Baidyanath Temple – Sacred Jyotirlinga with Location Dispute
Baba Baidyanath Temple also known as Vaidyanath Jyotirlingam (although there is a dispute of another location with same name) is one among the sacred 11 Jyothirlingas and one among 51 Shakti Peethas. It is one of the ancient holy residences of Lord Shiva. There is some controversy about the exact location. It is claimed it is situated at Deogarh, Jharkhand. However, a particular group quotes it to be at Parli, Maharashtra while others say that it is located at Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh.
According to Shiva Mahapuran, it is mentioned as “Baidyanatham Chithabhoomau” Here the word “Chithabhoomau” possibly refers to the ancient name of the location of Vaidyanathan, interpreting it with the present location, it is said Deoghar which is located in Nort-East part of the country. Also the word “Chithabhoomau” means the place where corpses are burnt in a short funeral place.
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Myths and Beliefs of Baidyanath Temple:
- Devotees who visit Baidyanath Jyotirlinga must visit the Yogeshwari Devi temple located in Ambejogai.
- According to the mythology Daksha yagna and Sati self-immolation, it is the holy place where the “Heart” fell down.
The reason behind this myth is:
A marriage between Lord Baidyanath and Goddess Yogeshwari was fixed. But by the time the marriage party reached the wedding place, the auspicious time had passed. As a result, members of the marriage party turned into statues.
It is also called the place where Amrit Manthan (Churning for Nectar) was done. When gods and demons started churning the ocean, Amrit and Dhanwantari (14 gems) emerged. When demons tried to grab Amrit, Lord Vishnu hid the Amrit in the form of Maya (beautiful lady) and Dhanwantari in Shiv linga. When demons tried to take Dhanwantari, there were flames by their touch. When the same thing was done by gods with devotion, there was nectar flow. That is why people still touch the Shiva linga with any basis of caste, creed or colour.
In another context, Baidyanath Jyotirlinga was covered with a dense forest, which is filled abundantly with medicinal plants. There was a saint named Vaidyanath (who is an expert in using medicinal herbs). He used to worship Lord Shiva with devotion, and once the lord appeared, and was blessed with a boon to stay permanently in the form of Linga. Hence it is believed devotees who visit this place and touch the linga with devotion will be free from all kinds of diseases.
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga place is located between Ujjain and Kanyakumari also known as Kantipur (Madhyarekha Vaijayanti)
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History of Baidyanath Temple:
History is very less defined about Baidyanath Temple. According to the mythologies of Hindu, at this place, Ravana the demon king worshiped Lord Shiva to get heavenly boon which he utilized to raise havoc and catastrophe in the world. Ravana offered his ten heads as sacrifice to Lord Shiva. Pleased with this gesture, Lord Shiva came down on earth and healed injuries from Ravana’s bodies. Being the doctor who portrayed himself as a healing man, he is also referred to as Vaidya (“doctor”). This is why this temple is named in this context.
The oldest archaeological evidence that dates back to around the 8th century AD was discovered relating to the Baidyanath Temple. However, it is quite believed that the temple has much more ancient existence, which might also be 4th century AD when it was founded by the Gupta dynasty.
The temple has seen many renovations and extensions over the centuries. The main temple structure was built during the 16th century by Raja Puran Mal of Gidhaur. Mansarovar, a pond was constructed in Deoghar in the 18th century by the brother of the Mughal emperor.
It is regarded as one of the holiest places of worship for all the Hindus, situated in Bihar and visited by pilgrims from all different parts of India. The temple of Baidyanath witnesses a heavy rush during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar where thousands of devotees take part in the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage.
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Baidyanath Temple timing:
Morning:
5:00 AM – Temple Opens
5:00 AM to 3:30 PM – Darshan
Afternoon:
3:30 PM – Temple Closes for Aarti Break
4:00 PM – Temple Reopens
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM – Darshan
Baidyanath Temple Official Website:
Places to visit near Baidyanath Temple:
Basukinath Temple: Another very significant place of worship among the Hindus, the temple is for the god Shiva, and it lies in a place from Deoghar around 42 kilometers, and it can be visited on a pilgrimage circuit.
Naulakha Mandir is a temple, which is said to have been constructed in the early 20th century at a cost of nine lakhs. Its architecture is brilliant and the carvings are also outstanding.
Trikuta Parv: This is a hill located near Deoghar that would offer a panoramic view of the town and other surroundings. It is also a place for trekking under the utter beauty of nature surrounding the area.
Satsang Ashram: The Satsang Ashram is another place meant for meditation and other related spiritual activities. It’s again a quiet retreat to spend some time there.
Tapovan: Situated 10 kilometers from Deoghar, Tapovan is a nice destination that has lots of greenery surrounding it. Tapovan is perfect for those who want a picnic or a nature walk.
Harila Jori: This is the confluence of two rivers, the Harila and Jori. It is a quiet, peaceful place situated at some distance from Deoghar, in some valley, and encircled by aesthetic beauty.
Rikhia Yogashram: Swami Satyananda Saraswati is the founder of ashram here. The place is for learning and researching yoga as well as meditation.
Nandan Pahar: Nandan Pahar is one of the small hills from which wide panoramic views can be seen of Deoghar. This tourist place has an abode called temple and park for recreation.
Kundeshwari Temple: Situated about 10 kilometers from the town of Deoghar, this temple is given to Goddess Parvati. This is a very enchanting as well as natural setting where you can sit in peace.
Of course, this town has some Jain temples such as Chandrakoop Jain Temple, Kesariya Ji Jain Temple, and Tower Chowk Jain Temple for those who want to see Jain architecture and culture.
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How to reach Baidyanath Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport: Deoghar Airport (also known as Bokaro Airport)
Distance: approximately 72 kilometers
By Train:
The nearest railway station: Deoghar Railway Station.
By Road:
Deoghar is well-connected by road (NH 133 and 144) and to nearby cities and towns.