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Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga | Jharkhand

Deogarh Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga ( Urdu: وائیڈیناتھ جیوتیرلنگ، Hindi:देओगढ़ वैद्यनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग) is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region of Bihar( present  divided and named as Jharkhand) in the south west of Keeul Station. Vaidyanath Temple, also called Vaijnath Temple and Baidyanath Temple. Baidyanath shrine is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Shiva.

 

Vaidyanath Temple - Abstract

Baidyanath: Jyotirlinga
Ammavaru : Parvati Devi

Important Festival(s)

  • Sri Panchami Mela
  • Bhadra Purnima Mela
  • Maha Sivaratri Mela
Vaidyanath-jyotirlinga

Vaidyanath-jyotirlinga

Maa Parvati

Maa Parvati

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On a normal day, the worshipping of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam begins at 4 AM. The temple doors open at this time. The Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. Then the devotees begin their worship of the lingam

The most interesting tradition is that priests of the temple pour kuchcha Jal upon the lingam first later on other pilgrims pour water and offer flowers and Vilva leaf upon the lingam. The Puja rituals continue till 3.30 PM,   after this the temple doors are closed

In the evening at 6:00 PM, the doors are opened again for devotees/ pilgrims and the process of worshiping begins and continue till 9:00 PM,  after this the temple doors are closed.

At this time Shringar Puja takes place. Scent is spread over the lingam. Again a stream of water is poured over the lingam. Sandal paste of Malayagiri is also pasted on the head of the lingam. There is an interesting tradition that a snake like throne of flowers (Jata Mukut) is also placed on the lingam which comes regularly from the Deoghar Jail since the British time .

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  • The history of Babadham has been derived from various manuscripts and also the inscriptions at various places in the Temple area.In the 8th century A.D., the last Gupta Emperor Adityasena Gupta ruled this region.
  • The Babadham temple has been famous since then.When Mugals began to rule India, the temple of Babadham was under their tributory rulers. The most important literary source on the history of medieval Babadham is Aine – Akbari. During Akbar’s rule Man Singh was associated with Akbar’s court. Man Singh remained attached to the Gidhaur dynasty for a long time and had contacts with a number of rulers of Bihar.
  • Man Singh’s brother, Bhan Singh was married to daughter of Puran Mal. 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.Puran Mal’s inscription proves his connection with the Babadham temple.
  • An inscription on the Baidyanath temple states that he built it at the request of the priest Raghunath Ojha. Tradition relates that the inscription was forcibly put by Puran Mal, after he had the temple repaired, to mark his ownership of the surrounding land.Raghunath Ojha was displeased with the inscription, but was unable to resist Puran Mal. Hence, after Puran Mal was gone, he had a porch created and therein set his own inscription.
  • The legend states that the priest fasted for some days at the gate of Baidyanath who revealed to him in a dream that he should build a new porch and set up an inscription. But he claims the credit of having created the entire temple.Pilgrimage to Baidyanath was well recognized in the Muslim period as well.
  • There is an interesting account of the pilgrimage to Baidyanath in the Khulasati-t-twarikh written between 1695 and 1699 A.D.From the writings of Khulasati-t-twarikh it is evident that the importance of Babadham temple has been well admitted by all.In the 18th century, the Maharaja of Gidhaur faced political turmoil.
  • He had to fight against the Nababs of Birbhum. Under the Muhammadan government, the chief priest appears to have paid a fixed rent to the Nabab of Birbhum, and the administration of the temple seems to have been left entirely in the hands of the priest. For a few years the Nabab ruled over Babadham. Subsequently, the Maharaja of Gidhaur defeated the Nabab and Babadham was brought back under his rule till the East India Company came in.In 1757 after the battle of Pallsy 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.

