Baijnath Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Baijnath or Vaidyanath is a form (avatar) 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.
Baijnath temple is a 13th-century architectural site located in the town of Baijnath in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This ancient temple is built in the Nagara Style of temple architecture. Baijnath temple is a beautiful temple with a shikhara (temple tower) having a vestibule, a mandapa (main hall), and a sanctum. There is also a statue of Nandi in the entrance of the temple, which faces Lord Shiva in the inner sanctum. The inner and exterior walls of the temple are full of sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The overall design of this shrine is beautiful and it is a must-visit.
The lingam of Vaidyanath (Lord Shiva) resides inside. Many people travel to Baijnath in the hope that the Lord of Physicians will cure them of their ailments. The water at Baijnath is reputed to possess remarkable digestive properties and it is said that until recently the rulers of the Kangra Valley drank water only obtained from Baijnath.
History
The temple was constructed more than 1000 years around 1204 AD by local merchants and Lord Shiva devotees Ahuka and Manyuka. The ancient temple is believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it a place of religious importance in the country. Before the construction of the temple, a shrine of Lord Shiva was already established according to the porch of the temple.
It is believed that the water flowing from the temple has great medicinal qualities, healing the devotees from health issues to a great extent. The deity of Lord Shiva at the Baijnath temple is worshipped in the form of a physician due to the healing qualities.
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