalamukhi Temple, and the Kangra Fort.
Best Time To Visit Baba Balak Nath Ji
The best time to visit Baba Balak Nath Ji depends on the individual’s preference and the purpose of their visit. However, the most popular time to visit Baba Balak Nath Ji is during the annual fair held in August or September, known as the “Siddh Baba Balak Nath Mela.”
The weather in Baba Balak Nath Ji is pleasant throughout the year, but it can be quite cold during the winter months of December and January, and the monsoon season from July to September can bring heavy rainfall, which may affect travel plans. Therefore, the ideal time to visit Baba Balak Nath Ji is from March to June or October to November when the weather is pleasant and dry.
If you want to avoid crowds during the annual fair, it is advisable to plan your visit outside of this period. However, if you want to experience the festivities and rituals associated with the fair, then visiting during this time would be the best option.
Attractions to Explore Near Baba Balak Nath Ji
Baba Balak Nath Ji is situated in the beautiful hills of Himachal Pradesh and there are several attractions to explore near the temple. Here are some of the top attractions:
- Jawalamukhi Temple: Located about 30 km from Baba Balak Nath, the Jwalamukhi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Goddess of Light and is known for its eternal flames that never go out.
- Kangra Fort: Located about 40 km from Baba Balak Nath, the Kangra Fort is one of the largest forts in India. It is a great example of ancient Indian architecture and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Prashar Lake: Located about 70 km from Baba Balak Nath, Prashar Lake is a beautiful and serene lake that is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is a great place for trekking and camping.
- Chintpurni Temple: Located about 75 km from Baba Balak Nath, the Chintpurni Temple is another famous temple in Himachal Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Goddess Chintpurni and is known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
- Bir Billing: Located about 100 km from Baba Balak Nath, Bir Billing is a popular destination for adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, and camping. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
At a Glance
- 31.2609214,75.5841857
- India
- Himachal Pradesh
- Brahman (Nath), Deva
- 1,118 km2 (432 sq mi)
How To Get There
Baba Balak Nath Temple is located in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Here are some ways to get there:
Baba Balak Nath Temple is well connected by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Hamirpur, Una, and Bilaspur to reach the temple. The temple is located on the Hamirpur-Bilaspur highway.
The nearest railway station to Baba Balak Nath Temple is Una, which is about 60 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
The nearest airport to Baba Balak Nath Temple is Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is about 90 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.