Architecture:

  • The temple of Baidyanath or Shiva is the most important of all the temples in the courtyard. The temple faces the east and is a plain stone structure with a pyramidal tower, 72 feet tall.
  • The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, and were donated by the Maharaja of Giddhaur. 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 pettaled lotus jewel called Chandrakanta Mani.
  • The lingam installed inside, is of a cylindrical forming about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the centre 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 nandi.
  • There are bells fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell ropes to announce their approach to the divinity.
  • To the east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large masonry vat into which flows the water and milk offered to the lingam. The liquid in it is essentially a mix of milk, sandal paste and washing of flowers, which impart to it a fragrant smell and is treated as highly sacred.

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Baba Baidyanath Temple Management Board

Chairman of the Board: Shri T.P. Sinha, Former Director General of Police, Jharkhand –

Secretary cum Chief Executive Officer: Deputy Commissioner, Deoghar

Ex-officio Member: Advocate General, Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi

Ex-officio Member: District Judge, Deoghar

Ex-officio Member: Superintendent of Police, Deoghar :

Ex-officio Member: Shri Nishi Kant Dubey, represntative of Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Godda

Ex-officio Member: Shri Suresh Paswan, Member of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly from Deoghar

Member: Shri. S.P. Saharia, Kolkata

Member: Shri Krishna Nand Jha, Former Irrigation Minister and Son of Pandit Binoda Nand Jha, Deoghar

Member: Shri Tara Chand Jain, Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Deoghar

Member: Shri. Dilip Jairath, Advocate Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi

The Sub-divisional Officer (SDO) Deoghar, acts as Assistant Secretary both to the Managing Board and to the Secretary cum Chief Executive Officer.

A full time Administrative officer has been appointed to manage the office of the temple. He is directly responsible for the day to day affairs of the temple and reports directly to the Chief Executive officer viz. the Deputy Commissioner Deoghar.

 Baba Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand, INDIA

  Tel 91 6432 232295

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  • Air: – Nearest airport is Patna 281 km which is well connected with rest of the country.
  • Rail: -The nearest railway station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) which is a terminal station of a 7 kms branch line originating from Jasidih Rail Junction (15 km).
  • Road: – Deoghar is connected by road to Calcutta 373 km, Giridih 112 km, Patna 281 km, Dumka 67 km, Madhupur 57 km, Shimultala 53 km.
  • Bus: – Regular direct bus services are available from Bhagalpur, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Gaya
  • Local Transport: -Taxis, Scooters, Cycle Rickshaws are available

There are no regular trips but chartered buses or taxis are arranged from Ranchi and Patna by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.

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Legends

Shiva Purana describes the greatness ofThe legends about this Shiva temple are various. One legend is that in the Treta Yuga the demon Ravana, king of Lanka, propitiated Lord Mahadeva and wanted him to come over to Lanka. Mahadeva did not agree to this prayer but told Ravana that one of the twelve emblems of His divinity. Jyotirlinga, would be quite as effective as His presence and that he might take it away on the condition that there should be no break in the journey and the lingam would not be deposited anywhere on the earth. The condition was that if the lingam was put anywhere on the earth in the course of the journey, it would be fixed to that spot for ever.

The legend is that Ravana agreed to this condition and took the lingam and started his journey back to Lanka.

The gods dreaded the effect of the lingam being established at the seat of the demon king. A ruse was devised and Varuna, the god of the waters, entered the stomach of Ravana and the demon had to descend to earth to relieve him. Later, Vishnu, in the garb of an old Brahmin, appeared before Ravana, after his descent to the earth, and began to converse with him. Ravana requested the Brahmin to kindly hold the Jyotirlinga for a few minutes so that he could relieve himself. Lord Vishnu readily agreed to it and, as soon as Ravana turned his back to relieve himself, he left the Jyotirlinga on the spot and vanished. When Ravana came back, he found that the Jyotirlinga was firmly fixed to the earth and realised that a trick had been played on him. He even tried violence to remove the lingam and thereby broke a piece off the top of the lingam. However, failing to remove the lingam, he made his obeisance to the lingam and daily worshipped it. The spot where Ravana came down to the earth has been identified with Harlajuri, about four miles north of Deoghar and the place where the lingam was deposited is known as Deoghar.

