Baijnath Temple
Anuradha ShankarAnuradha Shankar/Guest Contributor/SIGHTSEEING, KANGRA/ Updated : Jul 26, 2016, 15:58 IST
Synopsis
The Baijnath Temple, built in the 12th century, is one of the most impressive and important temples in the Kangra Valley. Built by two brothers over a shrine already present here, the Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as … Read more
The Baijnath Temple, built in the 12th century, is one of the most impressive and important temples in the Kangra Valley. Built by two brothers over a shrine already present here, the Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath―the healer. The temple legend refers to Ravana’s penance, in which he cuts off his heads and offers them to the Lord, and Shiva eventually relents and restores him the 10 heads, and also blesses him. Read less

The Baijnath Temple, built in the 12th century, is one of the most impressive and important temples in the Kangra Valley. Built by two brothers over a shrine already present here, the Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath―the healer. The temple legend refers to Ravana’s penance, in which he cuts off his heads and offers them to the Lord, and Shiva eventually relents and restores him the 10 heads, and also blesses him. It is also believed that the lingam housed here is one given to Ravana by Shiva himself, and that the Gods tricked Ravana into placing it here instead of taking it home to Lanka. The temple is an impressive monument, with scores of interesting depictions of Gods. The sculptures are incredibly beautiful and detailed. One of the most interesting festivals here is Dussera, where, unlike the rest of North India, effigies of Ravana are not burnt or beheaded, as a mark of respect to him!
The Baijnath Temple is about 51 km away from Kangra.
Where to stay:
There are a plenty of options for stay at Kangra. Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj are also good options.
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