The busy schedules, late-night work calls, lack of adequate sleep, and ill-health have made our lifestyles altogether stressed. We all long for getaways in the mountains covered with lush green grass and blanketed by the rays of sunshine.
One of the best places to visit, where you can be completely free from the worries of life, is Himachal Pradesh. Himachal is the province of snow-laden mountains and a potpourri of flora and fauna.
Tourists visit Himachal throughout the year. In summers, the place offers pleasant weather and several sightseeing opportunities. In the winter season, most of the cities and towns in Himachal are covered with snow-capped peaks, breathtaking views, and frozen lakes. Kullu is one such location in Himachal frequented by tourists throughout the year.
The history and culture of Kullu fascinate many and invite them to divulge into their diversities. As it presents a lot of tourist spots, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of them. People from various religions visit the holy shrine and experience the spiritual aura.
I went to this place a few years back, check out my vlog when we trekked, and did downhill cycling at this place. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
History of Bijli Mahadev in Kullu
Himachal Pradesh is popularly called the ‘Dev Bhoomi,’ meaning ‘The Land of Gods and Goddesses.’
One of the most visited shrines in Himachal’s Kullu is the Bijli Mahadev Temple.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located near the meeting point of the Beas and Parvati rivers. It is believed that a demon named Kulant wanted to submerge the valley by stopping the flow of these rivers.
His ill plan included ending every creature on Earth. As soon as Lord Shiva found out about this plan, he decided to stop the demon from giving life to his strategies. Lord Shiva confronted the devil and asked him to look back at his tail, telling him it had caught fire.
Lord Shiva used his trident to kill him as soon as the demon looked back. His dead body fell all over the valley. Bijli Mahadev temple was formed on the mountain top where this incident took place.
The locals of Kullu describe the temple as an honor to Lord Shiva. Many believe that after putting an end to the demon’s ill plans, Lord Shiva went to Lord Indra and asked him to strike the mountain with lightning every twelve years.
The Bijli Mahadev temple has a shiva-linga inside it, and people from all over India visit to worship it.
The legend also says that the lightning straight away passes through the ceiling of the temple and strikes the shiva-linga as Lord Shiva did not want his devotees and the residents of the place harmed.
After every twelve years, the electric discharge strikes the shiva-linga and causes it to break into small fragments. The priests and the locals then gather all the pieces of the shiva-linga and restore them using butter and sattu atta. The place’s residents believe that Lord Shiva protects their valley from all calamities, especially thunderstorms.
The temple faces a violent thunderstorm every time, thus saving the lives of all the locals. The story of electric discharge and its legend gives the name ‘Bijli Mahadev’ to the holy temple.
As a place where you can see nature at its best, Himachal is also the land of peace and joy. The number of religious sites reflects this place’s divinity and calmness. Hindu temples and Himachal abate many sacred shrines, including Gurudwaras and monasteries, thus proving the place’s diversity in faith and culture.
Where is Bijli Mahadev located?
Bijli Mahadev temple is located in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in Kullu.
This place is at a height of 2,460 m above sea level. The temple is situated 20 km from the central Kullu valley.
Located at the top-most end of Mathan hill, this place offers magnificent scenic views of the Kullu and Parvati valleys.
If you visit this place, it is nearly impossible to take your eyes off the mesmerizing view of the valley. The locals believe that the Kullu valley has been blessed and protected by Lord Shiva ever since, and this gifted beauty radiates in Kullu valley throughout the year.
The temple is located at a 3 km trek from a parking base in Kullu, ideal for beginners. The hike is not a hard one. However, the initial path is a little steep. After this steep stretch, the trek offers a leveled way that is easy to cover. As the winter season approaches, the path gets covered with thin ice and becomes slippery. Hence precautions, in this case, must be taken.
The course for the trek is a beautiful one and is covered with pine and deodar trees. The breathtaking beauty of this trek makes it a memorable experience. For many people, the path offers rejuvenation instead of tiredness.
In cases where the visitors might not be able to trek for such a long distance, a motorable road leads directly to the shrine. One has to reach Naggar first and then pursue the Jana Waterfall pathway to follow this road.
Two-wheelers and small cars are preferred for this route. Cabs are also available to take you near the temple and may cost around a thousand bucks for a round trip.
Buses are also available, and it is suggested to inquire about the fares or timings of the buses available beforehand at the Kullu bus stand.
