The Twenty-four Tantric Power Places/Bijli Mahadev in Himachal Pradesh.
Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, North India, 2012
"Bijli-Mahadev temple is a ‘Kash’ style temple that has a “Shiva-Lingam”. Bijli Mahadev temple is situated is called Mathan and is surrounded by Parbati, Garsa, Bhunter and Kullu valleys, 14 KM from Kullu. 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 got its name after the great miracle that occurs occasionally. The ‘Shiva-Lingam' is struck by lightning and it breaks into pieces, then the priest of the temple collects all the pieces and joins them together with the help of butter acting as an adhesive. During ‘Shivaratri’ every year, great rush of devotees gather here to pay homage to Lord-Shiva.
Opposite to the temple there are small stone statues situated and one can perform pooja there too. A 20mtr tall pole is installed which has got some interesting story. The pole is made of Deodar tree in a nearby forest area. Once in a while during special occasions the pole will be replaced by another one made from the tallest Deodar tree found in the forest. The local villagers and people from surrounding places come together to replace the pole and is a festival celebration for all of them. The tree is carved in the square shape and fixed firm in the place."