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Bijli Mahadev Shrine
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| About Bijli Mahadev Shrine
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10 kms. from Kulu across the Beas river, this temple is one of the striking temples in the temples. A panoramic view of Kulu & Paravati valleys can be seen from the temple A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun.
From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu and Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun.
In this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva
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| Unique Feature
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60-Foot High Staff On Top Of the Temple
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| Legend
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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.
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| Significance
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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.
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| Location
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Sultanpur, Kullu
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| Reaching the shrine
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It can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb of 10 kms. trek.
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