Vaidyanath Temple

Overview

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, also known as Baba dham and Baidyanath dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in Deoghar in the Santhal Parganas division of the state of Jharkhand, India.Deoghar, the home of gods, is modern name. In Puranas we find in its place names like Haridrapeetha, Ketaki van, Haritalik van, Chitabhoomi and Vaidyanath. In Bengal and upper provinces the place is generally known as Baidyanathdham.

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.

About the temple

Difficulty in distinguishing area of Baidyanath Jyotirlinga: Baidyanatham chithabhoomau' [sivmahapuran kotirudra samhita 1/21-24] is the old verse that recognizes area of vaidyanth jyotirlinga. As per which Baidyantham is in 'chidabhoomi', which is the antiquated name of Deoghar. While, the same piece of content has variety by which, verse is 'paralyam vaidyanatham', i.e., Vaidyanatham is in Parli, Maharashtra. Along these lines the three sanctuaries of, Baidyanath sanctuary at Deoghar, Jharkhand, Vaijnath sanctuary at Parli, Maharashtra and Baijnath sanctuary at Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh are guaranteeing their holy places as "genuine" jyotirlinga of Vaidyanath.

In Dwadasa jyothirlinga sthothram, Adi Sankaracharya has adulated Vaidyanath jyothirlinga in taking after verses, Poorvothare prajwalika nidhane sada vasantham girija sametham surasuraradhitha padapadmam srivaidyanatham thamaham namami This expresses Vaidyanath jyotirlinga is situated at Prajwalika nidhanam (which means burial service place i.e., chithabhoomi) in the North-Eastern part of the nation. Deoghar is far situated in east contrasted with Parli which is in west focal part of the nation. Likewise Chidabhoomi shows that, in long time past days, this was a burial service place, where bodies are smoldered and post-demise functions were performed. This spot could have been a focal point of tantric cliques like Kapalika/Bhairava where Lord Shiva is loved altogether as smasan vasin (which means, dwelling in crematorium), sava bhasma bhushita (which means, spreading body with fiery debris of smoldered bodies).

It is trusted that, Shiva initially showed himself as a Jyotirlinga on the night of the Aridra Nakshatra, in this way the extraordinary love for the Jyotirlinga. The names and the areas of the 12 Jyotirlingas are specified in the Shiva Purana (Satarudra Samhita, Ch.42/2-4).

"Saurashtre Somanathamcha Srisaile Mallikarjunam|
Ujjayinya Mahakalam Omkaramamaleswaram ||
Paralyam Vaidyanathancha Dakinyam Bheema Shankaram |
Setu Bandhethu Ramesam, Nagesam Darukavane||
Varanasyantu Vishwesam Tryambakam Gautameethate|
Himalayetu Kedaaram, Ghrishnesamcha shivaalaye||
Etani jyotirlingani, Saayam Praatah Patennarah|
Sapta Janma Kritam pApam, Smaranena Vinashyati||"

Bhavishyapurana likewise portrays the presence of Baidyanath. It alludes to the tract including the present region and Birbhoom as Narikhand, and depicts it as takes after: "Narikhande is region possessing large amounts of shrubberies. It lies west of the Dwarikashwari River. It stretches out along the Panchakuta slopes on its west, and methodologies Kikta on the north. The woodlands are extremely broad, primarily of Sakhota, Arjuna and Sal trees with an abundant expansion of brushwood. The locale is commended for the place of worship of Baidyanath. The god is worshiped by individuals from all quarters, and is the wellspring of each great in the present age."

Interestingly, the same sanctuary of Vaidyanath is considered as on of 51 Shakti Peethas, where "heart" of Sati (goddess) fell, subsequent to being broken separated by the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu, from the group of Dakshayani(Sati), conveyed by the adoration lorn, distressed Shiva, at the area on which the particular sanctuary is constructed. Since the heart of Sati fell here, the spot is additionally called as Hardapeetha. Here Sati is venerated as Jai Durga (Victorious Durga) and Lord Bhairav as Vaidyanath or Baidyanath.Dakshayani was renewed as Parvati, girl of Himavat, lord of the mountains, and his wife, the Devi Mena. The topic of Pithas is connected with Devi Bhagwat, Kubjika Tantra, Kalika Rahasyam, Mundmal Tantra and Rudrayamalam and so on. These Tantras say this blessed place of worship as a well known Tantrik seat for Sadhakas. Popular researcher and Tantric Gopinath Kaviraj have said Baidyanathdaham, as a seat of Tantric Sadhana. The religious significance of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam ought to be based upon the certainties of the Puranas and Tantras.

