About Bijli Mahadev Temple
Bijli Mahadev is a Shiva temple on a hilltop at about 2,460 metres, near Kashawri village above the Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. From the ridge there are views over the Kullu valley on one side and the Parvati valley on the other, where the Beas and Parvati rivers meet. It is one of the few Shiva temples set right on a mountaintop, and reaching it involves a short but steep walk through forest and meadow. The name means Lord of Lightning, and the temple is one of the best-loved shrines and day treks of the Kullu area.
According to local belief, lightning strikes the temple every twelve years and shatters the Shiva linga; the priest then gathers the pieces and joins them with a paste of homemade butter, pulse flour and grain, restoring its shape. One legend says Shiva killed the demon Kulanta, who took the form of a giant serpent and tried to flood the valley. Another says Shiva saved the Kullu valley from being submerged by defeating the demon Jalandhara. Tradition also holds that the Pandavas built the temple during their exile. The deity is honoured with fairs in the months of Baisakh, Sawan, Shoj and Bhadon.
The temple is built in the Kath-Kuni style of the hills, with layers of wood and stone, and devotees walk around the sanctum through a wooden corridor. In front stands a tall wooden staff of deodar, about 60 feet high, which is said to draw the lightning, and stone images of Shiva and Nandi flank the approach. The last stretch is a walk of about 3 km from the road head through deodar forest and open meadows, with small tea stalls on the way. In winter the hilltop is covered in deep snow.
Bijli Mahadev Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from morning until evening in the open season; the hilltop is snowbound in winter. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Bijli Mahadev Temple
By air
Kullu–Manali airport at Bhuntar is the nearest airport.
By train
There is no railway in the Kullu valley; the nearest railheads are in the plains, with onward travel by bus or taxi.
By road
Local buses and taxis go from Kullu towards the road head below the temple, followed by a walk of about 3 km. The temple can also be approached from the Parvati valley and from Naggar via Jana.
Festivals at Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Sawan month worshipJul/Aug
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Kullu Dussehra (the deity takes part)Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing; wear sturdy shoes for the walk and carry warm layers, as it is cold at the top.
- Entry
- Free.
- Start early; weather on the ridge often turns cloudy by afternoon.
- Wear good walking shoes and carry water and a rain jacket.
- Avoid the visit in winter, when the path and temple are under snow.
- Check road conditions in Kullu before setting out, especially in the monsoon.
Places to visit near Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Kullu townDistrict headquarters on the Beas, in the valley below
- Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, BajauraOld stone Shiva temple, about 23 km away
- NaggarOld capital with a castle, linked to the temple by a forest route via Jana
- ManikaranHot springs and pilgrimage town in the Parvati valley
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Bijli Mahadev?
Bijli means lightning; local belief holds that lightning strikes the linga about every twelve years, and the priest rejoins it with butter.
How long is the walk to Bijli Mahadev?
It is about 3 km on foot from the last motorable road, usually taking one to two hours.
What is the best time to visit Bijli Mahadev?
April to June and September to November; the hilltop is covered in snow in winter.
How high is Bijli Mahadev Temple?
It stands at about 2,460 metres above sea level.
What is the aarti time at Bijli Mahadev Temple?
Morning puja: Morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Bijli Mahadev Temple timings?
Usually open from morning until evening in the open season; the hilltop is snowbound in winter. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Bijli Mahadev Temple?
Modest clothing; wear sturdy shoes for the walk and carry warm layers, as it is cold at the top.
How to reach Bijli Mahadev Temple?
By air: Kullu–Manali airport at Bhuntar is the nearest airport. By train: There is no railway in the Kullu valley; the nearest railheads are in the plains, with onward travel by bus or taxi. By road: Local buses and taxis go from Kullu towards the road head below the temple, followed by a walk of about 3 km. The temple can also be approached from the Parvati valley and from Naggar via Jana.
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