Temples

There are some places in the Himalayas that don’t demand your attention with towering peaks or adventure. Instead, they quietly draw you in with the sound of temple bells, the fragrance of incense, and an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. Baijnath Temple, nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, is one such place.

My visit happened just before the beginning of the holy month of Shravan, when preparations for the annual festivities had already begun. The roads leading to the temple were lined with stalls selling fresh marigold garlands, bel leaves, rudraksha malas, brass bells, and small clay diyas. Pilgrims from nearby villages had already started arriving, and every conversation seemed to revolve around Lord Shiva and the upcoming Sawan Mondays.