How to reach Bijli Mahadev in Kullu?
From Kullu to Bijli Mahadev:
One is required to reach Kullu before starting the journey to Bijli Mahadev. After getting to Kullu, follow the road to Ramshilla, a 1 km path. The next step is to cross the Beas Bridge and follow the Bhuntar road.
This road leads to Chansari village, 16 km away from Ramshilla by road. The base parking for Bijli Mahadev temple is 5 km from Chansari village. After paying parking fees at this place for your vehicle, you can start the 3 km trek to the temple.
The walk usually takes 2-3 hours and has some resting points in between. As described earlier, for people who cannot trek, a motorable road via Jana waterfalls is also available. The visitors need to reach Naggar first, around 23 km from Manali and Kullu.
From Chandigarh to Kullu:
As most visitors start their journey to the temple from Chandigarh, it is essential to know the routes from Chandigarh to Kullu. Many options are available for this route, including buses, flights, cabs, and personal vehicles.
The road between both the places is well-constructed. The distance from Chandigarh to Kullu is 269 km by road.
- By bus: It takes around 6 hours to reach Kullu from Chandigarh by bus and costs around Rs. 1,500 for one way.
- By cab: It costs around Rs. 3,500 by taxi and takes almost 5 hours.
- By personal vehicle: This costs around Rs. 2,500 and takes 5 hours usually.
- By flight: A flight from Chandigarh International Airport to Bhuntar Airport costs around Rs 15,000 and takes 2 hours. The Bhuntar airport is located 11 km from Kullu and 53 km from Manali.
From other parts of India to Chandigarh:
Chandigarh, also called The City Beautiful, is well-connected to all parts of India. To reach Chandigarh, many options such as flights, cabs, trains, and buses are available. The route to Chandigarh is facilitated by smooth roads, frequent trains, and regular flights. Cabs and personal vehicles can be used to reach Chandigarh’s city center very quickly.
The Chandigarh Railway Station has located 8 km from the city center. Also, the Chandigarh international airport is located 14 km from the city center. Its location and facilities make it easy to reach Chandigarh and follow the required route to Kullu and the Bijli Mahadev Shrine.
Best time to visit Bijli Mahadev in Kullu
Tourists visit Kullu all around the year as it offers a lot all the time. Kullu has pleasant weather in summers with clearly breathtaking views of its beautiful valleys and meadows adorned with flowers.
In winters, the snow-capped mountains become a delight for tourists who love the idea of the snowfall making the place look like a movie wonderland.
The best time to visit the Bijli Mahadev temple is from March to June when the valley is covered with a green blanket, and the rivers flow as if they were the Milky Way galaxy.
The monsoon months of July and August make the journey a little bit difficult due to frequent landslides and slippery trek paths. The months between September and February mark the winter season in Kullu, and the weather can be harsh to travel.
The Bijli Mahadev shrine may also be closed sometimes for visitors due to blocked paths. However, other adventure activities in Kullu are open during the winter months, including snow skating and river rafting. Hence, whenever you plan to visit the holy shrine, it is always better to get information from the locals beforehand.
What is the weather like at Bijli Mahadev in Kullu?
Kullu offers an inviting climate all year round. This place attracts tourists mainly during the summer seasons as it is a getaway from North India’s scorching summer heat.
Trekking is a popular tourist activity in Kullu, along with other adventure sports, and this forms a primary source of income for many locals. The onset of winters in Kullu calls for the famous Dussehra celebrations, different from the rest of India. At this time of the year, the places in Kullu are filled with lush green sceneries and splendid flower-filled valleys.
The winter months from November to February fill the site with snow and cause blocking of roads at specific points. However, snowfall is a major attraction and an invitation to people who love the sight of snow.
Some areas in Kullu-Manali offer activities even in the winter months. But places like Bijli Mahadev in Kullu, which are considerable height, are generally closed for the public due to heavy snow on the pathways.
Available food options near Bijli Mahadev in Kullu
The trek to Bijli Mahadev is covered with small shops offering visitors essential snacks and beverages.
These shops provide tea, coffee, water, chips, fruits, and Maggi.
On the way to Kullu, more food options are available as several dhabas and restaurants are located along every route.
Most of the eating joints identify Maggi as their best-selling dish.
