Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous Lord Shiva temple in Bajaura, about 15 kilometres from Kullu on the banks of the River Beas in Himachal Pradesh. The temple, also known as Bisheshwar or Visveshvara Mahadev Temple, reflects a magnificent blend of architectural styles dating back to the early medieval period, approximately the 9th to 11th centuries A.D.

The temple is built in the pyramid style and contains a large “Yoni-Lingam” idol of Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. The Basheswar Mahadev Temple in Kullu is a popular temple for its religious significance and architectural marvel. It is said that the Pandavas built this temple during their exile.

Significance of Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

Bajaura, perched on the banks of the Beas River and located on the trade route that once connected the plains of Mandi with the Kullu Valley and beyond to the Himalayas, was a thriving marketplace. Bajaura’s name is derived from ‘bazaar,’ indicating its historical role as a trade hub. Among its notable landmarks is the Shri Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Basheshar Mahadev and Vishveshwar Mahadev, a stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that exemplifies the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

The Shri Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is well known for its historical and archaeological significance. This ancient stone structure dedicated to Lord Shiva (Basheshar or Vishveshwar in Sanskrit means ‘Lord of the Universe’) is Kullu’s largest stone monument. To get to the temple, visitors must first travel to Bajaura, which is near Bhuntar and Kullu, and then walk 200 meters along a narrow path off the main road.

History of Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Bajaura, approximately 5 kilometres south of Bhuntar. The temple was built in the ninth century AD. The incredible architecture of this stone temple protected it from being damaged during the devastating earthquake of 1905. The government declared the temple a heritage monument. According to legend, the Pandavas built the temple in one day during their exile.

The temple was built according to Adi Shankaracharya’s worship style. The style is “Panch Dev Puja,” in which five Gods/Goddesses are worshipped simultaneously. The Basheswar Temple is Kullu Valley’s largest stone temple. Despite several centuries of renovations and restorations, the temple’s original architectural beauty and spiritual significance have been well preserved.

The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple honours Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of creation, destruction, and transformation. Devotees come to the temple to seek blessings, pray, and perform rituals honouring Lord Shiva’s divine power.

The Architecture of Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

The Shri Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is an architectural marvel, featuring a grand structure with an unusually thick tower, or’shikhara.’ The temple’s outer walls are adorned with intricate pot and foliage carvings that form a repeating pattern. Smaller minarets with recessed bhadramukhas surround the temple, depicting Lord Shiva’s three faces as creator, protector, and destroyer, respectively.

The temple’s exterior is adorned with carvings of Naga couples holding interlaced snake tails, Kinnars in a loving embrace, birds, and elephants. The remaining three corners of the temple contain images of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga.

A Linga resides in the sanctum sanctorum or place of worship. The temple’s front porch features two female figures representing the two rivers, Ganga and Jamuna.

The remaining three corners of the temple have niches with figures of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga. The temple’s south side niche is occupied by an elephant-headed Ganesha seated on a lotus throne and supported by two lions.

The temple’s back or West niche houses a beautifully carved image of Lord Vishnu. The four-armed God is holding a chakra, a lotus flower, a mace (gadda) and a conch shell (shankha) in his right hand, respectively.

The third sculpture, located in the North niche, depicts Goddess Durga slaying a demon. The Goddess is eight-armed, and one of her hands plunges a trident (trishul) into the demon’s body, while the other three hold a thunderbolt, an arrow, and a sword.

Important Facts About Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

• Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, located in the village of Bajaura on National Highway 21, is 16 kilometres from the Kullu Bus Stand.
• Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is thought to be the largest stone temple in Kullu Valley. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as the Visweshvara Mahadev Temple.
• This ancient temple is said to have been built in the eighth to eleventh century. The temple is located on the banks of the River Beas and houses a large Yoni Lingam depicting Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati.
• Basheshwar Mahadev Temple was built in the Pahari style. This temple is famous for its intricate stone carvings, sculptures, and flat shikhara.
• The temple’s exteriors are sculpted with floral designs, while the interiors feature fine stone carvings.
• This complex also includes several small shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu.
• The temple is a significant example of classical North Indian architecture influenced by local traditions, particularly the Kullu style of construction.
• It was built by the Pandavas during their exile, but it has been renovated several times over the years, adding to its historical significance.

Best Time to Visit Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the Summer and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it difficult for everyone due to landslides and bad weather.

Famous Festivals In Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the village of Bajaura in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.

By Air: Bhuntar Airport is the only airport in the region which is only 4 Km away from the temple. It is close to the Basheshwar Mahadev Temple. Chandigarh Airport is the largest Airport in the region which is 222 km away from the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Chandigarh Railway Station which is 222 Km away from the temple. From here you can either take a taxi or bus service. The temple is easily accessible by road from Kullu or Bhuntar, via private taxis, buses, or rental cars.

By Road: The Temple is located in Bajaura village, about 15 kilometres from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Basheswar Mahadev Temple is located on National Highway 21 on the banks of the River Beas. The temple is easily accessible by road from Kullu or Bhuntar, via private taxis, buses, or rental cars.

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