Bijli Mahadev Temple in Manali
Manali shows the religious amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism and that is why this place has no dearth of religious shrines. People from nearby places as well as from the far off places come here to visit these religious shrines and pay their homage and seek blessings. These religious shrines are the places where visitors get the peace of their body and mind and step towards divinity.summitsafari.com/kullu-manali/
Bijli Mahadev Temple in Manali is one of the most famous religious shrines in Manali that is visited for its rich association with the culture and history of our country.
About Bijli Mahadev Temple Manali
Bijli Mahadev Temple is located at a height of 2460 m and visitors have to trek 3 km distance from Village Chansari in order to reach this famous temple. Standing in a charming meadow, it is believed that the Shiva Lingam of this temple breaks into pieces and receives the divine power when it is struck with lightening. The Priest of this temple then constructs the Shiva Lingam by joining the broken pieces with butter and gram flour (sattoo). That is why the temple has been named as Bijli Mahadev Temple (“Bijli” means Lightening and “Mahadev” means Lord Shiva).The views of the valleys around this temple are very enthralling. Locals as well as tourists never miss out visiting this temple located among the panoramic landscapes of Manali. Tourists keep coming to this temple to enjoy outing as there is beautiful waterfalls, Palani Waterfall located about 6 km in the north of this temple. Every year in the month of March, annual fair is organized at this temple premise.
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Devotees and tourists from all over the country keep flocking here. During Shivratri Festival, many devotees come to this temple to offer their puja and have darshan of Lord Shiva. At the door of this temple, two statues of Nandi, the Bull are installed. The Flagpole of this temple can be seen from very far off place.
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There is another legend associated with this temple. It says that Sage Vashishtha had prayed to Lord Shiva and requested him to absorb the power of lightening so that the world could be saved. Lord Shiva had answered his prayers and he absorbed the lightening at the place where River Parvati confluences with River Beas. A temple was built here and named as “Bijli Mahadev”. The architecture of this temple is influenced by the “Pahari Style”.
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Devotees are allowed to offer pujas using the “Hundis” that are kept within the temple. Some of the articles needed for the Puja are provided free of cost. The pole of this temple which is about 20 m long , is constructed with a Deodar Tree from the forest area close to the temple. Occasionally, the pole gets replaced with the tallest Deodar Tree of the nearby forest. Replacement of the pole is an event of celebration.
Accommodations near Bijli Mahadev Temple
Summer months are the best time to visit Bijli Mahadev Temple as the weather remains pleasant during that time. Winters should be avoided as heavy snowfall happens during the winters. In case tourists are looking forward to the adventure activities like skiing or skating in the valley around then they can have their visit planned during winters. Accommodations of different budget are available such as The Sarvari, Silvermoon Hotel and others. These are standard hotels offering spacious and airy rooms and all types of amenities to the guests.How to reach Bijli Mahadev Temple
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From the nearby Chansari Village, travelers have to climb the stairs and walk around 3 km. Taxis or buses are available to reach Chansari Village. Nowadays, vehicles are allowed up to another nearby village Halleni so travelers have to climb lesser number of stairs in order to reach this temple.