Maggi is available in different variants ranging from fundamental vegetable Maggi to cheese Maggi and masala Maggi to corn Maggi. Apart from this, the tourists love to enjoy the mouth-watering traditional dishes of Kullu. Some famous dishes of Kullu are:
- Siddu: It is a famous Himachali dish made from wheat and stuffed with veggies. Siddu is usually eaten with pudina chutney, desi ghee, or dal soup. This dish complements the main course very nicely.
- Bhey: Also known as spicy lotus stems, they are prepared by cooking thinly sliced lotus stems with spices and vinegar. This dish can be found at almost all eating places in Kullu.
- Dham: Dham is more of a Himachali thali that contains rice, curry, khatta, and mittha. The Dham is a complete pack of nutrition.
- Babru: Ever heard of kachoris? Well, babru is the same as kachoris except for the stuffing. Instead of potatoes, babru contains black bean paste. It is a treat to your tastebuds.
- Mittha: Last but not least, mittha is a sweet rice and dry fruits dish. It is a famous dish primarily served at festivals and special occasions.
Nearby attractions from Bijli Mahadev in Kullu
Kullu is the home to the holy shrine of Bijli Mahadev and numerous other shrines and tourist hotspots. To know about the most-visited places in Kullu, dig into this list of attractions curated according to the taste of every visitor:
- Jana waterfalls: This place is a popular tourist spot in village Jana and is surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. A short trek is also available for tourists who wish to get a top view of the waterfalls.
- Manikaran: This place is the home to the famous Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. The natural water springs at Manikaran offer hot water that never turns cold. The marvel lies in the information that irrespective be the temperature outside; the spring water is always hot enough to cook rice. Many temples and religious shrines are also located at Manikaran.
- Jagatipatt temple: Jagatipatt Temple is a significant attraction of Naggar. It is situated in the premises of Naggar Castle, an old fort that was converted to a heritage hotel. The temple’s thought-provoking and beautiful architectural details have made the building earthquake-proof. This place is easily approachable by road.
- Tirthan Valley: Named after the Tirthan river, the valley presents the porticoes to the recently acknowledged UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). The Tirthan Valley is a quiet getaway in Kullu, which is different from the busy tourist destinations in the district.
- Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery: Kullu has a sizeable Buddhist population and many monasteries. Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery is one of these monasteries in Kullu. The place honors the teachings of Lord Buddha and promotes ancient Tibetan culture and traditions.
- Adventure sports in Kullu: The Kullu district and its nearby locations offer adventure sports such as river rafting, paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, and camping. River Beas, Dhauladhar Ranges, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass are famous for such activities.
Conclusion to Bijli Mahadev in Kullu
‘Himachal is not only a place but a feeling.’
Kullu, the ‘Valley of Gods’, is considered a jewel in the crown of Himachal Pradesh, India.
The exhilarating views, lush green valleys, a plethora of flora and fauna, spiritually rich shrines, and hubs of cultural diversity have resulted in Kullu becoming a hot favorite amongst tourists.
Kullu is extraordinarily famous for its Bijli Mahadev shrine that attracts a lot of devotees from all religious backgrounds and offers a therapeutic feeling of peace and calmness.
This article is a detailed elucidation of the history of Bijli Mahadev along with its weather, location, and pathway. The legend of Bijli Mahadev and its gift of tranquility to the masses envisage it as being highly famous among the present and future generations!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bijli Mahadev in Kullu
- What does Bijli Mahadev have to offer?
Bijli Mahadev temple is one of nature’s gifts of serenity and rejuvenation to humanity. The path to the temple offers irresistible views of the valley and gives the visitors a much-needed break from their daily schedules.
- How challenging is the trek to Bijli Mahadev?
The 3-km trek can be considered ideal for beginners and is easy to moderate during pleasant weather conditions.
- What are the timings for a visit to the Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu?
The Bijli Mahadev temple is open for visitors from 06:00 am to 07:00 pm on all days.
- What are the accommodation options near Bijli Mahadev in Kullu?
A small accommodation for around ten people is available next to the Bijli Mahadev temple. Apart from this, many homestays and hotels are available in Kullu.
- Are mobile signals available at the Bijli Mahadev temple?
Yes, there are mobile towers near the temple. Hence, mobile signals are not a problem even at such a high altitude.
Any more questions folks, please leave them in the comment box below.
