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HISTORY,
LEGENDS & MYTHOLOGY
15-century old temple to be revived in Kullu
Baijnath (Kullu):
Himachal Pradesh is known as 'land of temples' and
it continues to be one of the important destinations
for pilgrims. Thousands of pilgrims from across the
country and abroad visit the state every year. Keeping
this in mind, government authorities in Kullu have
decided to revive the 1500-year-old Mahakaal temple
in Baijnath. A classic example of Nagara architecture,
the temple is an important site for devotees of Lord
Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Shiva in the form of
"Mahakaal" here killed a demon named "Jallandhar".
"Demon Jalandhar asked for the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him with
immortality. However, Jalandhar misused used his powers
leading Shiva to adopt the form of Mahakaal to kill
the demon," said Ram Kumar, Priest of Mahakaal Temple.
It is said that devotees who offer black things at
the temple, Saturn brings good luck to them. Also
all sins are washed away if one takes a bath in the
pond situated in the temple.
However,
over the years due to lack of proper maintenance,
the number of pilgrims coming here have gone down.
Therefore District authorities have decided to put
the temple to its past glory. "There are plans to
reconstruct bathing premises. Also the temple pond
is being enlarged. There will also be a separate temple
for lord Shani," said Sandeep Kumar, Sub-divisional
Magistrate, Baijnath. Authorities are also planning
to construct rest rooms and 'langar bhavans' for devotees.
Devotees coming here are happy with the decision of
the authorities and say that better facilities at
the temple will enable them to visit more frequently.
"I have been to various temples of Lord Shiva. But
I felt really good here. I am happy that I came here,
otherwise I would have missed something important,"
said Asha, a tourist. Administration is also planning
to take the help of the media to popularise this temple.
-Sept
26, 2004
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