Markandeya Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The closest airports are Chandigarh and Shimla. Bilaspur can only be reached by road.

• By train

  The nearest railway station is Kiratpur, 65 km away.

• By road

  Bilaspur town is 88 km from Shimla, 135 km from Chandigarh and 360 km from Delhi. The temple is 20 km from the town.

Why devotees come here

Markandeya Temple stands 20 km from Bilaspur town in Himachal Pradesh. It is dedicated to Sage Markandeya and is said to be one of the most important spiritual sites in the region. The temple is set in its own complex, which hosts a fair for Baisakhi in April.

Markandeya Temple is dedicated to Sage Markandeya. The temple holds immense religious significance, and it is said to be one of the most important spiritual sites in the region. The fair in April for Baisakhi draws many pilgrims.

Legend says Markandeya was doomed to die at the age of 12, as foretold at the time of his birth. He prayed to Shiva, who blessed him with a long life on Baisakhi. Pilgrims still take a dip in a spring inside the temple complex, which is believed to have started on that day.

The Governor of the state has offered prayers at this revered shrine, which is dedicated to Sage Markandeya. The best months to visit the district are September to December.

Festivals

• AprilBaisakhi fair

  A fair at the Rishi Markandeya temple complex near Bilaspur draws many pilgrims for Baisakhi.

Tips for your visit

• Devotees take a dip at a spring in the temple complex, believed to have started on the day Markandeya was blessed with long life.
• The April fair is a big draw, so expect many pilgrims that month.

Questions people ask