Baidyanath Dham, popularly known as Deoghar, is a major Hindu pilgrimage place. It is one of the twelve, as well as one of the 51, and is well-known for the Shrawan Mela, which takes place in the fourth month of the Hindu calendar. It is one of the few places in India where the jyotirlinga and the shaktipeeth are side by side. It is one of the few places in India where both the jyotirlinga and the shaktipeeth are side by side. Every year between July and August (on the eve of the month of Shrawan), over 7 to 8 million devotees from all over India participate in the Deoghar Yatra, bringing holy water from various parts of the Ganges to Sultanganj, some 108 kilometres from Deoghar, to dedicate to Lord Shiva. The Baidyanath or Lord Shiva temple is the most important of the courtyard's temples. The temple is a basic stone edifice with a 72-foot-tall pyramidal tower facing east. The Maharaja of Giddhaur gifted three rising shaped gold pots, which are compactly put on the top. A Panchkula (five knives in a trident shape) is an uncommon vessel in addition to these pitcher-shaped jars. Chandrakanta Mani, an eight-petaled lotus jewel, is found in the inner top.

HISTORY

Deoghar is the capital of the Deoghar District, which is located in the Santhal Parganas division of Jharkhand, India. The Baidyanath Temple is one of India's twelve Shiva Jyothirlingas and one of India's 51 Shakti Peethas, making it an important Hindu pilgrimage site. It is 150 kilometres from Bhagalpur, the major city in the region. Previously, Deoghar was part of the Dumka District. It is Jharkhand's fifth largest city.

FESTIVALS OF DEOGHAR

Millions of tourists and devotees go to the Baidyanath temple's annual Shravan Mela for a taste of local festivals. This festival is a major religious and social gathering that includes local handicrafts, apparel, and ornamental stores. The Ram Janaki Vivah Utsav is held at the Basukinath temple on Vivah Panchami, which generally falls in November or December. During this festival, there is a magnificent wedding procession with horses and elephants.

DINING OUT IN DEOGHAR

Bihar was originally a part of Jharkhand. As a result, Bihari cuisine predominates in Deoghar's cuisine. Litti-Chokha, Bamboo shoots, Rugra, Kanda, Mahua, Arsa Roti, and Dubhni  Roti are some of the city's most famous vegetarian meals. Many street food sellers also sell light snacks consisting of rice flakes and corn. Tourists can also sample food from adjacent states such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Assam at a few restaurants. There aren't many high-end restaurants that serve seafood or beef.

SHOPPING IN DEOGHAR

Brass handicrafts and Tasar Silk fabric are well-known in Jharkhand. In Deoghar's temple alleyways, you may buy colourful lac bangles. You can purchase at local markets as a tourist to get a firsthand sense of Jharkhand's diverse culture. Decorative and religious sculptures, as well as fabrics, are sold by local sellers during these fairs. Deoghar's one-of-a-kind handicraft exemplifies simplicity and intuition. Although there are few high-end retail options, the local markets will satisfy your shopping needs. Local businesses selling Madhubani artwork from Bihar may also be found.

PLACES TO VISIT IN DEOGHAR

• Naulakha Temple - The temple was dubbed "Naulakha" since it was built with a budget of Rs. 9 lakhs. Its design is a feast for the eyes for architecture fans. This temple has a Radhe-Krishna idol for guests to worship, which is supported by pillars and distinguished by unique shikharas (peaks).
• Satsang Ashram - The Satsang Ashram is a spiritual centre for devotees of an Indian saint. The museum and zoo on the premises of this ashram are great for kids. With its artificial canopies, it also provides an excellent picture location.
• Nandan Pahar - Nandan Pahar is a tiny hill on the outskirts of Deoghar that is home to the Nandi Temple, which is another Deoghar temple. Lord Shiva uses Nandi as a vehicle. An amusement park and a boating trip are also available at this location. There are also a number of fantasy houses, such as a mirror house and a ghost house, which will leave you speechless.
• Basukinath Temple - Basukinath is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site located in Jharkhand's Dumka district along the Deoghar-Dumka state route. The Basukinath Temple is certainly the most prominent attraction in Basukinath, and millions of people from all over the country visit the temple each year to worship Lord Shiva, the presiding divinity.
• Tapovan Caves - This area, which is only 10 kilometers from Deoghar, includes a Shiva temple named Taponath Mahadeva as well as a variety of caves. Sage Valmiki is supposed to have come here for penance and has a Shiva lingam erected in one of the caves.
• Baidyanath Dham - A Jyotirlinga, as well as 12 other temples, are located in the Baba Baidyanath Temple complex. Due to its religious significance and gorgeous construction, the Baidyanath Temple is one of India's most sacred temples.

HOW TO REACH

• By Train - The best method to get to Deoghar is to take a train. Baidyanath Dham Railway Station is 7 kilometres from the city centre. You can take a cab or a rickshaw to the city centre after you arrive.
• By Flight - Deoghar does not have its own airport. You can fly to Patna Airport (Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport) and then take a cab or a bus to Deoghar. It is 230 kilometres from Deoghar.
• By Road -  Bus services connect Deoghar to the major towns of Bihar and Jharkhand. To get to the city, daily buses are available from Patna and Ranchi.