Located in the beautiful state of Jharkhand, the town of Deoghar provides a spiritual experience like no other. India is known all over the world for its mysticism and spirituality, and Deoghar symbolizes both of these. The word “Deoghar” is a Hindi word that translates to the Home of Gods and Goddesses. This beautiful city is also popular for its various magnificent Deoghar Temples.
Attributing its name to the Baidyanath temple, this city is also called the Baidyanath Dham, the Baba Dham or B. Deoghar. There is no evidence of the origin of this city, but it is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts called Haritaki Van or Ketakivan. Deoghar is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Tourists from across the world flock this city in the Hindu month of Shrawan.
* Baidyanath TempleIts creation has been described in the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the mythological stories of the text, Ravana prayed to Lord Shiva and offered him all of his ten heads as a symbol of devotion. After he did so, the Lord himself cured Ravana. Since “Vaidya” is the Hindi word for doctor, this act named Shiva as “Vaidyanath” and the site as Baidyanath Dham. Other versions of the story exist in the Bhagavad and the Shiva Purana that explain the formation of the Baidyanath Dham Jyotirlinga.
The entire temple is built out of one rock and hosts the idols of many gods and goddesses. The temple premises hold an annual fair in the Hindu month of Shrawan. This fare attracts tourists and devotees from across the world. During this month, the temple is very crowded. It is an architectural and spiritual marvel that will leave you both sated and intrigued.
* Nandan PaharNandan Pahar is a small hill located on the outskirts of Deoghar and is famous for another Deoghar temple called the Nandi Temple. Nandi is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. This place also hosts an amusement park where you can enjoy the exciting rides and a boating trip. There are also various fantasy houses like a mirror house and ghost house that will leave you reeling in amazement. It is one of the best spots in Deoghar to witness sunrises and sunsets that color the hill in a reddish hue. If you are too tired to walk around the hill, try the toy train rides. The hill is open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM. The entry fee per person is Rs. 5. To reach this place, you can take a cab or a rickshaw from the railway station or Tower Chowk.
* The Naulakha TempleThis temple was constructed using Rs. 9 lakhs and was hence named “Naulakha”. Its design is a visual treat for architecture enthusiasts. Supported on pillars and marked with distinct shikharas (peaks), this temple has a Radhe-Krishna idol for visitors to worship.
* The Basukinath TempleThe Basukinath Temple is one of the finest temples in India. It is located on the Deoghar-Dumka highway and is a stunning piece of architectural artwork. This temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. In the evenings, the lit-up corridors add the beauty of this place.
The temple is located 50 km from Deoghar. You can avail a cab to reach the place. Typical fares range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1000.
* Tapovan Temples and CavesThis place is located 10 km away from Deoghar and houses a Taponath Mahadeva temple. It also has several natural caves and rocks. The caves are said to have historical and divine importance.