Himachal Pradesh, also known as God’s own land or Devbhumi is famous for its many temples and places of religious interest. One among them is Baba Balak Nath temple. It is situated on the Deotsidh Dhar Range in Shivalik Hills with the snow capped Dhaula Dhar Range standing tall as a back drop.
There is a cave carved out of a rock which is stated to be the abode of Babaji. An idol of Babaji is placed in this cave. The temple is located on the border of Bilaspur and Hamirpur in a place called Deot Sidh (in Chakmoh village) in the Hamirpur district.
The entrance to the cave has been modified as Shikhar style temple. There is also an ancient temple of Radha-Krishana here besides Bhritrihati Mandir and Math Sthal. Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad visit this temple to reinforce their firm faith in the “Siddha Tradition“.
The most popular story about the birth of Baba Balak Nath as ‘sidh-purush’ is associated with the Amar Katha of Lord Shiva. A parrot nestling incidentally heard the Amar Katha Srimad Bhagavatam, The Gospel of Immortality, being narraated by “Lord Shiva” to “Parvati”. Lord Shiva’s Trident ‘Trishul’ followed parrot nestling. Parrot nestling hid in the stomach of the wife of Rishi (Sage) Vyasa and requested a promise of forgivness from Lord Shiva for coming out. The promise was that when parrot nestling would come out in human form, it along with all the children born at that time might become eternal. Lord Shiva agreed for that and an extraordinary beautiful lad came out and vowed before Lord Shiva for blessing. This lad famed as ‘Sukdev Muni’, later on. The other babies who got birth at that time were famous as Nau Nath and Chaurasi Sidh. One of them was Baba Balak Nath.
According to ‘Lok Srutis’ Baba Ji reincarnates in every time frame that is termed as Yuga in Hindu Religious structure of time. He was known as ‘Skanda’ in ‘Sat Yuga’, ‘Kaul’ in ‘Treta Yuga’ and ‘Mahakaul’ and ‘Dvapra Yuga’.
‘Mahakaul’ of ‘Dvapra Yuga’, while visiting ‘Kailasha Parvata’, met an old woman on the way. The old lady asked of his mission and destination. After listening to him she advised ‘Mahakaul’ to meditate on the bank of ‘Mansarovar’ and request ‘Mother Parvati’ (who would come there for bathing on special occasions), help him in reaching ‘Lord Shiva’. ‘Mahakaul’ acted as told and became successful in his mission of reaching ‘Lord Shiva’. On seeing ‘Balayogi Mahakaul’, ‘Lord Shiva’ became very happy and blessed Baba to be the ‘Sidha symbol’ of worshipping for devotees in ‘Kaliyuga’ and his child-like image to remain forever.
This cave shrine attracts millions of devotees from India and overseas. The devotees offer sweet Indian Flour Bread, “Rota” at the altar of Babaji. Goats are also offered to Babaji as a thanksgiving gesture for his love. These goats are not sacrificed but instead are fed and taken care of. Melas are organized during the Holi festival. Sunday is considered as an auspicious day to visit Babaji and consequently attracts a swarm of devotees on this day.
Earlier women are not allowed to enter the cave. There is a raised platform just opposite the cave from where women can take darshan of Babaji. Women are not allowed to enter the cave. There is a raised platform just opposite the cave from where women can take darshan of Babaji.
Belief surrounding the temple states that if a childless couple comes to offer prayers at this temple, they will be soon blessed with a beautiful progeny! Devotees from around the world come to the temple to seek his blessings especially on Sundays and during Navratras. On Sundays, priest of the temple ‘Baba Ji’ sits on his ‘Gaddi’ and answers all queries related to health, wealth, future, children, and marriage, etc. put up by devotees. It is said that upon setting himself on the ‘Gaddi’ the priest gets supernatural powers of prediction of Baba Balak Nath himself.
Source:
https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/baba-balak-nath
http://www.holidayiq.com/Baba-Balak-Nath-Temple-Kasauli-Sightseeing-404-8278.html
https://www.yatra.com/india-tourism/attractions-in-kasauli/shri-baba-balak-nath-temple
http://www.discoveredindia.com/himachal-pradesh/attractions/temples/baba-balak-nath-temple.htm