What is the secret of lightning on Shivling?

Why lightning strike on Mahadev once in every 12 years?
What is the secret of lightning on Shivling?
How broken Shivling regains its former form
Where is this Temple?

Himachal Pradesh is one of the beautiful state of India. Himachal, popularly known for its nowcapped mountains is also famous for its natural, cultural and ancient Temples, Where thousands of people visit every year. There is a temple in Kullu where lightning strikes on Mahadev once in every 12 years. Today, we will explore the fascinating tale of a distinctive temple situated in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, which stands as one of India’s oldest temple. At this sacred place, lightning strikes the temple once every 12 years, resulting in the fragmentation of the revered Shivlinga. What makes this occurrence even more astounding is that, with the application of a special paste, the fragmented Shivlinga miraculously regains its original form. The reason behind this temple’s Shivling being struck by lightning remains a mystery to scientists. In our quest to unravel this enigma, our team “Know Your Temples” visited the Bijli Mahadev Mandir and discovered some significant information of religious importance.

New Delhi:

This Shivling is situated at a distance of 18 kilometers from Kullu, called Mathan at an altitude of 2460 meters in the beautiful village of Kashwari in the Kullu valley. This temple is dedicated to Devadhidev Mahadev. There is also a confluence of Parvati and Vyas river on this temple situated on the high hills. And every 12 years, lightning mysteriously falls on the Shivling present in this temple. Despite all the efforts, no scientist has been able to understand its mystery yet. The Shivling existing in the temple breaks into pieces due to the incident of lightning. The special thing is that lightning only falls on the temple and its energy collides with the Shivling present in the temple. Except the temple, there is no lightning in other places of the village. This Shivling is also called “Makkhan Mahadev” by the local people, while some people also call it Shivalaya of Bijli Mahadev.

Where is the temple of Bijli Mahadev, what is the secret of lightning?

This Shivlinga of Bholenath is situated at an altitude of 2460 meters in Kashwari village of Kullu valley, 18 km from Kullu. This temple is dedicated to Devadhidev Mahadev. Located on a high hill, this temple has the confluence of rivers Parvati and Vyas. Every 12 years the Shivalinga in this temple is mysteriously struck by lightning. Despite all efforts, no scientist has been able to find out its secret so far. Due to the thunderbolt, the existing Shivalinga in the temple broke into pieces. The most surprising thing is that the thunderbolt fell only on the temple and the thunderbolt hit the Shivalinga of the temple. Lightning does not strike anywhere else in the village except the temple. This Shivalinga is also called Makhan Mahadev by locals, while some also call this Shiva as Bijli Mahadev.

Why does thunder happen only in this Shiva Linga? What is the History…

Here comes the biggest question, why this Shivling is hit by lightning in every 12 years? There are many Shiv Lingas in the country but only in Bijli Mahadev’s temple such miracle takes place. However, scientists still do not know the reason. But to know the reason we have to go back many ages. According to mythology, thousands of years ago a demon called Kulanta lived here. Who stopped the water of river Beas, the life of animals and humans living there was in danger due to the stoppage of water. Seeing this, Maharishi Vyasa approached Lord Shiva and hearing his request, Lord Shiva attacked Kulanta with his trident, resulting in his death. It is believed that the massive body of Kulanta Asura turned into a mountain and on this mountain Mahadeva was enthroned in the form of Shivaling.

What is the secret behind lightning?

In this Bijli Mahadev temple of Kullu, this lightning is happening not from today, but for hundreds of years. There is an iron pillar right in front of the sanctum of the temple. Which automatically collects electricity and flows it into the earth. Sometimes electricity reaches Shivalinga through these iron pillars. The lightning struck directly on the top of the temple. Due to which the entire Shiv Linga broke into pieces.

Thunder brings divine blessings

According to the locals, thunderstrom hits the temple which is a divine blessing for them. According to the villagers, the presiding deity protects the residents of the area from any evil. Lord Shiva took the thunderbolt upon himself to protect the villagers. Many believe that this lightning brings divine blessings to everyone.