Modern ideas attribute that the places of worship are of both old and new styles. The sanctuary of Shiva, Baidyanath faces the east, and is 72 feet tall, and it is lotus molded. As indicated by religious conviction this sanctuary has been worked by Vishwakarma, the planner of divine beings. There are three sections of this sanctuary; i.e., the fundamental sanctuary, the center part of the principle sanctuary, and the passageway part of the primary sanctuary. The principle sanctuary is past verifiable dates. It has been gone to since the time of Rama, the lord of Ayodhya. The top contains three climbing formed gold vessels that are minimally set, which were given by Maharaja of Gidhaur, Raja Puran Singh. Other than these pitcher formed vessels, there is a "Punchsula" (Five blades fit as a fiddle), which is uncommon.

In the inward top there is an eight petaled lotus gem (Chandrakanta Mani). The fundamental "Lingam" (Lord Shiva) is additionally exceptionally uncommon. Toward the east of the northern verandah of the sanctuary there is a substantial vat into which streams the water and drain offered as bathing. The lingam is of a round and hollow structure around 5 inches in distance across and ventures around 4 inches from the focal point of a substantial section of basalt. It is unrealistic to find out the amount of the lingam is covered. The top is broken and has uneven surface. There are diverse yards in the sanctuary. One yard prompts the cell where the lingam is settled. The second yard is in front with a line of columns spread over by squares of basalt and on the right side there is a sandstone picture of a bull. There are chimes settled in the roof and explorers should pull the ringer ropes to report their way to deal with the godliness. The yard has eleven different sanctuaries, fundamentally of Maa Parvathi, Maa Kali, Maa Jagat Janani, Kal Bhairav and Lakshminarayan.

The pandas that perform diverse poojans for aficionados are essential persons. They have a union called Dharmarakshini Sabha. The devotees can likewise purchase Peda as prasad from Babadham. Peda is a nearby claim to fame of Deoghar. Babadham has a normal and very much kept up office to acknowledge offerings and gifts. The Matsyapuran portrays the spot as Arogya Baidyanathitee, the heavenly place where Shakti lives and helps Shiva in liberating individuals from hopeless maladies. The Madan Madhavi, a composition protected in the files of Maharaja of Gidhaur, gives data identified with the political and social history of Gidhaur Raj. It incorporates a depiction of Babadham also. This entire territory of Deoghar was under the standard of the Kings of Gidhaur who were highly connected with this sanctuary. Raja Bir Vikram Singh established this regal state in 1266.

In 1757 after the Battle of Plassey the officers of the East India Company gave careful consideration to this sanctuary. An English man, Keating was sent to take a gander at the organization of the sanctuary. Mr. Keating, the principal English authority of Birbhum, took enthusiasm for the organization of the sanctuary. In 1788, under Mr. Keating's request Mr. Hesilrigg, his partner, who was likely the principal English man to visit the sacred city, set out to administer actually the accumulation of the traveler offerings and levy. Later, when Mr. Keating himself went to Babadham, he was persuaded and compelled to forsake his strategy of direct impedance. He gave over the full control of the sanctuary to the hands of the esteemed cleric.The Baba Baidyanath sanctuary complex comprises of the principle sanctuary of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlingam is introduced, and 21 different sanctuaries.

Inside The Temple

Rama Temple

This is a major sanctuary. The symbols of Rama, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan and Sita are available inside. Ram Dutt Ojha developed it somewhere around 1782 and 1793 A.D.

Anand Bhairava Temple

This is a major measured sanctuary. Inside is the god of Ananda Bhairava. It is made of dark stone.In 1782 Ramdutt Ojha started its development which was finished by Anand Dutt Ojha and Sarbanand Ojha somewhere around 1810 and 1823 A.D. His love is defeated by the deliverer of the district and individuals.

Maa Ganga Temple

It is a little sanctuary. It was developed by Ram Dutt Ojha somewhere around 1782 and 1793 A.D.

Gauri Shankara Temple

The sanctuary houses the divinities of Gauri and Shankar, thus the name. It is a little sanctuary. Late Purnanda Ojha, a devout cleric of the sanctuary, built it.

Maa Tara Temple

There is a sanctuary of the goddess Tara. At the passage of this sanctuary are two gods to be specific Bhuvaneshvari and Kamala. Late Bhavaprita Nand Ojha built it.

Narvadeshwar Temple

There is a little room in the regulatory working of the sanctuary where lies the Narmad Shiva-lingam. Late Shailajanand Ojha developed it. Individuals call him Dudhanath Mahadeva.

Maa Kali Temple

This is a sanctuary of the goddess Kali. The god is the most established one and is venerated as the goddess of the area i.e. Gram Kali. Jayanarayan Ojha built it in 1712 A.D.

