Baijnath is famous for its 13th-century temple dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. Originally known as Kiragrama, the village lies on the Pathankot-Mandi highway NH20 almost midway between Kangra and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is one of the top in list of places to visit in Dharamshala. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The village is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, a corrupt form of ancient Binduka, a tributary of river Beas. The distance is around 70kms from Dharamshala. You can easily reach at temple by Himalaya Cab- Dharamshala Taxi in 2 hrs drive. It is one of the very few temples in India where both, Lord Shiva and Demon King Ravan are worshipped. According to the ancient scriptures of Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva established 12 jyotirlingas, which were pillars that emanated pure light and unencumbered power, across the country as a challenge to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma; and one of these 12 jyotirlingas rests inside the famous Baijnath Temple. The temple attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Ancient traditions keep Baijnath residents stay away from Dussehra celebrations and organisation of Ramleela so as to not incur the wrath of Lord Shiva as Ravana was his staunch devotee. You can visit Shiv Temple Baijnath anytime of the year as it is open throughout the year.
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