Bijli Mahadev near Kullu

Bijli Mahadev is located near Kullu (head quarters of Kullu district) in Himachal Pradesh state of India. This is a hill station located at a height of 7500ft. The name of the hill where Bijli Mahadev temple is situated is called Mathan and is surrounded by Parbati, Garsa, Bhunter and Kullu valleys. There is a Shiva temple on top of the hill. There is a small village just down below the temple and the name of the village is also called Bijli Mahadev. People in this village take care of the maintenance aspects of the temple. This place is full of mystery and miracles. The name comes from the fact that, the lightening (Bijli) strikes the Shiva linga inside the temple and breaks into pieces. The Shiva ling (Mahadev) will be joined together and installed in a special occasion using a locally made adhesive. One can witness the charred part (especially on the walls) inside the temple which is due to the flames resulted during lightning. Devotees can give offerings in the Hundi only kept inside the temple. Some puja articles are available inside the temple without any additional cost. Photography is not restricted anywhere in the place. To go to Bijli Mahadev, one has to reach Kullu (district head quarters) first from Delhi or other places. Then, come to Ramshilla from Kullu which is very nearby (approx. 1Kms) and cross the bridge which is for crossing Beas river to go towards Bhunter or Manikaran. Just after crossing the bridge, ask any local person to travel towards Bijli Mahadev hill. The road is towards Bhuntar and one has to take left side road (instead of going straight which goes towards Bhuntar) to climb the hill. From Ramshilla motorable road is available till parking place which is 20Kms after Chansari village. From Chansari village parking place is 5Kms. Parking fee has to be given. From this place 3-4 Kms trekking to be done to reach Bijli Mahadev. Trekking duration is 2-3 hrs with 3-4 rest points. Himachal transportation buses available at Kullu bus station to reach Bijli Mahadev (upto Chansari or parking place before trekking place).