Maa Annapurna Temple

This sanctuary is little in size. It concentrates on Bengal engineering. Ram Dutt Ojha built it in 1782 A.D.

Chandrakoopa Well

This well is arranged close to the principle passage of the Temple yard. Individuals say that it was worked by Ravana previously.Late Chandrajpani Ojha reproduced it. Pilgrims bring water from the well and pour over the head of Jyotirlingam.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

This is a major sanctuary. Bam Deo Ojha built it somewhere around 1630 and 1640 A.D. The sanctuary has three sided verandah.

Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple

It is a little sanctuary lodging the divinity of Neelkantha Mahadeva and Sati.

Maa Parvati Temple

This sanctuary fits in with Tripursundari i.e. Maa Parvati (on the left) and Maa Durga (on the privilege). It is surely understood as Parvati sanctuary. It is trusted that this sanctuary is arranged at the very spot where the heart of Maa Sati fell after the occurrence of Daksha Yagna. It is very much a critical place of worship of Mata and its nearby area to the Baidyanath Dham Temple is an indication of solidarity between Lord Shiva and Maa Shakti. sthash. Zamindar of Panjiyara domain Shaligram Singh had introduced the entryway of metal in samvat 1889. Ratnapani Ojha, a consecrated minister of the sanctuary, developed the sanctuary somewhere around 1701 and 1710 A.D. The significance of Shakti Puja together with Shiva is obvious from this sanctuary.

Maa Jagat Janani Temple

There are various gods in this sanctuary however it is acclaimed as Jagat Janani Temple.

Ganesh Temple

This sanctuary has the icon of eight gave Ganesh in a moving stance. In 1762 Tikaram Ojha developed this sanctuary.

Brahma Temple

It is a little sanctuary. Shakhichand Ojha, a collector of the sanctuary, developed it in 1762 A.D. It houses a four headed symbol of Brahma.

Maa Sandhya Temple

This sanctuary houses the icon of Maa Sandhya. In 1692 Khemkaran Ojha built it. Pioneers acknowledge it as a sanctuary of Kamakhya.

Mahakala Bhairava Mahadeva Temple

It is a typical size sanctuary having a major divinity of Mahakala Bhairava. By the side of the principle divinity a spot is acknowledged as an icon of Batuk Bhairava. It has two entryways - both in the east and west.

Hanuman Temple

It is a verandah without hindrance. There are various gods in this. It is additionally called the sanctuary of Kuber. In antiquated time it was the focal point of income accumulation for the Maharaja of Gidhaur.

Maa Mansa Temple

It is a little sanctuary of goddess Mansa. Shailjanand Ojha built it.

Tulsi Chaura

In the southern part of the patio, there are sanctuaries of Hanuman, Mansa, Saraswati and Surya focusing a sacred place. This holy place is called Tulsi Chaura. Before, there were shrubs of Tulsi over it. Presently, various divinities have been put at its base.

Maa Saraswati Temple

This is a little sanctuary of goddess Saraswati. Ramduth Ojha built it.

Surya Narayan Temple

This is a sanctuary without a vault. Ramdutt Ojha developed it in 1782 - 93. The old symbol of the sun-god was stolen previously. The present god has been introduced by Late Bhavapritanand Ojha. Maa Bagla Temple: A little sanctuary of goddess Bagla. Ram Dutt Ojha developed it in 1793.

About the Deity

Ravana worshipped Shiva at the current site of the temple to get the boons that he used to wreak havoc in the world. Ravana offered his ten heads one after the another to Shiva as a sacrifice. Pleased with this, Shiva descended to cure Ravana who was injured. As he acted as a doctor, he is referred to as Vaidhya. From this aspect of Shiva, the temple derives its name.

Forms and Characteristics of the Deity

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. The lingam is surrounded by the eight petals. It is the origin of the all creations. It destroys the poverty of eight kinds. I, therefore, pay reverential salutation to Sadashiva Lingam. Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is a great power, gracing great effects. Bhaktas receive it from God for God shows it to the entire world in a way that cannot be hid or concealed. He must fulfill desires of devotees.

The Eight names of Lord Shiva

Atmalingam

It was worshipped by Mother Parvati in Kailash Parvat. Lord Shiva has been referred by this name in ShivaPuran.

Maheshwar Lingam

As the Jyotirlingam was established by Lord Vishnu, its name, Maheshwar, is related with the name of Lord Vishnu.

Kamad Lingam

In hindi, Kamad means desire. Lord Vishnu had worshipped Lord Shiva for fulfillment of his desires and hence the name Kamad Lingam attributed to Lord Shiva.