According to Mythology:

According to mythology, the sprawling Kullu valley is said to resemble the form of a serpent, which was eventually slain by Lord Shiva himself. It is believed that every 12 years, with Lord Shiva’s consent, Lord Indra unleashes thunderbolts as a part of a celestial display. As a consequence of this awe-inspiring phenomenon, the Shivlinga within the temple shatters into fragments. In response to this occurrence, the temple priests administer a soothing treatment to the broken Shiva Linga by applying butter, alleviating any discomfort felt by Lord Mahadev.

Another intriguing myth recounts the existence of a demon named Kulanta in the Kullu valley. This malevolent entity once sought to halt the flow of the sacred River Beas, intending to bring harm to all living beings. Witnessing this malicious act, Lord Shiva became immensely wrathful. He created an illusion and approached the demon, cleverly informing him that his tail was ablaze.

Upon hearing Lord Shiva’s words, the unsuspecting Kulanta turned back to inspect, and in that very moment, Lord Shiva swiftly struck him on the head with his trident, bringing about the demise of the demon. Legend has it that the massive body of the vanquished demon transformed into a colossal mountain, now known as Kullur Pahar. In accordance with the myth, Lord Shiva commanded Lord Indra to shower the area with lightning every 12 years as a commemoration. Bholenath Shiva instructed Lord Indra to ensure the safety of the people, as the Lord himself shields his devotees by bearing the lightning’s force.

Additionally, a tale persists that Kulanta, assuming the form of an immense serpent, once encircled the entire Mathan village in Lahaul-Spiti. During this episode, he endeavored to obstruct the flow of the River Beas, resulting in a catastrophic flood that inundated the village. Lord Shiva valiantly confronted and defeated the demon, whose lifeless body subsequently transformed into an imposing mountain. This significant event led to the place being referred to as Kullu.

How to cover the broken Shivlinga!

The temple priests employ a special technique to mend the broken pieces of the Shiv Linga, which are damaged by the powerful impact of lightning. They carefully collect each fragment and employ a paste made from a combination of naj, lentils, and unsalted butter. This unique mixture acts as an ointment, facilitating the rejoining of the Shiv Linga. Over the course of several months, the fragments gradually unite, restoring the Shiv Linga to its original form. It is truly remarkable to witness the Shiv Linga undergoing this process of rejuvenation and returning to its previous state.

The immense glory of the temple:

As devotees step into the sacred inner chamber of the temple, they are met with the sight of a butter-wrapped yellow Shivlinga, representing Lord Bholenath. It is widely believed that Lord Bholenath compassionately absorbs all misfortunes and bestows blessings upon his devotees, shielding them from suffering and hardships.

Bijli Mahadev resides amidst the majestic splendor of towering mountains and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Each day, numerous devotees embark on a pilgrimage to this divine temple. For enthusiasts of trekking, this location is nothing short of paradise. While the Bijli Mahadev Temple is a sight to behold, reaching it is no easy feat. Devotees must navigate through challenging pathways to reach the sacred abode of Bijli Mahadev. As they ascend, the environment undergoes a captivating transformation. The air grows colder, the forests become denser, and with each step, fatigue dissipates as the scenic vistas rejuvenate the spirit. Upon reaching the hill’s summit, a magnificent panoramic view of the plains unfolds before their eyes. Through a small gateway, devotees enter Baba Bholenath’s sanctum, where the Bijli Mahadev temple stands adorned with ancient Shivlinga and Nandi idols, immersed in thousands of years of history. The temple premises are beautifully adorned, combining the allure of natural beauty with the divine presence of Lord Shiva. Devotees find solace and inner peace in this sacred space.

How to reach the temple –

This temple is located about 20 km from Kullu town of Himachal Pradesh. You can reach Kullu by private car or taxi from Delhi. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport coorporation ltd. has AC, Volvo and normal buses. Bijli Mahadev temple can be reached by trekking 3 km. Tourists coming to Kullu-Manali can definitely visit this temple.