According to the Padma Purana, a Brahmin in the garb of Lord Vishnu, after taking the lingam from Ravana, consecrated it in due form with water from a neighbouring tank. There was a Bhil present, who was instructed as to what should be clone. The Bhil had informed Ravana as to the disappearance of the Brahmin. Ravana is supposed to have excavated a well with an arrow and brought into it the waters of all the sacred pools of the earth. It is said that the lingam, after the death of Ravana, used to be worshipped by a hunter Baiju, and the lingam came to be known by Baijus name as Baidyanath.

Temple

 Vaidyanath Temple at Deogarh houses a spacious courtyard bound by stone walls. In the temple complex are twenty-two other temples. The Baijnath or Vaidyanath temple faces east. The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it. Near the temple is the Shivaganga Lake.

The Baba Baidyanath temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlingam is installed, and 21 other temples.

  • Sri Rama
  • Sri Rama
  • Maa Ganga
  • Maa Ganga
  • anandbhairav
  • Anand Bhairava
  • Gaurishankar
  • Gauri Shankara
  • Maa tara
  • Maa Tara
  • narvadeshwar
  • Narvadeshwar
  • Maa Kali
  • Maa Kali
  • Maa Annapurna
  • Maa Annapurna

  • chandrakoopa Well
  • Chandrakoopa Well
  • Laxminarayan Temple
  • Laxmi Narayan
  • Neelkantha Mahadeva
  • Neelkantha Mahadeva
  • Maa Parvati
  • Maa Parvati
  • Maa Jagjanani
  • Maa Jagat Janani
  • Ganesh
  • Ganesh
  • brahma
  • Brahma
  • Maa Sandhya
  • Maa Sandhya

  • kalbhairav
  • Mahakala Bhairava
  • hanuman
  • Hanuman
  • Maa mansa
  • Maa Mansa
  • tulsichaura
  • Tulsi Chaura
  • Maa saraswati
  • Maa Saraswati
  • suryanarayan
  • Surya Narayan
  • Maa Bagla
  • Maa Bagla
  • neelchakra
  •  Neel Chakra

Significance of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga:

  • Vaidyanath Temple, also called Vaijnath Temple and Baidyanth Temple is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region of Jarkhand in the south west of Keeul Station.
  • Another legend has it that this temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju, and hence the name Baijnath.
  • Baidyanath shrine is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Shiva.
  • Vaidyanath is also considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Pitha shrines of Sati.
  • The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it.
  • Devotees of Lord Shiva believe that by sincere worship of Vaijnath Jyotirlinga a person is relieved of all worries and miseries in life.
  • As a tradition, devotees carry ‘Kanwars’ on their shoulders and complete their travel here
  • Devotees of Lord Shiva, in the months of July – August undertake a rigorous 100 km. pilgrimage on foot, from Ajgaibinath to offer holy water to Baba Baidyanath.They is called Bhol Bham Dhak Bham.

Temples and Holy places near and around  Vaidyanath  Jyotirlinga temple:

Ajgaibinath

Ajgaibinath

According to the legend lord Shiva took here a bow known as Ajgav and so the place came to be known as Ajgaivinath. It is commonly said that Kalapahar failed to demolish Ajgaivinath temple but he could destroy the Parvati temple on the neighbouring hill and built a mosque there. Formerly, this hill must have been bigger and spacious. The high floods and the constant strong currents of the Ganga must have worn away the decaying granite rocks of the hill. he present village Jahangira to the west of Sultangang still keeps alive the memory of the Ashram of Jahnu Muni. The name of Jahangira appears to be the distorted form of Jahnugiri (the hill of Jahnu) or Jahnu griha (the abode of Jahnu).

During the rule of the Mauryas, Guptas and Palas many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. The area has yielded ancient relicks like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta and Hindu and Buddha images. Many carvings can still be seen in the Sultanganj hills. A number of small images along with a copper image of Lord Buddha about seven feet high were excavated here. A Buddha image found in Sultanganj is now in Birmingham Museum.