Ravaneshwar Lingam

Lord Shiva got this name as the daemon King Ravana was his great devotee.

Baidyanath Lingam

The Baidya (physician) of Gods. Lord Shiva has also been admired as a curer of diseases. Hence he became known as Baidyanath (The head of physicians).

Margalingam

The hindi word Marga means Shining. The illustration of Chandrakanta Mani on top of the Baba Baidyanath temple, gave him this name.

Tatpurus

The hindi word Tatpurus means almighty. As Lord Shiva may fulfill all types of wishes, he is almighty. In this way he is known by this name.

Bamdev or Baijunath

The devoted cowherd Baiju appeased Shiva by his worship and as per his wish the Lord kept his name.

Legend and stories

Ravana, the ruler of Lanka now Srilanka, an awesome ruler and researcher has been one of the best devotees of the master Shiva of the considerable number of times. In spite of the fact that an incredible researcher, it is trusted that he was all that much haughty and unshakable. Despite the fact that a devil yet with his dazzling ability of ruling over the world, it is likewise tragic that he practically governed over all the three universes and a couple of the Gods were not lesser than his slaves.

One day his adamant personality drives him to bring his most loved god, ruler Shiva, to his home for changeless. To satisfy this fantasy, he goes to mount Kailash, the spot where master Shiva used to live with his crew and keeping in mind the end goal to satisfy the preeminent ruler he cut his head and put it as an indication of penance for satisfying the ruler Shiva, however master Shiva supplanted his head with new ones without fail. This procedure was rehashed Nine times, after which Shiva was cheerful and satisfied with Ravana's strength and dedication and chose to move his home forever from Mount Kailash in Himalayas to Srilanka.

Ravan’s Promise

Ruler Shiva was prepared to move to his new home yet he had an arrangement with Ravana that however he was prepared to oblige Ravana to Lanka in type of a lingam yet Ravana won't keep the master on the earth for a solitary minute until he achieves Lanka. Be that as it may, on the off chance that he keeps the God on earth, he wont have the capacity to evacuate the God out of once continued the ground. Joyfully tolerating the arrangement Ravana was prepared to take the God to his home.

Clamoring in the Heaven

Seeing the preeminent ruler, master Shiva, known for his offbeat and gay conduct, being moved over to an evil presence's home, there was a "SOS" basic circumstance in the paradise where every one of the Gods used to live. It was so on the grounds that if the incomparable lord moves over to an evil presence house then nobody would have the capacity to annihilation him and one day, Ravana may control the paradise removing every one of the Gods out of paradise.

Spare us, Guru-The master Vishnu

Master Vishnu is said to be master and rescuer of the considerable number of Gods. Along these lines, every one of the Gods chose to hold a meeting with the Guru to discover an answer out to keep the incomparable ruler out of compass of the Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana.

The trap and the blessed stream Ganges

In the meeting, it was chosen that the Ganges will enter inside the Ravana's body constraining him to pass water. As indicated by Hindu mythology, a God can not be touched with the hands that has been utilized as a part of passing water out of body until its washed. In this way, the Ganges entered inside the body of the lord Ravana driving him to pass water. While Guru Vishnu masked as a shepherd was viewing the entire scene. Ravana, not able to control requested that the hidden shepherd hold the Lingam until he completed the process of passing water. Be that as it may, it took so long to pass the water since passing the Ganges out of the body was not a simple assignment. Tired of the time taken by Ravana, the shepherd kept the Lingam on the ground.

The Shiva-lingam at Baba dham

In the wake of completing his employment, Ravana required water to wash over his hands. There was not any wellspring of water around so he squeezed the earth with his thumb to get the water out of the earth. This spot is called "Shiva-Ganga" nowadays.

Subsequent to washing his hands, Ravana made a decent attempt to expel the lingam from the spot where it had been put. He couldn't turn out the lingam even an inch. This made him disappointed. He utilized savagery however he just succeeded in pushing the lingam by thumb. Later on he felt regretful of his doings and asked for absolution.

In any case, neglecting to uproot the lingam, he made his regard to the lingam and day by day he used to originate from Lanka and worship the heavenly nature. The spot where Ravana plunged on the earth is related to the present Harilajori around four miles north of Baidyanathdham and the spot where the lingam was kept, is currently Deoghar and the lingam itself is referred to all as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam.

The present terminology of the lingam is Baidyanath Jyotirlingam, and there is a legend about it. As per the Padma Purana, a Brahmin in the clothing of Lord Vishnu, in the wake of taking the lingam from Ravana, blessed it in due structure with water from a neighboring tank. This tank is known as Shivaganga today.

