The Bijjat Maharaj temple in Sarahan is 26 km away from Chaupal and 81 km from Shillai Sirmaur. This temple is situated between the fields and apple gardens of Sarahan village. And there is a forest of Devdar around. The height of the temple is 4 floors. Bijjat Maharaj is the main deity of the area. He is considered the symbol of Smriti or good health. The Bishu fair is held here in April. My million salutes to Bijjat Maharaj ji! Jai Bijjat Maharaj ji! Bijjat Maharaj ji is the richest deity in Himachal Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to Bijjat Devta, Lord Bijjat is the main deity of this area and Bijjat Devta is highly revered by the people of Sarahan and the entire Shimla, Sirmour, and Solan. People worship him with great devotion. Our Bijjat Maharaj is mighty. Bijjat Maharaj ji is the younger brother of our revered Shirgul Maharaj. All the people who go to Chuddhar to have darshan of Bholenath, also visit Bijjat Maharaj while coming or going. Only then are their wishes fulfilled.
Bijjat Maharaj History
This temple is an ancient temple of Bijjat Devta built in the 11th century. Bijjat Devta is the main deity of Hambhal Valley in Uttarakhand, Sirmour, and Chaupal. The twin temple of Bijjat Maharaj is the most famous in Himachal. Bijjat Maharaj is known as the “God of Lightning”. When you return from Churdhar, spending some time in the courtyard of Bijjat Maharaj in Sarahan gives you a lot of peace. Along with the temple, there is also a facility for tourists to stay here. There is some history about Bijjat Maharaj Temple in Sarahan which is very interesting.
Some Untold Stories About Bijjat Maharaj
According to folklore, there’s a story about Bijjat Maharaj that many haven’t heard. Once the king of Jubbal took Bijat Maharaj with him to Jubbal for the fair. The king asked the local deity Isht Devta Bendra that Bijat Maharaj ji had also come to the fair, so where would be his place? Then Devta Bendra said that he could not come beyond this boundary of the temple. It was raining outside during the fair. Due to this, the fair could not be held. Even after asking his deity, the rain did not stop. And the king of Jubbal was getting upset. Due to this, on the third day of the fair, the king came to ask Bijat Maharaj, then the deity Bijat Maharaj said what is the problem of the king. The king said Maharaj, due to continuous rain, the fair is not being held, due to which I am feeling insulted, please suggest some solution. Then the Maharaj said do not worry, as soon as you go out from here, the weather will become clear.
And as soon as the king comes out, the weather becomes clear. There was sunshine all around. Then the king immediately bows to Bijjat Maharaj and asks, Maharaj, do you have any orders for me? Then Bijjat Maharaj says that I have to come to the palace, and the king immediately takes Maharaj to the palace. And then Bijjat Maharaj appears before the isht Dev of Jubbal. At the same time, thick clouds appear in the sky, and lightning strikes. The lightning falls on the mace of Sataniya Devta, the entire mace goes through it. In the form of Parman, which is still present in the temple of Jubbal’s deity Bendra. There are many such names that Bijjat Maharaj has created.
Bijjat Maharaj Temple
Bijjat Maharaj Temple Highlights
- Ancient Structure: The architecture of the temple indicates its long and rich history.
- Idols: Inside the temple, you will find idols of Bijjat Maharaj Ji and Shirgul Maharaj.
- Unique structure: Both the temples are built alike and on the roof of both the temples are placed gold pots of pot shape, which further enhances its beauty. Such a structure is rare.
- Year-Round Visitors: People visit the temple throughout the year, drawn by its spiritual significance.
- Langar Facility: A community kitchen (langar) is always available for devotees.
- Devotee Attendance: Every year, long queues form as people come from Sirmaur and Chaupal to seek the darshan of Maharaj.
- Fulfillment of Wishes: It is believed that all wishes are granted here if approached with true devotion.
- Guidance for Mistakes: Bijjat Maharaj offers guidance and consequences for any mistakes made by devotees.
- Bringing Maharaj Home: If one wishes to bring Maharaj’s palgi (sacred presence) home, it requires careful preparation and attention to detail.
- Preparations for Jagran: For those who wish to do Jagran in the name of Bijjat Maharaj at home, all the necessary arrangements are informed well in advance.
- Significant Achievement: Successfully bringing Bijjat Maharaj home and back to his place without any faults is considered a great victory.
How to Reach Bijjat Maharaj Temple in Sarahan
The Bijjat Maharaj temple in Sarahan is very famous, 26 km away from Chaupal. It can be easily reached from Sirmour, Shimla and Solan. Sarahan is well connected to all districts of Himachal Pradesh by road. There are 3 popular routes to go to Churdhar. Sarahan of Shimla district is the base of the shortest route and there is a steep climb of 8 km. Whereas it is about 27 km from Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district. The third route is Nohradhar of Sirmaur from where there is a trek of 18 km. So all the people who go to Churdhar come to see Bijjat Maharaj.
