Bijli Mahadev is one of the most renowned temples in the Kullu region and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is quiet known for the high staff that occasionally draws lightening to it. The lightening destroys the Shivalinga here. However, the priests rejoin it with the help of butter. Devotees need to take a climb up to the temple. Two statues of the bull, nandi ( Lord Shiva’s vehicle ) adorns the door of the temple. The door frames themselves have exquisite carvings. Bijli Mahadev is one of the sacred temples of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of about 2,438 m in the Kullu Valley. Bijli Mahadev is one of the excellent temples in India. Located 10 km from Kullu across the Beas river, it can be approached by a rewarding trek of 3 km. A panoramic view of Kullu and Paravati valleys can be seen from the temple. The 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. In this temple of lightning it is said that the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightning. It is believed that the priest of the temple has to restore the Shiva linga placed inside the temple using butter and sattoo after every lightning as it shatters to pieces with flash of lightning.
History Bijli Mahadev:
Bijli Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is at a distance of 11 kilometers from the Kullu valley. Situated on a Himalayan hilltop, the temple site offers a panoramic view of the Kullu and Parvati valleys below. The temple is renowned for its 60 feet high flagpole that sparkles like a silver needle while basking in the glory of sunlight. The flagpole is visible even from Kullu. This high structure draws divine blessings in the form of lightening and it is said that with every flash of lightening, the Shiva linga is shattered to pieces. Each time this phenomenon occurs, the Shiva linga is replaced by the priest by covering it with sattoo ( a paste of roasted gram and wheat powder ) and butter. It is due to this legend that the temple has been name Bijli ( lightening ) Mahadev ( another name for Lord Shiva ). Another legend associated with this shrine at Kullu narrates that Vashishth muni prayed at the temple site to Lord Shiva and requested him to absorb the energy of the lightening in order to save the world. His prayers were answered by the lord. This miracle took place at the confluence of the Beas River and Parvati River. To mark this incident a temple was constructed here and named Bijli Mahadev, connoting the `Temple of Lightening.` Moreover, according to popular beliefs while the linga breaks down a lot of energy is emitted from it. This energy is absorbed by Lord Shiva, thus, preventing the universe from destruction. Built by following the Pahari idiom of temple architecture, there is an impressively carved image of the Nandi bull at the entrance of Bijli Mahadev temple.
How to reach there:
One can reach Kullu first and then get a bus from the bus stand for Bijli Mahadev which goes up to the nearby ‘Chansari’ village. Otherwise one can book a private cab from the Kullu taxi stand near bus stand and go. One has to climb stairs from ‘Chansari’, the distance being about 3 km uphill. The road is now extended to more than 5 km which lessen the stairs climbing to one half. By personal vehicle or the booked vehicle one can now approach to village ‘Halleni’.
If you are in good health, you can even trek all the way from Kullu to Bijli Mahadev. The trek is beautiful with jungles, orchids and small villages on the way. By the time you reach the top, your lungs will definitely ask you for rest but you will find it irresistible to admire the beauty that you see.
You get to see a panoramic view of Parvati and Kullu valley from this peak. When you turn around, there are no higher peaks to block your view in the close proximity. Carry your own camping equipment if you plan to stay there for more than one day. There are a few locals running the shops but you need to arrange for your accommodation.
Approximate Distances from:
Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar: 30 km by road + 3 km trek on foot
Kullu town: 20 km + 3 km trek on foot
Manali town: 50 km + 3 km trek on foot
