Baijnath: Baijnath town situated on the banks of Binwa Khad has a unique confluence of tourism and religion. Here the historical Shiva temple has its own identity on the world map. Shiva temple in Baijnath is also associated with the penance of Ravana. However, Dussehra that is celebrated with pomp across the country is not celebrated here for the last four decades.
It is believed that Lord Shiva's Shivling has been established here. It was brought here by Lankapati Ravana. It is said that after doing austerities in the Himalayas for centuries and cutting his head 9 times, Lord Shiva appeared to Ravana and asked Ravana to seek a boon.
History of Shivling
It is believed that Ravana, the learned of the four Vedas did penance here, due to this, Baijnath is also known as Vaidyanath. It is believed that Ravana's temple and footprints are on the footpath leading to Paprola at some distance from the temple. The history of Shivling located in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is linked to the tenacity of Ravana. It is believed that this is the same Shivalinga, which Ravana was meditating and taking to Lanka, but during this place, Ravana handed this Shivling to a shepherd. When Ravana did not return for a long time, the shepherd placed the Shivling on the ground and since then this Shivling has been established here.
It is said that while taking this Shivling to Lanka from Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva took a promise from Ravana that he should not keep this Shivling somewhere on the way, otherwise it will be installed in place wherever he places the Shivling.
Also read: UPA didn't let Nitish work, wasted 10 years of Bihar: PM Modi
There is not a single goldsmith shop
There are two astonishing facts about the city of Baijnath, the place of meditation of Lankapati Ravana. The first is that there are about 800 business institutes in Baijnath, but there is not a single goldsmith shop here. It is said that the gold kept in the goldsmith shops here turns black and hence they are forced to close their establishments.
Effigy of Ravana is not burnt
The second unique thing about this place is that neither the effigy of Ravana is not burnt on Dussehra, which is considered a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, nor Ramlila is staged here. The process of celebrating Dussehra began in the historic Shiva temple grounds in Baijnath in the 70s. There was an accident with people playing the role of making and organizing effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, as a result of which people stopped celebrating Dussehra. It is believed that if any person burns effigy of Ravana in Baijnath, misfortune strikes that person or he becomes a morsel for death.
Temple was built in ninth century
This temple was built in the ninth century by two merchant brothers named Mayuk and Ahuk. The style of temple architecture takes everyone by surprise. Many pictures have been carved on the walls of the temple. In the main chamber of the temple, two inscriptions are written in Sanskrit and Tanki. The last ruler of Kangra, King Sansar Chand, also got the temple rebuilt. This was the only temple that survived with partial damage in the 1905 earthquake.
Nandi bull is also the center of attraction
Baijnath Shiva temple was built in the ninth century. The sculpture of this temple, which is made of pinnacle style, is unique in itself. Owing to its craftsmanship, foreign tourists visit here in large numbers. Here Nandi bull which is carved out of a single rock is also the center of attraction. Fairs are held at Baijnath every Monday of the month of Savan.
