Baidyanath Temple – Sacred Jyotirlinga with Location Dispute

Baidyanath Temple is one among twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. This is one of the ancient sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. There is a dispute regarding its exact location. Many say its location is at Deogarh, Jharkhand. But some of them say it’s at Parli, Maharashtra and some say it’s 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.

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)

Read More>> Bhadrachalam Temple | Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy

History of Baidyanath Temple:

The history of the Baidyanath Temple is shrouded in mystery. According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva at this location to gain divine blessings, which he used to cause chaos and destruction in the world. Ravana offered his ten heads as a symbol of sacrifice to Lord Shiva. Pleased with this gesture, Lord Shiva descended and healed Ravana’s injuries. As Lord Shiva acted as a doctor, he is also referred to as Vaidya (“doctor”). The temple is named after this aspect of Shiva.

The earliest archaeological evidence of the Baidyanath Temple dates back to the 8th century AD. However, it is believed that the temple has existed for much longer, and may have been built by the Gupta dynasty in the 4th century AD.

The temple was renovated and expanded several times over the centuries. In the 16th century, Raja Puran Mal of Gidhaur built the main temple structure. In the 18th century, the Mughal emperor Akbar’s brother-in-law built a pond at Deoghar known as Mansarovar.

The Baidyanath Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India. The temple is especially crowded during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar, when lakhs of devotees participate in the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage.

The Baidyanath Temple is a beautiful and historic temple that is an important part of Hindu culture. It is a place where devotees come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to experience his divine presence.

Read More>> Magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple: A Marvel of Architecture

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

Places to visit near Baidyanath Temple:

Basukinath Temple: Basukinath Temple is another important religious site for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s about 42 kilometers from Deoghar and can be visited as a part of a pilgrimage circuit.

Naulakha Mandir: Naulakha Mandir, as the name suggests, is a temple that is believed to have been constructed at a cost of nine lakhs (Naulakha) in the early 20th century. It is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Trikuta Parv: This hill, located near Deoghar, offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Satsang Ashram: The Satsang Ashram is a serene place for meditation and spiritual activities. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can spend some quiet time.

Tapovan: Located about 10 kilometers from Deoghar, Tapovan is a beautiful spot with lush greenery, making it an ideal place for a picnic or a nature walk.

Harila Jori: This is a picturesque location where two rivers, Harila and Jori, converge. It’s a serene and beautiful spot for relaxation and taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Rikhia Yogashram: This ashram is dedicated to the teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It’s a place to learn and practice yoga and meditation.

Nandan Pahar: Nandan Pahar is a small hill that offers panoramic views of Deoghar. It has a temple and a park for recreation.

Kundeshwari Temple: About 10 kilometers from Deoghar, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. It’s situated in a serene and natural setting.

Jain Temples: Deoghar also has a few Jain temples like Chandrakoop Jain Temple, Kesariya Ji Jain Temple, and Tower Chowk Jain Temple for those interested in Jain architecture and culture.

Read More>> Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

FAQ:

What is Baidyanath Temple?

Baidyanath Temple, also known as Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple or Baidyanath Dham, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Where is Baidyanath Temple located?

Baidyanath Temple is located in Deoghar, a city in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated in the Santhal Parganas division of Jharkhand.

What is the significance of Baidyanath Temple?

Baidyanath Temple is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that a pilgrimage to this temple can help devotees attain moksha (liberation). The temple is associated with the mythological story of Ravana, who is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Is the temple open to all visitors?

Yes, the temple is open to all visitors, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. Devotees from all over the world visit Baidyanath Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

What are the main festivals celebrated at Baidyanath Temple?

The most significant festival celebrated at Baidyanath Temple is Shravani Mela, which takes place during the Hindu month of Shravana (usually in July-August). During this time, devotees undertake a pilgrimage to the temple, often carrying holy water from the Ganges to offer to Lord Shiva.

What is the best time to visit Baidyanath Temple?

While the temple is open year-round, the Shravani Mela period is the most popular time to visit. However, you can visit the temple at any time of the year to avoid the large crowds and witness the serene ambiance.

Are there any rituals or customs to be followed by visitors?

Visitors are expected to follow certain customs and rituals, such as removing their shoes before entering the temple, offering flowers and bilva leaves to Lord Shiva, and performing circumambulations (pradakshina) around the sanctum sanctorum.

How can I reach Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar?

Deoghar is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest major railway station is Deoghar Railway Station. You can also reach Deoghar by road through various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is the Dumka Airport.

Is accommodation available for pilgrims in Deoghar?

Yes, there are several hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas (pilgrim lodges) in Deoghar that provide accommodation for pilgrims and tourists.

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

Generally, photography is not allowed inside the temple premises. It’s best to respect the rules and regulations of the temple authorities.

How to reach Baidyanath Temple:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Deoghar is the Deoghar Airport (also known as Bokaro Airport) located in Bokaro, Jharkhand. It is approximately 72 kilometers away from Deoghar.
After reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Deoghar.

By Train:

Deoghar has its own railway station, Deoghar Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
You can check the train schedule and book tickets to Deoghar Railway Station.

By Road:

Deoghar is well-connected by road to nearby cities and towns. You can reach Deoghar by bus, car, or taxi.
National Highway 133 and National Highway 114 pass through Deoghar, making it accessible by road.

From Deoghar Railway Station or Bus Stand:

Once you reach Deoghar by train or bus, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the Baidyanath Temple.
Baidyanath Temple is located in the heart of the city, so it should be easy to find. It’s a well-known and prominent landmark in Deoghar.

Local Transportation:

You can also explore the city using local transportation like cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws.

Google Maps: