The Bijli Mahadev Temple, a substantial structure, is 36 feet in length and 24 feet in breadth. The lower portion of the walls is of cut stone, no plaster being used completely. A covered verandah of carved deodar encircles the building, and the sloping roof is framed of sixth tiers of planks of the same wood, being protected at the top by a long beam, on which are placed small blocks that are ornamented with tridents. At the entrance, which is to the west, there are fancifully carved uprights that join on the roof, and a good deal of open carving also surrounds the arched windows in the fretted verandah. There stand at the entrance, which is to the west, two sculptured stone bulls. In around 1869 A.F.P. Harcourt saw, rising to the north of these, a lofty beam of Kali about sixty feet in height, sunk into the ground. It was said that the pole had to be replaced every two years, as within this period it was always struck by lightning, which curiously enough, is very prevalent in the locality. It was due to this event that the place got its name.
As per the legend, a demon named Kulant took form of a giant python snake and tried to obstruct River Beas. Lord Shiva killed the demon.
The giant dead body turned into mountainous hills ranging from Kullu to
Rohtang , including
Mandi . The name Kullu is derived from Kulant. The place where the demon was killed, a temple, devoted to Lord Shiva was built. The area is prone to fall of frequent celestial lightening. Every twelve year, terrible electricity falls on Shiva Lingam fragmenting it into numerous parts. The priests collect those parts and put together by applying butter. After a few months, Shiv Lingam changes into a solid original form.