Vaidhyanath Temple, also known as the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple is of huge significance because it consists of not just the main shrine but in fact is a complex that has 21 other temples. This Jyotirlinga temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in which Lord Shiva manifests himself as a column of light. The power of the temple is from his energy and hence coming here and doing worship will bring a huge amount of blessings into one’s life.
Located in Deoghar, Jharkand, it is a sacred abode that is also known as the place in which Ravana prayed to Lord Shiva and won many boons. Since he cut his many heads and offered it to Lord Shiva, he was injured by the act and Lord Shiva became his doctor to cure him from it, hence he is called Baidhyanath.
It is a beautiful temple, with a marvelous architecture, one that will stun you immediately with its majestic carvings and huge stone walls. Inside the shrine of Lord Baidhyanath Baba throngs hundreds of devotees who come here for the main purpose of getting blessings for good health, longevity and also prosperity.
The most interesting aspect about the temple is its Shravan month celebrations, which beckon pilgrims from far and near. The millions of pilgrims who come here carry with them Ganges water which is collected from the Sultanganj and offer it to the deity.
During this month, the Pilgrims form a line that stretches over 108 kms and they wear saffron robes, walking barefoot to the temple. It is also considered as only one of the 52 Shakti Peethas or shrines of Goddess Parvati. When Lord Shiva was carrying her half burnt body in grief, it was Lord Vishnu who cut it into pieces with his discus. Her heart fell in this location and that’s why the temple is also called Hardapeetha and Goddess Sati is worshiped as Jaya Durga here.
Situated close is River Mayurakshi which is known for its sprawling beauty and immense loveliness. Visiting it and enjoying its serenity is a key part of the pilgrimage as it is an unforgettable experience. The lush greenery surrounding it and the majesty of the river will give you an unforgettable experience of Deoghar.
The Vaidhanath temple is a unique one because the Lord here is a physician. Devotees coming here with the wish to overcome certain physical problems find this temple to be the perfect solace. It transforms into a spectacular place during festivals and celebrations when pilgrims come in huge numbers to view the Lord. The beauty of the temple coupled with the devotional songs turns this temple into a magical place, one that is captivating in every way. The power of the Shiva Linga here is such that it beckons people from all over and those who come here enjoy its spirituality and gain blessings by which all their difficulties will be alleviated.
History of Vaidyanath Jyotirling
As with any Jyotirling temple this too is steeped in legend which traces itself to none other than the ten-headed asura Ravana. This particular legend shows how much of a deep Lord Shiva devotee Ravana was and that his worship resulted in him getting medical treatment from the Lord.
Ravana felt that his capital will not be wonderful until Lord Shiva resides in Lanka, so he started doing immense prayers to him. In order to please the Lord he started cutting his head one by one, till he reached his tenth head, which when he was about to cut, the Lord presented himself, as he was pleased with his worship.
He allowed himself to be taken to Lanka by Ravana in the form of his Linga form but this worried the Gods as they felt he would become invincible. So they approach Lord Varuna, the wind god and asked him to distract Ravana so that he puts the Linga in a place other than Lanka.
As Ravana was carrying the Linga, he was distracted and wanted to go to the bathroom to releive himself. He spotted Lord Ganesha in the form of a Brahmin and gave the Shiva Atmalinga to him, who immediately kept it in the spot where the temple exists today. As much as Ravana tried, he simply could not move the Linga and as a result left it there but came to worship it in this location everyday.
There is another legend associated with this temple which says that this temple was rediscovered by a cowherd named Baiju ad hence is named Baijnath.
Archeitecture of Vaidyanath Temple
The construction of the temple dates back to 1596, hence it has a very old structure which has withstood the test and ravages of time. Beautiful, filled with carvings and impressive in height, you will find the temple to be one that is the perfect model of ancient architecture, following many of the old construction methods and principles. Inside the sanctum sanatorium is the beautiful Shiva Linga, which has a slight chipping on one side to indicate that Ravana tried to move it.
It is believed that the original temple was built by Vishwakarma, who is the celestial architect. It consists of three parts, main, middle and temple entrance. It stands at a height of 72 feet and is shaped in the form of a lotus. On the top of the temple are three ascending gold vessels which were given by Maharaja of Gidhaur. It also has the 'Punchsula set of five knives into a Tridenta shape and the Chandrakanta Mani – an eight-petaled lotus jewel.
In the middle of the temple is the shrine, in which stands the linga at 5 inches in diameter and 4 inches in height. In the courtyard there are different temples, each dedicated to a particular God or Goddess with the one dedicated to Lord Shiva as the supreme one. The shrine of Mata Parvati is tied to the main temple through sacred red thread.
This sprawling temple complex offers a unique experience to devotees as it has so many other shrines inside it and visiting each of them gives chance to worship every one like never before. Each shrine has a spectacular importance and is known for a particular quality so devotees gain a lot spiritually.
When you compare this structure with other similar structures, what can be experienced is the sheer craftsmanship that went into making it such a stunning structure. There is space for worship but at the same time various aspects of the temples are beautifully constructed in according with shastras or ancient principles of construction. Majestic sculptures adorn it which are simple breathtaking to view. Such is the electrifying glory of the place that is simply incredible to view and enchanting to enjoy. People coming here take photos of the exterior as it mesmerizes them and that too set in a rural backdrop, the temple brings back the time of ancient glory when the country was under the rule of Kings.
Vaidyanath Temple Facts
- The Shiva Lings was established here by Ravan because he could not carry it to Lanka as wished as he had to relieve himself.
- There is no evidence on the origin of the temple but it is mentioned as Ketakivan or Hari van in ancient Hindu texts
- One of the special features of this temple is that it is called as Kamna Linga, which means that those offering worship here get their dreams fulfilled.
- This temple is the ninth one in the list of Jyotirlings Temples and it is described in the Maha Shivpuran.
- It is the only temple in which Lord Shiva presents himself in the form of a Jyotirlinga and also a Shaktipeedha wherein Goddess Parvati forms are worshiped. Hence it has a special place in the heart of pilgrims.
- Deoghar means abode of the Gods and the Baidhyanath temple in this place is literally the Godly home of Lord Shiva
- Mahashivratri celebrations happens here n a massive scale, inviting thousands of pilgrims from all voter the country and also from abroad
- Temple timings are between 4:00 am in the morning to 3:30 pm and then from 6 pm to 9 pm. During the Sharavan month, these timings are increased to accommodate the huge volumes of people
- Some important places to visit nearby include Trikut Parvat, Mayurakshi River, Satsang Ashram, Nandan parvat etc.
How to Reach Vaidyanath
Deoghar is well connected with various cities close by through a network of roads, trains and flights. The best time to visit the temple is between the months of October and March, but mostly people come here between June and August during the Sharvan festival.
Air – Reach Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna or Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi and then arrive at Deoghar via train or bus
Rail – Arrive at the Jasidih Junction or the Baidyanath Dham Railway Station and then come to the temple from here by taxi or bus
Road – Reach the Deoghar bus stand which is 3km from Deoghar and reach the temple via auto or taxi
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