Baijnath Temple, Kangra –
Festivals
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.
Dussehra:
In the town of Baijnath,
Dussehra festival in which traditionally the effigy of the Ravana is consigned
to flames is not celebrated as a mark of respect to the devotion of Ravana
towards Lord Shiva.
Makar Sankranti:
In
this festival, a gritmandal (column of butter) is placed on the Shiva
Linga for 8 days. The butter for the gritmandal is prepared by
washing desi ghee with water. On removal of gritmandal, the butter
which is believed to have medicinal importance is distributed among the
devotees.
Shivarathri:
A
five days state level festival is celebrated on the occasion of Shivarathri
with traditional gaiety and fervor. The towns of Baijnath and Paprola are
illuminated and the Shiva Temple is decorated with flowers and colourful
lights. Cultural Functions are held in the Indira Gandhi Stadium for five days
and a mela goes for several days near Shiva Temple. Havan is performed in the
temple for the welfare of universe.
Khor Maar:
On the occasion of Panch Bhikham
Chaturathi (October-November) walnuts are showered on the temple by the
devotees.
Sawan Melas:
Thousands of devotees throng the
temple especially on Mondays during the Sawan Month (July-August) to pay obeisance
to Shiva by offering jal on the Shiva Linga.
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