The Baidyanath Dham, located in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand, holds a special place among the twelve Jyotirlingas. This is a pilgrimage site where, on one hand, the self-manifested Lingam of Lord Shiva resides, and on the other hand, the heart of Mother Sati is believed to be established as a Shakti Peetha. This is why this place is known as both the 'Hridaya Peetha' (Heart Seat) and the 'Kamana Linga' (Wish-Fulfilling Lingam). Devotees in Deoghar know this Dham by the name of Baba Baidyanath.
The Original Jyotirlinga as Described in Scriptures
The glory of this Dham is described in detail in ancient texts like the Shiva Purana and the Skanda Purana. It is mentioned in the Puranas that among the 12 Jyotirlingas established from the self-manifested Lingam, the Shivlinga of the Baidyanath Dham located in Deoghar is worshiped as the original Lingam. This belief has been going on for thousands of years, and with this faith, millions of Shiva devotees visit here every year in the month of Sawan.
How Baidyanath Got Its Name, According to the Pilgrimage Priests
Senior pilgrimage priest Pandit Durlabh Mishra, who has been performing worship and rituals in Deoghar for many generations, says that there is a mythological story behind the name Baidyanath. According to him, when Sati sacrificed her life in the Yagna of Daksha Prajapati through Yogagni, Lord Shiva took her body and started the Tandava. Then Lord Vishnu, with his Sudarshan Chakra, cut Sati's body into 52 pieces, which fell in different places. Sati's heart fell in Deoghar, so it was considered the Heart Seat.
Shiva appointed Bhairavas to protect all these places. The Bhairava who was stationed in Deoghar was called 'Baidyanath.' On this basis, this place was named Baidyanath, and the Shivlinga here came to be known as the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga.
Baidyanath Dham is Linked to the Story of Ravana and the Self-Manifested Lingam
Another interesting story from the Treta Yuga is associated with this Jyotirlinga. It is said that Ravana, the king of Lanka, was a great devotee of Shiva. Ravana pleased Lord Shiva and obtained the self-manifested Lingam from him and wanted to take it to Lanka. But Shiva had taken a vow from Ravana that he should not place this Lingam anywhere on the way, otherwise, it would be established where he placed it.
When Ravana reached near Deoghar, he felt the need to urinate. At that time, Lord Vishnu took the form of a cowherd and requested Ravana to hold the Shivlinga. As soon as Ravana left, Vishnu placed the Shivlinga on the ground, and it got established there. It is said that this is the same place where Sati's heart fell. Thus, the self-manifested Lingam was established in Baidyanath Dham.
A Journey Filled with Hardships and a Glimpse of Faith
Experiencing the glory of Baba Baidyanath in the month of Sawan is a different experience altogether. Millions of Kanwariyas fill water from Sultanganj and undertake a difficult 105-kilometer trek on foot and reach Deoghar to perform the Jalabhishek (offering of water). During this time, the entire area resounds with the chants of 'Bol Bam' and 'Har Har Mahadev'.
This journey is not just a tradition but is considered a test of faith. It is said that those who participate in this journey with a sincere heart have their wishes fulfilled. This is why, like every year, devotees from all over the country are reaching the feet of Baba this year as well.
The Ancient Temple and Its Special Architecture
The temple complex of Baidyanath Dham is spread over a vast area. Apart from the main temple, there are 21 other temples here, including temples of Lakshmi-Narayan, Maa Parvati, Kaal Bhairav, Ganesha, and other deities. The main Shivlinga is located in the sanctum sanctorum, which is consecrated with water, milk, Bel leaves, Datura, and ashes.
The architecture of the temple is in the Nagara style and has been rebuilt several times by various kings. The temple is about 72 feet high, and a Trishul (trident) and a Kalash (vessel) are installed on its peak.
Millions of Devotees Gather in Shravan
As soon as the month of Shravan begins, this Dham in Deoghar is filled with millions of devotees every day. Especially on Mondays, the largest crowd of devotees gathers here. On this occasion, the local administration and the temple committee make special preparations so that the process of Jalabhishek and Darshan (viewing) can be smooth.
