Kangra Valley Temples

Earlier,we discussed about ShaktiPeeths Temples In Kangra Valley,but there are 

many other temples are situated into Kangra Valley. In Kangra Valley Temples,

There are different beautiful and historical temples are available which can we 

follow as:-

1. Baijnath Temple

In Kangra Valley Temples, Baijnath Temple is a revered shrine of Himachal Pradesh. 

Located at a distance of 18 kms from Palampur in the Beas valley, Baijnath Temple is

dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva temple at Baijnath is one of the most remarkable

monuments of the Kangra valley Temples. Ancient name of this town was 'Kirgrama' 

and changed to Baijnath after dedicating the temple to our Lord Shiva.According to

mythology (Shiva Mahapurana), Lord Shiva established lingams, which were shining 

with light, at 12 different places as a challenge against Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. 

There are 12 such places in India which are popular due to the Jyothirlingas.Baijnath 

or Vaidyanath is a form of Lord Shiva. In this avatar, Lord Shiva is known to be the 

'Lord of Physicians', in contemporary terms, he can be called a doctor,healing people 

of their miseries and sufferings. Yes, in the Baijnath temple, Shiva is worshipped as the

'God of Healing', and this is one of the popular temples in Himachal Pradesh.

Mythology on Baijnath Temple

There are several versions of the legend relating to Lord Vaidyanath or Baijnath.One

famous legend tells us about the demon King Ravana and his penance to obtain 

invincible power.

The well-known character from the epic Ramayana, the demon King Ravana was a 

great devotee of Lord Shiva.Once,he performed a huge self-punishment to gain the
blessings of Lord Shiva in order to obtain the kingdom of Lanka. While doing the
self-punishment, Ravana cut off his ten heads and offered it to the sacrificial fire.
So, Lord Shiva was very pleased with Ravana's allegiance and not only gave him
the boon but also fixed all of his ten heads. It is said that Lord Shiva transformed as
'Vaidhya' and healed the injuries of Ravana. Hence, he is worshipped in the form of
Vaidyanath.

2. Rock Cut Masroor Temple

In Kangra Valley Temples,Counted among the magnificent rock cut temples of India, 

the beautiful Masroor Temple is situated 40 km from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.

The temple is a unique bulky structure and is also one of the most unexplored temples 

in Himachal Pradesh.The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.

From the temple site, you can get an amazing view of the snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges. 

It elevate black stone images of Ram, Lakshman and Sita facing east.

Rock-cut style is much more difficult than the other structural one. The limitation makes

an artist creation out of  rock a most difficult task and the ability with which the remote 

artist of seventh and eighth centuries carried out their purpose is superhuman.Although 

the remote location of Masroor temples protected them from the invading army of 

Mahmud Ghazni and their stone construction prevented severe damage in the 1905

earthquake.

Myth on Rock Cut Masroor Temple of Kangra Valley

According to the local myths of Kangra Valley Temples, the Pandavas spent a long

period of time here in this temple site during their exile. Another story tells about the

existence of an incomplete staircase which is found inside the Masroor temple. It is 

said that the staircase was build by the Pandavas to reach heaven.They took an oath 

to over the construction work by the same day morning. Listening to the Indra, the king

of the Gods got tensed as the stairs would make the way to reach heaven easily 

accessible. So he hides himself in the form of a crow and crowed loudly before the 

early dawn. Due to this the Pandavas, could not complete the staircase.

3. Bathu ki Ladi

As we know,Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the wonderful richness of wild life which 

any naturalist would love to track.The state has a diverse and hidden history from the 

time of Pandavas, which are hidden in small corners of Himachal Pradesh. One such 

hidden temple with a History are Bathu temples in the Kangra Valley Temples of 

Himachal Pradesh.The mystery of this struck path in Himachal Pradesh disclose the

amazing sight of a string of Bathu temples which stays submerged for 8 months of the 

year. Popularly known as “Bathu ki Ladi”.It is the place of diverse cultures,land of fare

and festivals,land of peace and joy,a place where you can see nature at its best.It is
one of the best known locations to spend your holidays and have a lifetime of experience.

 

This cluster of temples become visible only in the months of March-June when the

water level of Maharana Pratap reservoir dips down considerably.The rest of the 

time the temple remains submerged in water. The temple is made of very strong stone 

and even after 30 years of being submerged in water it is standing tall and beautiful. 

The big Pillar next to these temples is the only visible thing you get to see when the 

Pong Dam Lake is very much in water as all the temples are submerged in the water

As the other Kangra Valley Temples,This temple is different from them.It is in the 

midst of Pong Dam, one has to take a boat to reach the shrine. Around the temple is 

a place like an island that is named Rensar.The temples are three kilometer away
from Dhameta, a small town in Kangra.

Historical Significance Of Temples:-

The locals believes that in various historical stories about the temple but there are two

famous ones which are follow as-:

1. Some people believe that the temple was constructed by a local king

2. Bathu ki Ladi is also said to be constructed by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata era.

It is also believed that they tried to construct the “Staircase to Heaven” from here only.

The cluster  of this temple consists of 6 temples out of which 5 are dedicated to Lord 

Vishnu and the main one in the center is dedicated to Lord Shiva.Also this temple 

contains idols of Sheshnag and Lord Hanuman.

4. Baba Baroh Temple

Like as Kangra Valley Temples,one another pretty temple is situated in Kangra
District known as Baba Baroh Temple.Baba Baroh Temple is located at the
tehsil of Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh,Baba Baroh Temple is a popular
pilgrimage destination.The temple is consecrated to Lord Krishna and Radha.
Baba Baroh Temple is not only visited for its religious importance,but also for
its scenic surroundings and for the stunning marble sculptures.This temple is
popular for the largest amount of white marble used for any temple in
Himachal Pradesh.

History and Mythology of Baba Baroh

In the history of Kangra Valley Temples,Baba Baroh temple is one which is entirely constructed of white marble. The idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed in the main temple..The temple was constructed by a local Pandit. The temple also houses an idol of Goddess Durga which is made of metal.The main temple stands in the temple premises.At the other corner, there is a temple of Lord Shiva.

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