Shri Markandeya temple in Bilaspur

Markandeya is 20 km from Bilaspur. Markandeya is a small village in Bilaspur District noted for the Markandeya Temple. It is on Ghagus- Brahmpukhar road. This place is named after Rishi Markanday, who was born here. Nearby flows a spring of water, which attracts the pilgrims of Char Dham. A festival is celebrated here annually on Baisakhi with great pomp and splendor. Markandeya Temple isdedicated to Sage Markandeya who lived and worshipped there. Legends claim that a tunnel connected Markandeya and Vyas caves and the sages used to visit each other through this subterranean route. A night fair held in the nearby spring on the Baisakhi day draws a large number of devotees. Around Markandeya Sariun Fort : To the eastern side of the Tiun range, on the lifty range and peak of Sariun like this stronghold at an elevation of about 1500 mt. above MSL. It is about 58 Km. from Bilaspur. Tradition holds that the fort was originally built by same Raja of the erstwhile Suket State and was subsequently wrested by the ruler of Bilaspur. Tiun Fort : Relics of a fort on the top of a hill known as Tiun range, at distance of about 55 Km. from Bilaspur, on the Ali Khad crossing Ghumarwin - Ladraur motorable road and about 10 Km. of Ghumarwin proper still serves to remind of the ancient turbulent times when wars in this area were perhaps a routine feature.   Quick Facts State: Himachal Pradesh Distt: Bilaspur Destination: Markandeya. Climate: All the seasons of nature visit Bilaspur during the year. Situated in the hot temperature zone the climate of Bilaspur ranges from high temperature to sub tropical. Altitude: Markandeya is situated at an altitude of about 685 metres. Best time to visit: All the year round.   How to get there Air: Chandigarh and Shimla are the nearest airports, located at 135-km and 86-km from Markandeya. Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Kiratpur Sahib and nearest narrow gauge railway station is at Shimla, which are connected by regular bus , services. Road: Situated on the National Highway No. 21 Deluxe Buses and Ordinary Buses ply from Chandigarh to Biaspur via Kiratpur on the way to Manali crossing Mandi and Kullu. It can be approached by bus or taxi from Shimla via Darlaghat.