Panchshul Taken Down at Baidyanath Dham: Shiva-Shakti Alliance Pauses Before Mahashivratri

• Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, observes unique traditions like Gathbandhan and Panchshul.
• A Panchshul, a five-pronged spear, is installed on the pinnacle of 22 temples within the complex, unlike the common Trishul.
• The Panchshul is taken down annually two days before Mahashivratri (February 13th this year) for a special ritual.
• During this ritual, the Panchshuls of Baba and Mother Parvati are brought together for devotees to touch, believed to bring blessings.
• The Gathbandhan (sacred thread tying) of Baba and Parvati temples also pauses until the Panchshul is re-installed on Mahashivratri.