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Introduction
The Rig-Veda has a prayer of Maharishi
Vashishta to Lord Rudra to absorb the excessive electric current within himself. It is
said Lord Rudra acceded and absorbed the excessive electricity current and saved mankind.
According to legend this episode took place at the sangam (Confluence) of Parvati and Beas
rivers. This is one of the very popular stories in the mythological background of Beas
basin, in Himachal Pradesh. As expected the devotees had set up a temple and the lingam in
it is named Bijleshwar Mahadev or Bijli Mahadev.
There is a popular story. After about 12
years regularly there is a frightful lightning and the lingam is reduced to pieces. It is
said that Lord Siva absorbs the energy discharged from the atmosphere and saves the world.
The temple pujaris collect pure cow's butter and the broken pieces of lingam are put in
the butter, which works as an adhesive, and the lingam is reset. The work of resetting the
lingam is carried out in secrecy by the pujaris (priests) and the Kardars (employees) of
the temple.
The temple is located opposite the Kulu
town and on top of a hill crest. The journey has to be negotiated by a rough climb. Two
nandis (bulls) face the door of the temple. The big wooden pole of deodar on the ground of
the temple is said to receive the first brunt of the electric shock. The door frames have
a delicate and superb carving. The mela in the month of Sravan at this place attracts
thousands of people.
Author: P.C.Roy Choudary
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