DEOGHAR: "The city of Temples"

DEOGHAR: "The city of Temples"

ABOUT DEOGHAR:-

Located in northeastern Jharkhand, Deoghar is a major Hindu pilgrimage and a famous health resort. It has the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one of the twelve 'jyotirlingas' in India. Baidyanath Dham, situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important piligrim centre. It's famous for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday centre. 
Deoghar is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Numerous Buddhist ruins are also located nearby. Deoghar has a hospital, a tuberculosis clinic, and a leper asylum and houses several colleges (including a teacher-training institute) affiliated with Bhagalpur University. The Muslim invader Bhaktiyar Khilji made Deoghar his capital in 1201 after the conquest of Bihar.

Deoghar (also called Baidyanath Dham) is in Jharkhand. It is famous for the most revered of all Jyotirlingams, the Baidyanath (Shiva) Jyotirlingam temple also known as the Kamnalingam Temple 

Jyotirlinga:-

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of preservation) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation. To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. 

Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. 

The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. 

Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.

The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra, Baidyanath at Deoghar in Jharkhand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

BAIDHNATH TEMPLE:-

There are 22 temples in the same campus of different Gods and Goddesses among which Lord Shiva is empowered as being supreme. Modern concepts ascribe that the shrines are of both old and new styles. 

The temple of Shiva, Baidyanath faces the east, and is 72 feet tall, and it is lotus shaped. According to religious belief this temple has been built by Vishwakarma, the architect of gods. There are three parts of this temple; i.e., the main temple, the middle part of the main temple, and the entrance part of the main temple. The main temple is beyond historical dates. It has been visited since the age of Rama, the king of Ayodhya. 

The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, which were donated by Maharaja of Gidhaur, Raja Puran Singh. Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a 'PUNCHSULA' (Five knives in Tridenta shape), which is rare. In the inner top there is an eight petaled lotus jewel (CHANDRAKANTA MANI). 

The main 'LINGAM' (Lord Shiva) is also very rare. To the east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large vat into which flows the water and milk offered as ablution. The lingam is of a cylindrical form about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the center of a large slab of basalt. It is not possible to ascertain how much of the lingam is buried. The top is broken and has uneven surface. 

There are different porches in the temple. One porch leads to the cell where the lingam is fixed. The second porch is in front with a row of pillars spanned by blocks of basalt and on the right side there is a sandstone image of a bull. 
There are bells fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell-ropes to announce their approach to the divinity. The courtyard has eleven other temples, mainly of Maa Parvathi, Maa Kali, Maa Jagat Janani, Kal Bhairav and Lakshminarayan. Maa parvathi temple is tied up with the main temple, with huge red sacred threads which is unique and worthy of reverence, showing the unity of Shiva and Shakti.

Nearest railway station is Jasidih railway station, which is 7 km from Vaidyanath temple. Jasidh is 311 km from Howrah/Sealdah on Patna route. On a normal day, the worshipping of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam begins at 4 AM. 

The temple doors open at this time. During 4:00am to 5:30 am, the Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. Locals also call it Sarkari Pooja. Then the devotees begin their worship of the Shivalinga. 

The most interesting tradition is that priests of the temple pour kuchcha Jal upon the lingam first, and later on the pilgrims pour water and offer flowers and Bilva leaf, upon the lingam. 

The Puja rituals continue till 3.30 PM. After this the temple doors are closed. In the evening at 6 PM the doors are opened again for devotees/ pilgrims and the process of worshipping begins again. At this time Shringar Puja takes place. 

The temple closes at 9:00 pm on the normal day, but during Holy Shravan month, the timings are extended. Unlike Somnath or Rameshwaram or Srisailam, here the devotees can get satisfaction by offering Abhishek themselves on Jyotirlinga. 

The pandas who perform different poojans for devotees are very important persons. They have a union called Dharmarakshini Sabha. The devotee can also buy Peda as prasad from Babadham. Peda is a local speciality of Deoghar. Babadham has a regular and well maintained office to accept offerings and donations.

The Matsyapuran narrates the place as Arogya Baidyanathitee, the holy place where Shakti lives and assists Shiva in freeing people from incurable diseases. The Madan Madhavi, a manuscript preserved in the archives of Maharaja of Gidhaur, provides information related to the political and cultural history of Gidhaur Raj. It includes a description of Babadham as well. 

This whole area of Deoghar was under the rule of the Kings of Gidhaur who were much attached with this temple. Raja Bir Vikram Singh founded this princely state in 1266. In 1757 after the Battle of Plassey the officers of the East India Company paid their attention to this temple. 

An English man, Keating was sent to look at the administration of the temple. Mr. Keating, the first English collector of Birbhum, took interest in the administration of the temple. In 1788, under Mr. Keating's order Mr. Hesilrigg, his assistant, who was probably the first English man to visit the holy city, set out to supervise personally the collection of the pilgrim offerings and dues. 

Later, when Mr. Keating himself visited Babadham, he was convinced and forced to abandon his policy of direct interference. He handed over the full control of the temple to the hands of the high priest.