There was a Bhil present, who was told concerning what ought to be finished. The Bhil had educated Ravana with regards to the vanishing of the Brahmin. Ravana should have unearthed a well with a bolt and brought into it the waters of all the holy pools of the earth. This well is known as Chandrakoopa today.

It is said that the lingam, after the demise of Ravana, used to be adored by a seeker Baiju, and the lingam came to be referred to by Baiju's name as Baidyanath. The narrative of Baiju offering ascend to the name of Baidyanath is more common as a Santhal custom.

The very name of Baidyanath bears the historical backdrop of Ravana as said in the Shiva Purana which is in that capacity:

Ravana approached Shiva for boundless force and if Shiva satisfies upon him then nothing will be uncommon for him. Shiva was satisfied and conceded all as Lord is sufficiently thoughtful and gave his wishes satisfied. He additionally lectured him for future. Investigating heads of Ravana with effortless vision and repaired his heads as there were in the first shape. By the finesse of Lord Shiva he gets all products of his deeds. Being in a stance of effortlessness and affection Shiva was asked by Ravana and from that point forward Shiva is referred to all as Baidyanath in the popular three universes. By method for loving and seeing the insignia of Maheshwar as Jyotirlingam, one gets the joy of world and turns out to be free from the servitude of this corporal power and gets to be useful to all. He came to worship this extraordinary Jyotirlingam and venerating specially. He came and revered this lingam to overcome the three universes.

The Padam Purana additionally specifies the account of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. Matsyapurana describes about the holiness of the blessed spot where Shakti stays always and liberates individuals from illnesses i.e. Arogya Baidyanathetu. Brihad Dharmapurana notice about the Jyotirlingam of Baidyanath. It depicts Haridranagar (Baidyanathdham - Deoghar) where the lingam of Baidyanath exists. Debi Bhagwat likewise specifies the dwelling place Baidyanath in course of its substance nirnaya.

Bhavishyapurana likewise portrays the presence of Baidyanath. It alludes to the tract containing the present locale and Birbhoom as Narikhand, and depicts it as takes after: Narikhande is area possessing large amounts of shrubberies. It lies west of the Dwarikashwari River. It stretches out along the Panchakuta slopes on its west, and methodologies Kikta on the north. The timberlands are exceptionally broad, mainly of Sakhota, Arjuna and Sal trees with a copious expansion of brushwood. The locale is praised for the holy place of Baidyanath. The god is revered by individuals from all quarters, and is the wellspring of each great in the present age.

There is another legend such that in the Satya Yuga when Sati, the consort of Shiva and girl of Daksha, conferred suicide in view of the thoughtlessness demonstrated towards her spouse by Daksha in not welcoming him to a Yajna, Lord Shiva stuck the cadaver of his wife on the purpose of his trident and meandered about in a free for all of anger. For fear that Shiva's annoyance and distraught developments ought to annihilate the world, Vishnu cut the dead body with his disk into fifty-two sections, which fell in various parts of India and got to be Mahapithasthans. As indicated by the legend, the heart of Sati fell at Babadham. Henceforth, the name Hridayapeeth. There is, be that as it may, no altar to remember this event.

Another legend is that, in the main age of the world, Lord Shiva showed himself as a lingam of light at twelve better places under various names, and Baidyanath was one of those twelve spots. Sati revered the token as a pandanus blossom on the highest point of the lingam and abided for quite a while in a forest close by keeping in mind the end goal to worship it. This spot is called Ketakivana.

Matsya Purana describes about the holiness of the sacred spot where Shakti lives and liberates individuals from ailments, i.e., Arogya Baidyanathitee. It connotes that Baidyanath cures individuals from serious ailments with the assistance of shakti, the destroyer of illnesses.

Written history

In the eighth century A.D., the last Gupta Emperor Adityasena Gupta ruled this locale. The Babadham sanctuary has been well known from that point forward.At the point when Mugals started to control India, the sanctuary of Babadham was under their tributory rulers. The most imperative scholarly source on the historical backdrop of medieval Babadham is Aine - Akbari. Amid Akbar's standard Man Singh was connected with Akbar's court. Man Singh stayed joined to the Gidhaur line for quite a while and had contacts with various leaders of Bihar. Man Singh's sibling, Bhan Singh was hitched to the little girl of Puran Mal.

Man Singh's enthusiasm for Babadham appears to have been dictated by his affection for this blessed hallowed place since he then got a tank exhumed, which is today known as Mansarovar.

The Madan Madhavi, an original copy safeguarded in the chronicles of Maharaja of Gidhaur, gives data identified with the political and social history of Gidhaur Raj. It incorporates a depiction of Babadham too.

