Baijnath Shiva Temple, Palampur

Baijnath Temple, established in 1204 A.D by Ahuka and Manyuka, two regional merchants, is a chief attraction of Palampur, located at a distance of 16 km from the town. Since its establishment, the temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva, has continuously been under construction.

Inscriptions on the porch of the temple indicate the existence of a shrine of the Hindu deity, Shiva, prior to the construction of the temple. The temple’s present architecture is a fine example of the Nagara style of temples which is popular as the medieval north Indian temple architecture.

The Svayambhu form of ‘Shiva Lingam’ lies in the sanctum of the temple over which a tall Shikhara is mounted. An entrance hall leads to a square Mandapa, featuring two balconies of a massive size. The outer walls and outer doorway of the shrine showcase images of several deities apart from religious inscriptions.

A small four-pillared porch placed in front of the Mandapa with an idol of Nandi, the bull that serves as Shiva’s mount, can be seen in the temple.