Tourist Attraction:-

Shravan Mela:-

Millions of pilgrims visit this shrine every year. It is famous for the mela of Shraavana (a month of the Hindu calendar), between July and August. About 7 to 8 million devotees visit the place from various parts of India and offer holy water of Ganges to the deity collected from Sultanganj, which is almost 108 km from Deoghar and Baidyanath.

The water is also brought by the Kānvarias, who carry the water in Kavadi, and walk all the distance, on bare foot. You will find large crowds walking all the way carrying water. An unbroken line of people in saffron-dyed clothes stretches over the full 108 km for the month.

The pilgrims are called Dak Bam and they do not stop even once in their journey from Sultangunj, located at Bhagalpur district to Vaidyanath. Pilgrims to the temple later visit the Basukinath temple.

Nandan Pahar:-

Nandan Pahar is a small hill on the edge of the town which hosts a famous Nandi Temple and faces the famous Shiv temple.Nandan Pahar is located at a distance of around 3 kmfrom Baba Baidyanath Dham station. The numerous temples on the hill have beautiful idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartik. The site also has a water tank, which supplies filtered water to the entire destination. Tourists can also see beautiful views of the district, sunrise and sunset from this site.

As per mythology, once Ravana tried to enter Shivadham forcibly when Nandi was the doorkeeper of Lord Shiva. Nandi stopped him from entering the premises of Lord Shiva. Ravana got furious and threw him down at this site and hence, the hill is known by his name. Apart from housing the temple, the hill also has a famous park named Nandan Hill Entertainment Park.

With the availability of swimming and boating facilities, the park is one of the ideal sites for picnic and play fields. The Nandan pahar has a huge park for children, and has a ghost house, a boot house, a mirror house and a restaurant.

Shivganga:-

Shivganga is a pool of water situated just 200 meters away from the Baidyanath Temple. It is claimed that when Ravana was taking the lingam to Lanka, he needed to urinate. Afterwards, wanting to wash his hands before holding the lingam but unable to find a water source nearby, he struck the earth with his fist. Water came out and formed a pond. This pond is now known as  Shivaganga.

 

Naulakha Mandir:-

It is situated 1.5 k.m. away from Baba Baidyanath Temple. It is a nice visiting spot. This temple looks like the temple of Ramakrishna in Belur. Inside it there are idols of Radha - Krishna. Its height is 146 feet. The amount spent in construction of the temple was about Rupees Nine lakhs (9 lakhs). 

Hence it became known as Naulakha Temple. This amount was donated entirely by Rani Charushila who belonged to Pathuria Ghat King's family, Kolkata. At the early age she lost her husband Akshay Ghosh and son Jatindra Ghosh. Grieved by the deaths, she left her home and met the saint Balananda Brahmachari who asked her to construct this temple.

HARILA JORIA:-

Harila Jori is situated on the northern side of Deoghar, 8 km away from the Baidyanath temple and 5 km away from the Tower chowk. During ancient times, the area was full of Haritaki (Myrobalan) trees. 

It is claimed that this is the place where Ravana handed over the lingam to lord Visnu disguised as a Brahmin, and went to urinate.

Legends say that both Shiva and Vishnu met here. Hence the name, Harila - Jori. The Shiva temple was constructed by Achintan Das. There is also a tank at this place which is famous as Shool Harini tank. It is a famous tourist place.

Satsanga Ashram:-

Satsanga Ashram is a holy place for devotees of Thakur Anukulchandra, in the south-west of Deoghar, established by Anukul Chandra. Thakur Anukulchandra was born on 14 September 1888. In a small village called Himaitpur in the Pabna district of the eastern zone of Bengal (the then undivided India) which is now in Bangladesh, lord came to save this world. He was born to Sri. Shibchandra Chakravarty (Shandilya Gotra, Kanyakubja Brahmin) and Manmohini Devi. 

Anukulchandra was extremely mother centric, from his early life. His mother remained his guru throughout his life. He was lover of the mankind. Anukulchandra set up an Ashram at Pabna (later it was named Satsang). 

At Deoghar in India 1946 for fostering spiritual development a new Ashram had been set up by him. Eventually Satsang ashram at Deoghar became a major place of attraction in Deoghar fo all kind of people in the society.

Trikut Pahar (Hill):-

Trikut Pahar is one of the most exciting tourist destination in Deoghar, where you can enjoy Trekking, Ropeway, Wildlife Adventures and a safe natural retreat. It is also a popular picnic spot and a place for Pilgrimage. In dense forest on the uphill lies the famous Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple and the hermitage of Sage Dayananda. 
Trikut Hills contain three peaks and the Highest Peak goes to the height of 2470 ft from the Sea Level and around about 1500 ft from the ground making it an ideal location for trekking. Only two of the three peaks are considered safe for trekking while the third one is inaccessible due to its highly steep slopes. 
The Ropeway takes the Tourists to the top of main peak only. An exciting 360 degree view of Deoghar is available from the Top of Trikut Pahar. . 

TAPOVAN:-

Situated on the eastern front of Deoghar about 9 kms from the city is a famous place of "Pahari Mandirs" where are a no. of caves and it was a meditation place for the rishis and munis for a long time. Thus it came to be known as Tapovan.

