About Shiv Temple Baijnath
Situated on the foothills of the Dhauladhar Ranges on the left bank of the river Binwa lies Baijnath. Originally known as Kiragrama, Baijnath was a frontier post, as far back as the beginning of the 13th century. The name suggests that the village owes its origin to a settlement of Kiras, a war-like tribe from Kashmir. It is believed that during the Treta Yug, Ravana tried to propitiate Lord Shiva by performing penance at Kailash.
When his prayers went unanswered he went to Kurah (believed to be Manimahesh in Chamba Distt.) and started sacrificing his ten heads. Lest he attained Rudra status and became immortal and invincible, the Devas prayed to Lord Shiva to stop Ravana, . At the request of the Devas, Shiva stopped Ravana and even restored his ten heads. Because of this act, Shiva came to be known as Shri Vaidyanath. When Shiva granted him a boon, Ravana asked for unmatched power and sought permission to carry and consecrate Shiva in Lanka.. Shiva agreed but on the condition that they should not stop on the way. On Ravana’s request, Shiva assumed the form of a Ling in two parts. Putting the parts in a carry basket Ravana started walking south see more.
Fairs & festivals at Shiva Temple baijnath
Maha Shivratri
During the Laghu Rudra Yagna, 1,100 sacred chants (paths) are performed, marking a deeply spiritual occasion in Baijnath. The town, along with nearby Paprola, comes alive with a five-day state-level fair. The revered Shiv Temple is adorned with vibrant flowers and dazzling lights, drawing devotees and tourists alike. Cultural programs take place for five consecutive days at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, while a lively mela (fair) continues near the Shiv Temple. A special havan is also conducted at the temple, dedicated to the welfare of the entire universe.
Makar Sankranti
Pure ghee is laden on the Ling to form a column. Celebrated for 8 days its called Ghrithmandal. During this sacred festival in Baijnath, a Gritmandal—a ceremonial column of butter—is carefully placed on the Shiv Ling for eight consecutive days. The butter used is meticulously prepared by washing pure desi ghee with water, resulting in a smooth, refined texture. Upon the conclusion of the ritual, the Gritmandal is removed, and the butter—believed to possess powerful medicinal properties—is respectfully distributed among the devotees as a holy offering
History of Shiva Temple Baijnath
The history of the Baijnath Temple is preserved in two ancient inscriptions embedded in the walls of the temple’s mandapa. These inscriptions reveal that Kiragrama—modern-day Baijnath—was once located on the banks of the Binduka River and formed part of the ancient Trigarta region. This territory, nestled between the Ravi and Satluj rivers, corresponds roughly to the present-day districts of Kangra and Jalandhar. At the time, Baijnath was under the suzerainty of King Jayachandra, the powerful ruler of Jalandhara. Under him a Rajanaka (local chief) Lakshmanachandra, who was matrimonially related to Jayachandra from his mother’s side, was ruling over Kiragrama. Genealogy of Lakshmanachandra (see box) is given in these inscriptions.
At Kiragrama resided two brothers, Manyuka and Ahuka, sons of a merchant named Siddha. Their genealogy up to fourth generation is also mentioned in the inscriptions (see box). They out of their devotion to Siva Vaidyanatha constructed the temple under discussion in Saka 1126 (CE 1204). They also donated a machine for extracting oil, a shop and some land in the village called Navagrama (modern Nauri near Baijnath) to the temple. The Rajanaka Lakshmanachandra and his mother also made some donations to the temple in the form of money and land respectively.
