Baijnath upholds its unique tradition, abstains from celebrating Dasehra

While effigies of Ravana go up in flames across India on Dasehra, one town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh quietly distances itself from the celebrations.

Baijnath, home to the centuries old famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, has never celebrated the festival — and tradition ensures it will never happen in future too.

The reason, locals say, finds an answer in mythology. According to legend, Ravana, the demon King of Lanka, was not only a formidable ruler but also one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva.

At Baijnath, he is believed to have performed intense penance, even severing his 10 heads as an offering to the deity. Pleased by such devotion, Lord Shiva restored Ravana’s heads and granted him immense power.

The tale has it that Ravana then requested Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. The Lord agreed, but in the form of a Shivling, and put a condition that it must not be set down on the ground during the journey. On his way back from Mount Kailash, Ravana was compelled to halt and the Shivling was placed at Baijnath. It has remained here permanently. The town thus became a sacred abode of Lord Shiva.

In the 13th century, a temple was built at the site, which today attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. But, out of reverence for Ravana’s devotion to Shiva, the residents of this town never celebrate Dasehra. For them, burning the effigy of Ravana is tantamount to insulting their Lord’s most ardent devotee.

Dharminder Sharma, head priest of Baijnath Temple, said that going by the tradition the residents of Baijnath have never burnt Ravana's effigy.

Some folklores warn of dire consequences for those who attempt to defy the tradition. There are stories of people, who tried to organise Dasehra celebrations in the town, faced misfortune. Many residents believe this to be the wrath of Lord Shiva. These beliefs are deeply rooted in the town’s culture. And so, while the rest of India celebrates the triumph of good over evil, Baijnath continues to uphold its unique tradition—choosing reverence over revelry.