Located at about 2460 meters above sea level, Bijli Mahadev Temple in Kullu stands out for its exceptional scenic beauty and overall appeal. Lord Shiva is in the form of Shiva Lingam in this temple. The 60-foot-high flagpole further adds to its appeal, which shines in the sunlight.
History
This stunning temple is located on Mathan Hill, and surrounded by other hills like Parvati, Bhuntar, Garsa, and Kullu hill. There are various stories and folklore regarding the history and legend of this temple. Mahadev is another name for Lord Shiva, and “bijli” means electricity in Hindi.
Some people believe that Rishi Vashishth had asked Lord Shiva to absorb the energy of lightning. He followed the instructions of the sage to save the universe from destruction. The temple was thus constructed in this place to commemorate this unique incident.
Things to Do
Besides praying, there are various other activities you can enjoy when visiting the Bijli Mahadev Temple in Kullu. Here are the common things that tourists attempt in this area:
Sightseeing
Located on the hills, this temple is surrounded by deodar forests. You can get stunning panoramic views of the valleys of Bhuntar, Kullu, and Parvati. Moreover, you can travel to other attractions here, like the Raghunathji temple, Naggar, or Manikaran.
Renting bikes
You can rent bikes from this temple and travel to the nearby attractions. One of the most popular attractions is Kasol, which is only 4 km from this area. Travelling on bikes through these hill stations can be a unique and thrilling experience.
Swimming and bathing in waterfalls
Some of the common tourist destinations near this temple include the Kulant Pith and the Jana waterfall. Taking a swim in these can be a refreshing activity, especially if you are on a road trip.
Seeking blessings from temples
Apart from the Bijli Mahadev Temple, there are several other temples and pilgrimage sites in this area. These include the Raghunathji Temple and Manikaran Gurudwara. You can visit these places to seek blessings.
Hiking & trekking
You can always go hiking or trekking in the hills that surround this temple. These are covered with thick lush forests, further adding to its natural beauty.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Here are some important facts to know before travelling to this temple:
The best time to visit
You should plan a trip to this temple in the months of summer, ideally from March to September. It might remain closed in the winter months due to the possibility of snowfall.
Open & close timings
Bijli Mahadev Temple is usually open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. It does not take more than 3-4 hours to visit it.
Best camping spot nearby
If you are trekking to the Bijli Mahadev Temple, then you can find various camps nearby. However, if you are willing to witness the unfiltered beauty of this region, then Mattigochhad near the Chansari village is the best place to camp. Embraced by the thickets of Pine and Deodar, it lets you unfold the unseen allure of Himachal Pradesh.
If you are visiting Himachal Pradesh, do not forget to plan a trip to this beautiful temple located on the hilltop. It will surely make your holiday much more memorable and help you get some stunning photographs of the raw nature. You will also find great hotels and eateries here.