Puran Mal's engraving demonstrates his association with the Babadham sanctuary. An engraving on the Baidyanath sanctuary expresses that he assembled it at the solicitation of the minister Raghunath Ojha. Convention relates that the engraving was coercively put by Puran Mal, after he had the sanctuary repaired, to stamp his responsibility for encompassing area.

Raghunath Ojha was disappointed with the engraving, however was not able oppose Puran Mal. Henceforth, after Puran Mal was gone, he had a yard made and in that set his own engraving. The legend expresses that the minister fasted for a few days at the door of Baidyanath who uncovered to him in a fantasy that he ought to fabricate another patio and set up an engraving. In any case, he guarantees the credit of having made the whole sanctuary.

Journey to Baidyanath was very much perceived in the Muslim period too. There is a fascinating record of the journey to Baidyanath in the Khulasati-t-twarikh composed somewhere around 1695 and 1699 A.D.

The record runs hence

In the locale of Munger on the skirts of the slope, there is a spot named the Jharkhand of Baijnath (Baidyanath) sacrosanct to Mahadeva. From the compositions of Khulasati-t-twarikh it is apparent that the significance of Babadham sanctuary has been all around conceded by all.In the eighteenth century, the Maharaja of Gidhaur confronted political turmoil. He needed to battle against the Nababs of Birbhum. Under the Muhammadan government, the boss minister seems to have paid a settled rent to the Nabab of Birbhum, and the organization of the sanctuary appears to have been left altogether in the hands of the cleric. For a couple of years the Nabab ruled over Babadham. Consequently, the Maharaja of Gidhaur vanquished the Nabab and Babadham was brought back under his tenet till the East India Company came in.

In 1757 after the skirmish of Pallsy the officers of the East India Company gave careful consideration to this sanctuary. An English man, Keating was sent to take a gander at the organization of the sanctuary. Mr. Keating, the main English gatherer of Birbhum, took enthusiasm for the organization of the sanctuary. In 1788, under Mr. Keating's request Mr. Hesilrigg, his associate, who was likely the primary English man to visit the blessed city, set out to direct actually the gathering of the pioneer offerings and contribution. Later, when Mr. Keating himself went to Babadham, he was persuaded and compelled to forsake his strategy of direct impedance. He gave over the full control of the sanctuary to the hands of the esteemed minister.

Festivals

The three important fairs held here are Shri Panchmi mela held in January, Shivaratri mela held in March and the Bhadra Purnima mela held in September. The Shivaratri mela is attended by several visitors in the course of a fortnight.

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 Kanvarias, who carry the water in Kavadi, and walk all the distance, on bare foot. We 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. The custom of carrying Kanwar started in the Treta Yuga - the silver age of Hindu mythology. Lord Rama had carried the holy ganges water from Sultanganj in a kanwar and offered to Lord Shiva at Babadham. The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the deamons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva.

To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Shravan, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

Importance of Bol – Bam

The word Bam is a short name for Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The letters BA came from Brahma and Vishnu and M came from Mahesh. It is a long efficacious mantra (a hymn). When it is chanted during the way, it generates energy and enthusiasm amongst the kanwarias and gives them the psychological strength to carry on walking and succeed in covering the long distance from Sultanganj to Babadham. According to the Skand Purana, those who complete the holy journey by reciting Bam-Bam obtain the virtues of Ashwamedha Yajna. According to the Puranas, the daemon king Ravana had brought the Ganges water from Haridwar and offered to Lord Shiva.

Guidelines for the Kanwarias

Essential articles:

1. A kanwar
2. Two water - pots
3. A match box and a packet of Agarbatti (incense sticks)
4. A bag
5. A carpet and two sheets (Chadar)
6. A piece of plastic cloth
7. Two pairs of saffron - coloured dresses
8. A torch and a few candles
9. A towel
10.Required money

Rules and Norms:

1. To maintain celibacy (Bramhacharya)
2. To remember Lord Shiva by keeping mind, heart and speech pure
3. To speak the truth
4. To be inspired by charity and service
5. To take bath before taking the kanwar
6. To recite Bam - Bam
7. Not to use oil and soap
8. Not to wear shoes
9. Not to take any article made of leather
10.To avoid dogs. (dogs should not be touched).

Gath Bandhan – A Special Ritual

During the holy month of Shravan, hundreds of red threads are tied to connect the domes of the Baidyanath Dham Temple and the Maa Parvati temple. This ceremony is known as the Gath Bandhan and can be performed by devotees. Devotees offer the threads which are tied by a person who climbs to the top of the Baidyanath temple dome (Panchsul). Pandas chant slokas and then Bhandaris (members of a local tribal community) climb the domes of the temples and tie the sacred threads. This is a powerful ritual which has great benefits for the lives of devotees:

1. Devotee couples can gain a happy and prosperous married life.
2. Familial harmony increases significantly.
3. This ceremony gives the devotees protection from serious diseases and ailments.
4. Young women who are looking for the ideal life partner can gain so by performing this ritual.
5. It reduces the negative effects of planets such as Shani on one’s life.