A large number of antiquities covered from krishnagarh at Sultanganj have been preserved in Patna Museum. They indicate a very high standard of Hindu religiosity and culture. The fact that some of the images and other antiquities are Buddhistic reiterates that the area was very important from Buddhistic point of view as well. Most of the antiquities have been identified with the medieval period.

Through various vicissitudes Sultanganj continued in importance in the later centuries. It is peculiar that a place which has the famous Shiva temple known as Ajgaivinath, which is quite old, should have a name which has a clear muslim impress. It is all the more so when it is remembered that Ajgaivinath temple is one of the three famous Shiva temples in Bihar & Jharkhand, the two other being Basukinath andBaidyanath temples.

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There are three temples to the west of the Baba Baidyanath Temple complex in the main market of Deoghar. These are known as Baiju Temples.

The Baiju temples were constructed by the heir of main priests of Baba Baidyanath Temple. A Shiva Lingam has been installed in each temple.

As per the Hindu mythology a Bhil boy named Baiju was taught by Lord Vishnu about the worshipping. He was told to pour water on Shiva Lingam. He had no water pot. He filled his mouth with water and poured it upon the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva was so pleased with his simplicity that he appeared to him. The temple has been known by this boy’s name since that event.

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Basukinath

Basukinath

It is famous for its Shiva Temple, and the pilgrimage to Babadham is considered incomplete, without paying homage at Basukinath.It is situated 42 km from Deoghar near the village of Jarmundi and connected by road.

Shiva linga

Shiva linga

It is an indigenous temple bearing local art.  The temple’s history is connected with Ghatwals of Nonihat. There are other small temples also in the campus of the Basukinath temple.

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Devsangmath

Devsangmath

Dev Sangha Math/ Ashram at Deoghar, a divine Association, were founded by Narendra Nath Brahmachary. It has a number of disciples.It is situated 3 km away from Baidyanath temple and 2 km from Deoghar railway station.The Nava Durga Temple at Devsangha Math has an idol of Goddess Durga in the Bengali style. There are also images of Krishna, Annapurna and Maheshwara. The temple was constructed in 1955. Beside the temple, a statue of its founder Narendra Nath Brahmachary is also installed.Durga Puja celebration at Devsangha is an important event at Deoghar. Thousands of devotees come every year during this celebration.

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Dolmanch is situated in the main market. It is on the first floor of Rasraj Sweet House. A strong swing made of stone is here.On the Full Moon Day idols of Radha – Krishna are swung here. A big crowd is gathered and every one enjoy Holi with abir etc.

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Shiva Temple in Harila Jori

Harila Jori

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

The Shiva Linga in Harila Jori

The Shiva Linga

This was the place where Ravana handed over the lingam to lord Visnu disguised as a brahmin, and went for urination. A stream flows here and is known as Ravana Jori

Legends say that both Shiva and Vishnu met here. Hence the name, Harila – Jori.

Shiva kunda in Harila Jori

Shiva kunda

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.

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Hathipahar

Hathipahar

There is a small hillock in the east of Deoghar which is popularly known as Hathipahar or Mahadevatari. The name of Mahadevatari defines that this hillock is beneath the temple of Shiva. From a distance this hillock looks like an elephant, that is why, it is called Hathipahar.There is a small stream of water which flows continuously. People visit this place and drink the river water. The belief is that its water can cure all stomach related diseases.

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Jain Temple

The deity

The deity

Situated in Deoghar, it is a magnificent temple. A rare litrary is also maintained here. A noted social worker and devotee, Tarachand Jain laboured hard to make the temple in the present position. Jainis from India and abroad visit the temple every year.

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Kundeshwari

Kundeshwari Temple

Kundeshwari It is situated about a kilometre away from Chandi Hill, Navagraha Temples are also situated here.

