About Baijnath Temple
The Baijnath Temple stands in the town of Baijnath in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, on the bank of the Binwa stream at the foot of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, the Lord of Physicians, and the town, once called Kiragrama, takes its name from the deity. The sanctum holds a Shiva linga. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is one of the finest medieval stone temples in the western Himalaya, and devotees believe the water of the nearby stream has healing qualities.
Two long inscriptions in the main hall, in Sanskrit (Sharada script) and Pahari (Takri script), record that the temple was built by two local merchants, Ahuka and Manyuka, during the reign of Jaya Chandra; it is generally dated to 1204, and the inscriptions show that an older Shiva temple stood here before. According to legend, Ravana carried Shiva's linga from Kailash on the condition that he never set it down, but he placed it on the ground here and it became fixed. In respect for Ravana's devotion, Dussehra is not celebrated in Baijnath. In 1786 Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra had the spire and roof repaired.
Built in the Nagara style, the temple has a tall curved shikhara over the sanctum and a mandapa in front, all of finely dressed stone. The outer walls are covered with niches and carvings, including Ganesha, Harihara (half Vishnu, half Shiva), Kalyanasundara (the marriage of Shiva and Parvati) and Shiva's defeat of the demon Andhaka; some sculptures are older than the present building. Smaller shrines stand in the walled courtyard, and the green lawns and mountain backdrop make it a lovely place to sit. On clear days the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar rise directly behind the spire.
Baijnath Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning until evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Baijnath Temple
By air
Gaggal (Kangra) airport near Dharamshala is about 55 km away.
By train
Paprola station on the Kangra Valley narrow-gauge line from Pathankot serves Baijnath; Amb Andaura is the nearest broad-gauge station.
By road
Baijnath is on the Pathankot–Mandi highway (NH 154), about 16 km from Palampur, with buses and taxis from Palampur, Dharamshala and Pathankot.
Festivals at Baijnath Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Makar SankrantiJan
- Vaisakha SankrantiApr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended; carry warm layers in winter.
- Entry
- Free.
- Walk around the outer walls slowly; the carvings are the highlight.
- Read about the inscriptions in the hall, which record the temple's founding.
- Combine the visit with Palampur's tea gardens and paragliding at Bir.
- Winter mornings are cold; carry a jacket.
Places to visit near Baijnath Temple
- PalampurTea-garden town, about 16 km away
- BirTibetan settlement and paragliding site, about 15 km away
- DharamshalaHill town and seat of the Dalai Lama, about 65 km away
Frequently asked questions
How old is Baijnath Temple?
Its inscriptions date it to about 1204 CE, when two merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka built it on the site of an older Shiva shrine.
Why is Dussehra not celebrated in Baijnath?
Tradition links the temple's linga with Ravana's devotion to Shiva, so the town does not burn his effigy.
Is Baijnath in Himachal a Jyotirlinga?
It is not one of the twelve Jyotirlingas; it is a famous medieval Shiva temple dedicated to Vaidyanath.
How far is Baijnath from Palampur?
About 16 km by road along the Pathankot–Mandi highway.
What is the aarti time at Baijnath Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Baijnath Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning until evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Baijnath Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended; carry warm layers in winter.
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