Festival Details

Name of The Festival	Date
Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi	07.02.2016
Basant-Panchami	13.02.2016
Maghi Purnima	22.02.2016
Maha Shivratri	07.03.2016
Holi	22.03.2016
Ram Navami Brata	15.04.2016
Mesh Sankranti	13.04.2016
Bangala Navvarsh Arambh	14.04.2016
Akshya Tritiya	09.05.2016
Vat Savitri Brata	04.06.2016
Ganga Dashahara	15.06.2016
Rath Yatra	06.07.2016
Hari Shayan	15.07.2016
Guru Purnima	19.07.2016
Mauna Panchami (shravan kirshan panchmi)	24.07.2016
Nag Panchami (shrawan sukla panchmi)	22.08.2016
Haritalika (Teej)	04.09.2016
Ganesh Puja	04.09.2016
Viswakarma Puja	17.09.2016
Radha Ashtami	09.09.2016
Anant Puja	15.09.2016
Jitia	23.09.2016
Kalashthapan	01.10.2016
Maha Ashtami Brata	09.10.2016
Maha Navami Brata	10.10.2016
Vijaya-Dashmi	11.10.2016
Lakhi Puja	15.10.2016
Dhanvantari Jayanti	28.10.2016
Hanuman Jayanti	29.10.2016
Kali Puja	29.10.2016
Deepavali	30.10.2016
Laxmi Puja	30.10.2016
Bhratri-Dyutia	02.11.2016
Kartik Puja	16.11.2016
Akshya Navami	09.11.2016
Devo-Utthan Akadashi	11.11.2016
Kal-Bhairav Ashtami	13.12.2016
Ram Bibah Panchmi	16.12.2016
Gita Jayanti	21.12.2016

Arti / Pooja / seva

Sevas

1. Pushpanjali
2. Panchopachar
3. Pshodashopachar
4. Chausath Upachar
5. Vaidik Rudrabhishek and Shiva Pujan
6. Baba Baidyanath Wilvapatra Arpan
7. Offering Of Milk
8. Baba Baidyanath's Shringar
9. Dainik Puja

The Shringar Puja

Every evening the jyotirling is worshiped with Shringar puja. This is another way of worshipping lord shiva. This is for attainment of mental peace, all round happiness and ultimate liberation that is Moksha.This puja begins at 6 pm. In this Puja, the purohit offers welcome water, aachaman, madhuperk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sacred water, jenau - the sacred thread, scent, raw rice, flowers, bilwapatra, durba, dhoop, deep, Naivedi, beetle leaf, seasonal fruits, karpur aarti, Namaskar and complete Surrender to Lord Shiva.

A throne of flowers wound in a snake like fashion is also placed on the jyotirling. A unique custom is that this throne is daily being made by the prisoners of Deoghar Jail. This has been the practice since the British period.The rituals are performed according to Vedic way.