Kundeshwari

Kundeshwari

Idols of Lord Shiva & Mother Parvati, Ganesh & Lakshmi – Narayan have been installed here. It was constructed by Late Ramapada Bandopadhyay (Hoogly, W.B.) in 1911 A.D.On the way to this temple a Kali Temple was established by Late Fakir Chandra Chatterjee.

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There is a Dhaninath temple at Kathikund which is on the road. In the month of February – March, a fair is organised here. People from all areas of Santhal pargana visit the fair

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Lila Temple

Lila Temple

This is situated three miles away from Deoghar in the east. It is also famous as Arunachal Mission. Thakur Jayanand Deo founded it. The goddess Kali is the main deity of this Ashram.  Propagation of universal brotherhood is the motto and objective of this Ashram.

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Built by late Sri  Raja Man Singh, who was Akbar’s General and the then ruler of Bengal. It is situated in the west of Shivaganga.  There is also an altar of Khatri Baba whom people worship to fulfil their needs.

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Nandanpahar

Nandanpahar

This is 3 km away from Baba Baidyanath station. There are few temples on the hill and inside them the idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartik have been installed. There is a water tank from where filtered water is supplied to each corner of Deoghar through pipes. The sunrise and sunset from here is a charming scene.

It is said that once King Ravana tried to enter Shivadham forcibly. Nandi was the door keeper at that time. Nandi obstructed him. Ravana became angry and threw him who fell here and in this way this hill became to known by this name.

Children Park

Children Park

Here a park named Nandan Hill Entertainment Park has been constructed. It is a favourite spot of tiny – tots. Facilities of swinging, boating etc. are available here.It is situated in the western side of the Deoghar town. It has got importance in the religious history of Babadham.One can view the beauty of Deoghar from here.

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Naulakh Temple

Naulakh Temple

This is situated 1.5 KMs away from Baba Baidyanath Temple and is a best 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 Deity Inside

The Deity Inside

Sri Balanad Brahmachari

Sri Balanad Brahmachari

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

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Paglababa

Paglababa

This is situated 8 km. away from Tower Chowk on the Jasidih – Rohini road and one of the worth visitings.  It was established by Pagla Baba (Late Lilananda Thakur) who belonged to Bangladesh. Here idols of Radha – Krishna are installed. The idols weigh about 6 quintals and are made of eight metals. The Ashram conducts continuous Sankirtan.

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Rikhia Yogashram and the life history of its founder

 

Rikhia Ashram

Rikhia Ashram

This Yogashram (Sri Sri Panch Dashanam Paramhansa Alakhbarah) was established by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Swami Satyananda Saraswati was born on 26th July 1923 in Almora (in the Himalayan Tarai). Since his childhood he was brilliant and spiritual – minded. At the age of six he was touched with spiritual feelings. At the age of 19 he left his home and started wandering in search of a Guru. He reached Rishikesh where he met Swami Shivananda Saraswati. He became his disciple on 12th September, 1947. He stayed there for 12 years to serve Guru Maharaj. There he worked hard and was taught a lesson – Work hard and hard work will make you sacred. You do not have to try for Atmagyan (the knowledge of spirit), it itself will appear in you.

  • The DeityIn 1956 he established the International Yoga Mandal to show the right path through spiritual knowledge. He established Bihar Yoga Vidyalaya in 1964 in Monghyr.
  • In 1968 he left India to tour the world. The aim of the tour was to establish World – Friendship and to make the people apply Yoga in practical and scientific form. He became world famous. He was the first sage in the world – history who tried to use the Yoga – Mystery in the scientific base.
  • Between 1968 and 1982 he travelled abroad for 26 times. He went to England, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Austria, USA, Canada, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Japan, Malaysia, El-Salvador, Hongkong, Australia, etc. to establish the seeds of Yoga.
  • In 1983 he announced the name of his heir and appointed him as the president of Bihar Yoga VIdyalaya and its related centres. That lucky person is Swami Niranjananandaji.
  •  In 1984 he established Shivananda Math where people are undertaken physical treatment and given medicines free of cost.
  •  In 1988, he left Monghyr and travelled many pilgrimage in India as a religious wanderer and at last he reached at Baidyanath Dham. Here he started penance wearing a Kopin (a piece of cloth tucked to the waist). During the penance he got a command – The facilities which I have given you, give to your neighbours.

