THE ABODE OF GODS: Located in northeastern Bihar, Deoghar is a major Hindu pilgrimage and a famous health resort. It has the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one of the twelve 'jyotirlingas' in India. Baidyanath Dham, situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important pilgrim centre. It's famous for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday centre.
Deoghar is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Numerous Buddhist ruins are also located nearby. Deoghar has a hospital, a tuberculosis clinic, and a leper asylum and houses several colleges (including a teacher-training institute) affiliated with Bhagalpur University. The Muslim invader Bhaktiyar Khilji made Deoghar his capital in 1201 after the conquest of Bihar.

PRIME SITES

Baidyanath Temple: The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard bound by stonewalls. 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. For centuries, devotees of Lord Shiva, in the months of July - August undertake a rigorous100 km. pilgrimage on foot, from Ajgaibinath to offer holy water to Baba Baidyanath.

Sivaganga Lake: Near the temple, is the beautiful lake called Sivaganga.

The Chandrakoopa Well: Located near the main entrance, this well is said to have been built and consecrated with water from several 'tirthams' by Ravana. Nandan hills, Naulakha Mandir and Tapovan are worth seeing.

Basukinath Temple (42 kms): It is famous for Shiva Temple and the pilgrimage to Deoghar is considered incomplete, without paying homage at Basukinath.

Harila Joria (8 kms): This site is well known for Shiva Temple.

Trikut (16 kms): It is the source of the River Mayurakshi, which is a prime attraction here.

Mandar Hills (69 kms): It is believed to be have been used by the gods, to churn the oceans.

Sultanganj(100 kms): This place is situated between the two banks of the river Ganges.

HOW TO GET THERE

Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar), which is a terminal station of a 7 kms branch line originating from Jasidih Junction.

Road: Long distance buses connect Baidyanath Dham with Bhagalpur, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Tatanagar, and Gaya etc.

Local Transport: Unmetered Taxis, Scooters, Cycle Ricksaws are available.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Main Festival: Shravani Festival in Monsoon months.