Nitya Puja of Lord Shiva - Morning and Evening

S.No.	Type of Puja	Time (Tithi)	Date
1	Nitya Puja Shringar & Bhog (Baba Mandir & Byci)	Every Day (Morning & Evening)	-
2	Shree Yantara Raj Rajeswary Puja	Every Day	-
3	Shree Radha Krishna Puja	Every Day	-
4	Makar-Sankranti(Khichri Bhog & Teel Ka Laddu)	Full Magh Month	15.01.2016 to 14.02.2016
5	Gauri Shankar Puja	Magh Shankaranti	15.01.2016
6	Basant Panchami (Maa Saraswati Puja)	Magh Shukla Paksha Panchmi	13.02.2016
7	Makar Saptmi (Maa Tara Puja)	Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami	14.02.2016
8	Sri Surya Narayan Puja	Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami	14.02.2016
9	Maa Bagla Puja	Maghi Purnima	22.02.2016
10	Maha Shivratri Puja	Falgun Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi	07.03.2016
11	Anand Bhairav Puja	Falgun Shukla Paksha Astmi	16.03.2016
12	Holi Puja Chhapan Bhog	Falgun Purnima	22.03.2016
13	Gamali Puja (Maa Kali Puja)	Chaitra Month	05.04.2016
14	Chairta Shukla Navratrambh	Chaitra Month	08.04.2016
15	Chitra Shankranti (Sattu Bhog)	Full Chaitra Month	13.04.2016
16	Basanti Puja, Annapurna Puja	Chaitra Shukla Paksha Astami	14.04.2016
17	Ramnavami	Chaitra Shukla Paksha Navami	15.04.2016
18	Adra Bhog	Asharh Month	22.06.2016
19	Shravani Puja (Puri Bhog)	One Month (Shravan)	16.07.2016
20	Ekadasi Puja	Everyday of Ekadasi	-
21	Mangalvari Puja (Maa Kali Puja)	Every Tuesday	-
22	Amavasya Puja (Maa Kali & Tara Puja)	Every Amavasya	-
23	Guru Purnima	Arharhi Purnima	19.07.2016
24	Shrabani Mela	Full One Month	20.07.2016
25	Jhulann Puja (Chhapan Bhog) Sri Radha Krishna Puja	Shravan Shukla Paksha (Ekadasi to Purnima)	13.08.2016
26	Maa Mansa Puja	Shravan - Shankranti	16.08.2016
27	Janmastamee (Sri Krishna Puja)	Bhadra Ashtami	24.08.2016
28	Mahakal Bhairav Puja	Bhadra Chaturdasi (Krishna Paksha)	30.08.2016
29	Shri Ganesh Puja	Bhadra Chaturthi	04.09.2016
30	Anant Chaturdasi	Bhadra Chaturdasi	15.09.2016
31	Bhadra Purnima	-	16.09.2016
32	Maa Durga Puja	Ashvin Shukla Paksha (Pratipada to Dasami)	01.10.2016 to 11.10.2016
33	Maa Lakhi Puja (Ashvin Purnima)	-	15.10.2016
34	Kali Puja	Kartik Krishna Paksha Amawasya	29.10.2016
35	Deepawali	Kartik Krishna Paksha Amawasya	30.10.2016
36	Jagat Dhatri Puja	Kartik Month (Akshya Navami)	09.11.2016
37	Devothan Ekadasi	Kartik Month (Shukla Paksha Ekadasi)	11.11.2016
38	Kartikay Puja	Kartik Sankranti	16.11.2016
39	Dahi Chura Bhog (Naman)	Full Agrahan Month	01.12.2016

Timings

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. 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.

Prasad and offering

The importance of Bilwapatra: (Leaves of wood apple tree)

Lord Shiva has three eyes - Mother Parvati, Lord Kartik and Ganesh. Lord Shiva is also called Mahadeva, the god of gods and his three eyes- Trinetra are his identification. Three eyes, three virtues, three truths, three swords of the Trident (Trishul) and three leaves (Bilwaptra) are very dear to Shiva. Lord Shiva becomes pleased if one offers Ganga water with Bilwapatra.

"Tridalam Trigunakar Trinetram Cha Tridhayutam
Trijanma pap samhar Bilwapatram Shivarpadham"

The person who offers Bilwapatra to Baba Baidyanath gets rid of his sins and obtains a place in heaven.

Best time to visit

October to February.

Temperature

1. Winter-Max 28,Min 7
2. Summer-Max 37,Min 23

Time Required for Sightseeing

1 to 2 hours.

Clothing

1. Winter-light woollens
2. Summer-cotton and tropical

Rare facts

Here the devotees can get satisfaction by offering Abhishek themselves on Jyotirlinga. 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. In the ancient times, Aswani Kumar worshipped Shiva and got the Veda of medicine.

Significance

The Matsyapuran narrates the place as Arogya Baidyanathitee, the holy place where Shakti lives and assists Shiva in freeing people from incurable diseases. Baidyanath Jyotirlingam fulfils desires of devotees. Whoever meditates for a minute in this temple, even he is rogue, and he will be graced for all time to come.

Accessibility

Airport

Nearest Airport is at Ranchi, 385 kms away and Patna 270 kms away. Even Kolkata and Gaya can be considered for travel by air

Railways

Babadham is located in north-eastern Jharkhand, four miles from Jasidih railway station on the main line of the Eastern Railway from Howrah to Delhi. There is a small railway branch line from Jasidih to Babadham. The railway station at Babadham is called Baidyanath Dham.

Road

By road Babadham (Deoghar) to Kolkatta 373 kms, Giridih 112 kms, Patna 281 kms, Dumka 67 kms, Madhupur 57 kms, Shimultala 53 kms etc.Approximate journey time is 6 hrs from Munger, Ranchi, Dhanbad; 3 hrs from Sultanganj and 4 hrs from Bhagalpur & Hazaribag.

Temple Address

Baidyanath Temple,
Indian Post GPO B.Deoghar,
Deoghar, Jharkhand 814112.