The Deity

These days he is worshipping to serve the people in the surrounding area. The offerings he gets, such as vehicles, cattle, medicine, clothes, sewing machines etc. he donates to the needy. Every year in the month of November/ December a grand fair is held here with great pomp and show. Sita-Vivah is arranged here.

Sat Chand Mahayajna

Sat Chand Mahayajna

Thousand of devotees from different corners of the world participate in this fair. Foreigners are seen in every corner of the town. This Ashram is indeed a sacred place in Deoghar.

Rikhiapeeth is indeed blessed as it is here that Paramahansa Satyananda took Yoga Samadhi on the 5th of December 2009. To preserve the sanctity of this event, Peethadhishwari Swami Satyasangananda has dedicated the 5th and 6th of each month to Guru Bhakti Yoga. Each month since then, uplifting and inspiring ceremonies are conducted on the 5th to honor the day Swami Satyananda attained Mahasamadhi and on the 6th to commemorate the day he was given Bhu Samadhi by the Panchagni Vedi.

Guru Bhakti Yoga

Guru Bhakti Yoga

 Guru Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of remembrance. All acts throughout the day are intended to enhance your remembrance of Pujya Gurudev Swami Satyananda. It is through remembrance that channels for transmission are formed and He turns His gaze on us and blesses us. The sadhana outlined by Peethadhishwari Swami Satyasangananda is a simple combination of seva, service, prarthana, prayer and aradhana or worship.

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Ramakrishna Mission VidyapeethThe Ramkrishna Mission Vidyapith, a branch of Ramkrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah district, was established in 1922 with the objective of imparting modern education combined with the values of our ancient culture in the lines of the ancient Gurukula. The institution has grown into a famous residential secondary school with about 450 students at present. It is managed by the monks of the Ramkrishna Mission.

The school, with classes VI to XII, is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. It is equipped with modern laboratories and computers to give the students a good learning experience. There is also a library, with numerous books and journals. Academic performance of the boys has been uniformly good over the years.

Co-curricular activities get equal emphasis. Students are encouraged to participate in debates, elocution, recitation, group discussions, seminars, sports activities etc. They also learn art and music. An educational exhibition is organised annually by the boys. The emphasis is on nurturing the inherent talents of the students and developing a balanced character.

Spiritual and Moral Training of the boys gets special attention. Daily prayer sessions are held in the prayer hall. The Ashram’s atmosphere is generated by the teachers who help the students to imbibe the moral values set forth by Swami Vivekananda. Religious festivals are celebrated with solemnity with an idea to root the boys in traditional Indian culture.

The Vidyapeeth is alive to the problems and needs of the local community. The institute runs a charitable dispensary which provides medical care. The Vivekananda Balakendra (a free primary coaching centre) run by the Vidyapeeth provides free education and other necessities to more than 400 deprived children of the locality. Inter school competitions, Teacher’s seminars and Youth Festivals for schools and colleges of Jharkhand are held regularly.

The Ramkrishna Mission Vidyapeeth is thus a living and vibrant effort to manifest the ideal of education as envisaged by Swami Vivekananda: We want the education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one is able to stand on one’s own feet.

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In the south – west of Deoghar there is a big Ashram established by Sri Sri Anukul Chandra which is called Satsang Ashram. It is related with the sect of Radhaswami. It is a universal reforming Ashram and working for the betterment of humanity. People from India and abroad visit this Ashram every year.

satsangnagarIn the midst of Pabna’s jungles and thickets at the village of Himaitpur a radical change was going on. As more people arrived, the village was transformed into Satsang Ashram. Dharma, education, industry, commerce art and music all found expression in the activities of Satsang Ashram.He built up an institution, Tapovan School, which became reputed throughout the country.

