Lightning Shiva Temple, a Wonderous Miracle Every 12 Years
A Divine Miracle Every 12 Years: The Lightning Shiva Lingam
The revered Lord Shiva, the deity of prosperity, is considered omnipresent in every particle. Many sacred Shiva shrines, brimming with miracles, exist across the country. Among these, the Lightning Mahadev Temple in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, stands out. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,460 meters, this temple is believed to witness a lightning strike on the Shiva Lingam each year. Astonishingly, the Shiva Lingam is believed to reunite itself. Perched atop a craggy rock, the Lightning Mahadev Temple is a center of faith for millions of devotees across India and abroad.
Legend has it that thousands of years ago, a demon named Kulantak resided in this sacred abode of Shiva in Himachal. Once, manifesting like a serpent, this demon attempted to disrupt the flow of the Beas River and submerge the valley in water. When Lord Shiva learned of this, he swiftly ended Kulantak with his trident. It is believed that after death, Kulantak's body transformed into a mountain. The name Kullu is said to be a corruption of his name. To prevent the demon's rebirth and alleviate suffering, a Shiva Lingam was installed atop the mountain, and Lord Indra was instructed to strike it with lightning every 12 years. This tradition is believed to continue to this day, with lightning occasionally striking the Shiva Lingam. Therefore, the temple is known as the Lightning Mahadev Temple. It is believed that this lightning tradition safeguards the people. Lord Shiva, out of compassion, absorbs the lightning to protect his devotees. This is why he is revered here as Lightning Mahadev. Significantly, but truthfully, the deity of prosperity, Lord Shiva, embodies the same protective spirit, as if drinking poison to safeguard living beings, earning him the title Neelkanth (Blue-Throated). Every 12 years, after the Shiva Lingam shatters, the temple priests carefully reassemble it with butter and resume the worship rituals. Devotees from far and wide, especially during the Shravan month, come to seek blessings from the Baba.
