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Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres one can reach this
temple by a tough but rewarding climb through a 6-km long trek. From the
temple site, a panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is available. A
sixty-foot high staff of Bijli Mahadev Temple glistens like a silver
needle in the sun, this is a visible even from
Kullu .
THE LEGEND OF BILJI MAHADEV
The Rig-Veda has a prayer of Maharishi Vashishta to Lord Rudra to absorb
the excessive electric current within himself. It is said Lord Rudra
acceded and absorbed the excessive electricity current and saved mankind.
According to legend this episode took place at the 'Sangam' of Parvati and
Beas rivers. This is one of the very popular stories in the mythological
background of Beas basin, in Himachal
Pradesh . As expected the devotees had set up a temple and the
'linga' in it, is named Bijleshwar Mahadev or Bijli Mahadev.
There is a popular story too. After about 12 years regularly there is a
frightful lightning and the 'linga' is reduced to pieces. It is said that
Lord Shiva absorbs the energy discharged from the atmosphere and saves the
world. The temple pujaris or priests collect pure cow's butter and the
broken pieces of 'linga' are put in the butter, which works as an
adhesive, and the 'linga' is reset. The work of resetting the 'linga' is
carried out in secrecy by the pujaris and the Kardars or employees of the
temple.
Two Nandis or bulls face the door of the temple. The big wooden pole of
deodar on the ground of the temple is said to receive the first brunt of
the electric shock. The doorframes have a delicate and superb carving. The
fair held in the month of 'Sravan' at this place attracts thousands of
people.
Tapu cross bridge over Beas river from Akhara Bazar, take local bus up to Trambali get down at Kinza, almost mid-way to the temple-trek 6-km in thick jungles to reach Bijli Mahadev.