On 13th Aug, 1946 some of his devotees rented a big house Boral Bungalow (Now it is known as Thakur Bungalow).

The moment of greatest misfortune came at 4:55 a.m. on the 27th January 1969, when Sri Sri Anukul Chandra quietly departed from this terrestrial world.

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This is situated in the main market near Tower Chowk. Devotees come here and sit for hours in its premises. The temple has less height but idols are ancient. It is believed that incurable diseases are cured if one worships here with heart. Every year in the month of Chaita, Shitala Puja celebration takes place with great pomp and show.

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When Ravana was taking the lingam to Lanka, he felt the urge for urination. He handed over the lingam to a brahmin and went for urintation. After urination, he needed to wash his hands and be purified before holding the lingam. When he did not find any water source nearby, he made a blow with his fist on the earth and water came out and formed a pond. This pond is now known as Shivaganga.The old name of Shivaganga is Varvoghar kund. It is situated just 200 metres away from the Baidyanath temple.

In ancient India Ashwini Kumaras, doctors of gods, bathed in this tank and cured themselves from diseases. Formerly it was a small tank. Later, the Zamindar of Lakshmipur estate shaped it to the present size.

shivganga

Shivganga

Taking bath into the Shivaganga is the same as taking bath into the Ganges. Shiva devotees, who come to Deoghar, take a dip into the Shivaganga to purify them before offering water to the Jyotirlingam. It is said that this pond has never dried up.On the western side, a small temple has been constructed by Raja Jai Singh. It is a Shiva temple. It stands near Ganesh Kala Mandir.

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Taponath Mahadeva

Taponath Mahadeva

This is situated 10 km away from Babadham.  There is a temple of Shiva which is the centre of attraction for pilgrims. The temple of Shiva is called Taponath Mahadeva.  A number of caves are found in this hill. In one of the caves, a Shiva lingam is installed. It is said that Sage Valmiki came here for penance. Sri Sri Balananda Brahmachari obtained Siddhi (success through penance) here.  Sri Sri Mohananada Brahmachari, disciple of Sri Sri Balananda Brahmachari also used to come here.

Tapovan -A meditation place

Tapovan

In the olden days it was a meditation spot (Tapobhumi) for the Nagas.  In the ancient time Tapovan was the military camp of the palas. Here we find an inscription Shri Deo Narayan Pal.

Legends say that devotees visiting Tapovana, get the fruits of Baidyanath Darshan. Cracked rockThere is a cracked rock at Tapovan. In the inner surface of the crack, one can see a portrait of Hanuman. This is an amazing feat as it is practically impossible to insert a paint brush in the crack and draw anything.

Shukta Kund (Sita Kund)

Shukta Kund (Sita Kund)

Below the hill there is a small cemented Kund (water – body) which is called by the local people. This  is a holy water body as it is said that Sita used to take bath here.

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There is a famous shakti peeth near Deoghar. A yogi Bamakhepa worshipped the goddess Kali. It stands on the bank of Dwaraka. A rare image of Tara is visible in the inner apartment of the temple.

Pilgrims and tourists, who visit Baidyanath, come to worship Tarapeeth. One can go to Tarapeeth by bus and car.

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The Trikuta Pahar

The Trikuta Pahar

This is situated 10 km away from Deoghar on the way to Dumka. There are three main peaks on the hill which is why it is called Trikutachal. The height of this hill is 2470 feet.

Bam Bam Baba Temple

Bam Bam Baba Temple

Sage Bam Bam Baba used to come here for penance. In the month of Shravan, the devotees come here to collect wood apple leaves. There are numerous trees of wood apple. Hence this place is also called the Garden of Shiva.

Trikuteshwar Mahadeva Temple

Trikuteshwar Mahadeva Temple

There is also a temple of Shiva at this place known as Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple. It is the mouth of river Mayurakshi. Here we also find an altar of the goddess of Trishuli. It is an attractive place with a cool stream flowing. On the hill there is a cottage of sage Dayananda

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