RIKHIA DHAM:-

This world famous Yogashram of "Shivanand Math Yogacharya" continues to serve the people and provides new life to the needy, is situated about 9 kms away from Deoghar in the northern part of the town. 

This Yogashram is a new branch of world famous "Shivanand Math of Munghyi" Every year on the eve of "shri Krishnajanamastmi" and "Sita Kalyanam" a "Shatchandi Mahayagya" is organized in which innumerable devotees from this country and abroad take part to in it.  

RAMKRISHNA MISSION ASHRAM:-

Located in the heart of Deoghar, and established in 1922, Ram-Krishna Mission Vidyapeeth is the oldest educational institution of the Ram-Krishna Mission. It is now a senior secondary school for boys, and used to be visited by the brother disciples of Swami Vivekananda. Monks and Brahmacharins run the institution, which includes teachers from all over India, along with those from foreign countries. 

There is a greenhouse and a small medicinal orchard aside from an established museum showing the ancient and tribal heritage of India. The most attractive feature is the temple of Shri Ram Krishna where religious festivals are carried out.

How To Reach:-

By rail:-

the nearest railway station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) which is a terminal station of a 8 km branch line originating at Jasidih Jn. on the Howrah-Delhi main line. Apart from local trains on the branch line trekkers (type of jeep) taking in passengers on a per person fare basis and auto rickshaws are available. Auto-Rickshaws are available frequently just outside the Jasidih railway station. They charge Rs 10 per person in a shared auto and upto Rs 100 in a Reserved auto. The best means to get to Deoghar is the local Shuttle train available every few hours at Jasidih Railway station on Platform No. 4, And Now The New Railway Station "Deoghar" Is Started In Few Month To Dumka Railway Station

By road:-

Deoghar is approachable from Kolkata - 373 km, Giridih - 60 km, Patna - 281 km, Dumka - 67 km, Madhupur - 30 km, Ranchi - 250 km, Simultala - 53 km and other places. Regular buses are available from surrounding towns. No need to wait for minutes or hours,all conveyence are available in this route

Get Around:-

Unmetered taxis or hired cars, auto rickshaws, tongas and cycle rickshaws are available. Tongas charge around Rs. 400, autorickshaws around Rs. 500 and hired cars Rs. 700-1,000 for a visit to most of the important places in the town.

Eat:-

One normally has food in the place of stay but there are numerous small eateries.

Deoghar has some food specialties:

• Peda - a type of milk-based sweet-meat is the Deoghar speciality. A visitor to Deoghar must not miss it.
• Tilkut- made of til and sugar mixed and crushed together, mostly available from the month of December to February.
• Rabri - made of condensed milk, available throughout the year.
• Paratha - made of flour filled with sattu and potato and blended with pure deshi ghee, famous location 'Parathas of Luchhu Shah' in the mandir lane, any one can point you to the shop when asked for.
• Bel ka Morabba Another speciality of Deoghar available form September to March.. One must try this .
• Langra Aam- Deoghar's another speciality is its langra aam. One must never miss it.
• Lassi- (dahhi ki lassi), on the mandir lane. try cool dahhi ki lassi, it is also famous in deoghar

Sleep (Hotels):-

• Nataraj Vihar (Jharkhand Tourism), Telephone +91 6432 222422, Rooms Rs. 200-500.
• Hotel Yasoda International, Telephone +91kol. 033 329_53360 , 2264_2051, Rooms Rs. 500-2000.
• New Grand Hotel, Telephone +91 6432 225245, Rooms Rs. 250-350
• Hotel Prova, Telephone +91 6432 224112, Rooms Rs. 200-300.
• Hotel Anand, Telephone +91 6432 220540, Rooms Rs. 200-350.
• Hotel Samrat, Telephone +91 6432 222402, Rooms Rs. 250-400.
• Hotel Yatrik, Telephone +91 6432 323 299, Rooms Rs. 300-400.
• Joty. Near to the West enrance gate of Baidyanath Temple 350.
• Hotel Bharti, Very close to temple. Telephone 06432-223022, Rooms Rs. 200-400.
• Saraswati Ashram (Saraswati Panda Ashram (Contact: Shri Mahesh Charan)), Mansarowar Road, near Mandir (Auto from Jasidih/Baidyanathdham),+91-9234716393. Saraswati Ashram is one of the budget hotels at Deoghar very near Bhaidyanath Dham Mandir, Good place to stay and good place to eat. Rooms need to be healthy/hygenic and comfortable otherwise people would prefer to avoid it. 200-500

Get out:-

• Kali Dham, Pathrol - 53 km on bus route towards Madhupur via Sarath. Beautiful temple with nine more beautiful tamples around the Main Kali Tample which was built by Raja Digvijay Singh, 6 to 7 centuries ago.
• Basakinath Temple (42 km): Famous for Shiva Temple
• Dumka - 65 km
• Massanjori Dam - 98 km.
• Giridih- 60 km
• Sarath Dhukhharan Tath Mandir- 35km.