Bijli Mahadev, Kullu
Bijli Mahadev Temple, located in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is a mysterious temple that no one has been able to unravel to date. The temple is situated on the top of high mountains and is also the confluence of the Parvati and Vyas rivers. Every 12 years, celestial lightning strikes the temple, but even after that, the temple does not suffer any damage. Let’s learn some interesting facts about this mystery that has been going on for centuries.
According to mythology, the vast valley here is in the form of a snake, and it was slain by Lord Shiva. It is said that every 12 years, Lord Indra, taking the command of Lord Bholenath, strikes lightning. The lightning strikes the Shivling of the temple and breaks it into pieces. After this, the temple priests apply butter to the broken Shivling as a balm for Lord Shiva.
The locals call this Shivling “Makkhan Mahadev,” while some people also call it “Bijli Mahadev.” This Shivling of Lord Bholenath is located in Mathan, which is 18 kilometers away from Kullu.
According to mythology, there was a demon named Kulanath who used to live in this temple. Once he stopped the water of the Vyas River to kill all the living beings. Seeing this, Lord Shiva got angry. After this, Lord Shiva created an illusion. Lord Shiva went to the demon and told him that there was a fire in his tail.
Upon hearing Lord Shiva’s words, the demon checked his tail, and as he did so, Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and slayed him. After the demon’s death, the Shivling was established here, which is now known as the Bijli Mahadev Temple.
Fairs and Festivals at Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev is known for its vibrant fairs and festivals, which attract a large number of devotees and tourists every year. Here are some of the popular festivals celebrated at Bijli Mahadev:
- Shivaratri: This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion at Bijli Mahadev. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and diyas.
- Kullu Dussehra: Kullu Dussehra is another major festival celebrated in the region. It is a week-long festival that marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, and a large number of devotees visit the temple during this time.
- Janmashtami: Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is also celebrated at Bijli Mahadev. Devotees offer prayers and perform puja at the temple. The atmosphere is filled with the chanting of mantras and bhajans.
- Holi: The festival of colors, Holi, is celebrated at Bijli Mahadev with great enthusiasm. People come together to play with colors and enjoy the festive spirit.
Apart from these festivals, there are other fairs and festivals that are celebrated in the region throughout the year. These festivals provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and attract a large number of visitors from all over the world.
Things To Do In Bijli Mahadev
There are many things to do in Bijli Mahadev that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Trekking: Bijli Mahadev is known for its beautiful trekking trails that take you through scenic mountain landscapes. The trek to the temple is a popular one and is a moderate level trek.
- Visit Bijli Mahadev Temple: The Bijli Mahadev Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on top of a hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts a lot of devotees throughout the year.
- Photography: The beautiful mountain landscapes and scenic views of Bijli Mahadev make it a perfect place for photography. You can capture some amazing shots of the natural beauty around you.
- Camping: If you want to experience the beauty of Bijli Mahadev at its best, then you can go for camping. There are many campsites in Bijli Mahadev that offer a unique experience of sleeping under the stars.
- Paragliding: If you are an adventure junkie, then paragliding in Bijli Mahadev is a must-do activity. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains while gliding through the air.
- Nature Walks: Take a stroll around the beautiful village of Bijli Mahadev and explore its natural beauty. The village is surrounded by lush green forests and beautiful landscapes.
- Rafting: The Beas River, which flows through Bijli Mahadev, offers excellent opportunities for river rafting. You can enjoy the thrill of rafting in the rapids of the river and have an adventurous experience.
Best Time To Visit Bijli Mahadev
The best time to visit Bijli Mahadev is from March to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. During this time, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and indulge in activities such as trekking and camping. The monsoon season from July to September should be avoided as heavy rainfall can make the trekking routes slippery and dangerous. The winter months from December to February can be very cold and snowy, making it difficult to trek to the temple. However, if you are a winter sports enthusiast, you can visit during this time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the nearby ski resorts.
Attractions to Explore Near Bijli Mahadev
There are several attractions to explore near Bijli Mahadev. Some of the popular ones are:
- Kullu: Kullu is a scenic town located about 25 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, temples, and adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and paragliding.
- Naggar: Naggar is a charming village located about 30 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its ancient temples, museums, and stunning views of the Kullu Valley.
- Manikaran: Manikaran is a popular pilgrimage site located about 70 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its hot springs, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty.
- Kasol: Kasol is a picturesque village located about 75 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its scenic beauty, trekking trails, and vibrant hippie culture.
- Malana: Malana is a small village located about 80 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its unique culture, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty.
- Rohtang Pass: Rohtang Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located about 130 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, and trekking.
- Solang Valley: Solang Valley is a scenic valley located about 110 km from Bijli Mahadev. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, adventure activities like paragliding and skiing, and ancient temples.
At a Glance
- 31.808620°N 76.102870°E
- India
- Himachal Pradesh
- Kath Kunni Style
- 2,460 m (8,071 ft)
How To Get There
Bijli Mahadev is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh in India. Here are the ways to reach Bijli Mahadev:
Bijli Mahadev is well-connected by road. You can take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach Kullu, and then take a taxi or bus from Kullu to Bijli Mahadev. You can also hire a taxi from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach Bijli Mahadev.
The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is located about 135 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bijli Mahadev.
The nearest airport to Bijli Mahadev is Kullu-Manali Airport, which is located about 27 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bijli Mahadev.