Baijnath Temple, Palampur
Himachal Pradesh is often known for its hill stations and natural beauty that always draw the attention of tourist from across the world. The beautiful state is also famous for some of the famous shrines, monasteries and different pilgrimage destinations. Baijnath Temple Palampur is also one of them that is counted among the top pilgrimage destinations in India. The beautiful temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year who come to explore the natural beauty of the place and to pay homage to Lord Shiva.
Baijnath Temple is of course among the prime attractions of Palampur; while the statue of Lord Shiva always draws the attention of devotees. The beautiful temple is located amid the lush greenery and in the most serene and tranquil environment at the distance of 16 km from the main Palampur City and the Hill Station in the Beas Valley. Tourists visit the place to pay homage to Vaidyanath or the lord of physicians, one of the different forms of Lord Shiva.
According to the historical available facts, the temple has been in worship since 1204 AD. It has a religious significance; it is the story about the temple that king Ravana had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and had sacrificed his head ten times at a place marked out in the temple. People are still following the same traditions and its effect can be seen in the festival of Dussera as people don't organize fiestas. People here think that they can offend Lord Shiva to celebrate the death of his devotees.
This renowned temple is in Shikhara fashion; while the main arena is in the center of the multipart of gardens, lawns and pathways in a single walled square. With refinement carved floral patterns and images of idols at on the outside walls of the temple, workroom of temple that is eight feet surrounded by and eighteen feet exterior, coroneted by conical spire, Baijnath temple Palampur attractions are really astonishing. Satisfactorily imprinted statues that also present strange features of Lord Shiva's vehicles, Nandi Bull and small human figure holding Nandi's tail are also center of attractions in them.
We at Himachal Tourism Guide offers attractive packages to visit the temple and enjoy your holidays here.
Duration: 04 Nights / 05 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Chandigarh - Chamunda Devi - Palampur - Baijnath
Day 01: Delhi - Chandigarh
On Arrival at Delhi Airport / Railway Station meet and drive to Chandigarh 250 km 5 hrs. upon arrival check in at hotel and evening visit Rock Garden, Shukhna Lake, and local Market, Dinner at hotel and overnight at Chandigarh.
Day 02: Chandigarh - Dharamshala
After morning breakfast, depart for Dharamshala (260kms/6 hours). Upon arrival check in your hotel, evening free at leisure, Dinner and overnight stay in Dharamshala.
Day 03: Dharamshala Sightseeing
After morning breakfast leave for the sightseeing of Mcleodganj, The Dalai Lama resides here. At the start of Mcleodganj is a small bazaar filled with variety of Tibetan handicrafts and artifacts. At the end of the spur lies the Namgyal Monastery. The external wall is surrounded by rows of prayer wheels. Within the monastery are large idols of Buddha The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 04: Dharamshala – Chamunda Devi - Palampur - Baijnath - Dharamshala
After morning breakfast, leave for a day long excursion trip to Baijnath enroute Chamunda Devi and Palampur. The Baijnath temple has been continuously under worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka. The two long inscriptions in the porch of the temple indicate that a temple of Siva existed on the spot even before the present one was constructed.
The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara, while on the other hand Chamunda Devi is a Shakti shrine, situated 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River. This colorful shrine has a wrathful form of Durga or Chamunda. The idol in the temple is considered so sacred that it is completely hidden beneath a red cloth. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Dharamshala.
Day 05: Dharamshala - Delhi Departure
Early morning after breakfast check out from hotel and departure to Delhi (520 kms/13 hours). In time transfer to Delhi Airport / Railway station for your onward destination.