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The
Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple
that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall
curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to sanctum is through a vestibule
that has a large square Mandapa in front with two massive balconies one
each in north and south.
There is a
small porch in front of the Mandapa Hall that rests on four pillars in
the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small pillared
shrine. The whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in
the south and north.
The outer
walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and
goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls. The
outer doorway in the porch as also the inner doorway leading to the
sanctum of the temple are also studded with a large number of images of
great beauty and iconographic importance. Some of them are very rare to
be found elsewhere.
The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all
over India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered
in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and
during festive seasons.
Makara
Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Vaisakha Sankranti, Shravana Mondays, etc.
are celebrated with great zeal and splendor. A five-day state level
function is held here on Maha Shivratri every year.
Besides this temple there are other ancient shrines in and around the
place such as Mahakala temple complex that has recently been renovated,
the Sidhanath temple, Mukutanath temple etc.
Besides
the serene surroundings and salubrious climate of middle range hills of
Baijnath, tourists interested in adventure can also enjoy paragliding at
nearby (about 10 km) Bir and go for trekking in the region.
Getting There
Baijnath Temple is located in the Baijnath village, roughly 46 km
away from Kangra on the way to Mandi. The Pathankot-Jogindernagar toy
train route passes through Paprola which is roughly 1 km from Baijnath.
Being a city and a municipal
council in Kangra district, Kangra is well connecting by road to the rest of
the Himachal Pradesh. There is a broad gauge railhead
located in Pathankot near Kangra at a distance of around 90 km. Taxis are
available from railway station to the city.
Reaching Kangra by airways can be
through the
Gaggal Airport, which is connecting the airport to Delhi and Chandigarh
by Air India, JetSpice and Jagson Airlines. This Airport is situated at a distance of nearly
12 kilometers from Kangra. Taxi services from the
Gaggal Airport to Kangra.
For local transport, the
commuters have the options of city bus and auto-rickshaw. Auto rickshaws
are the popular mode of local commuting.
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