Deoghar is a holy city beside the Mayurakshi River, in the state of Jharkhand, India. An ancient town, it is famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Numerous Buddhist ruins are also found nearby. The Muslim invader Bakhtīyār Khaljī made Deoghar his capital in 1201 after the conquest of Bihar. It was constituted a municipality in 1869.The ancient Baba Baidyanath Temple complex is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga temple, also known as Baba Baidyanath dham and Baidyanath dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva.
Nearby, Shiv Ganga is a sacred pool where devotees of Shiva bathe. There is a shrine to Krishna in the ornate, stone-carved Naulakha Mandir temple. Northeast of town, Harila Jori is the site of a whitewashed Shiva temple and a sacred water tank. Deoghar is also known as “Baidyanath Dham”, “Baba Dham”, Origin of Baidyanathdham is not known. Although the name of the builder of the temple is not traceable, certain parts of the front portion of the temple are said to have been built by Puran Mal, an ancestor of the Maharaja of Giddhour, in 1596.
It has been referred to as Haritakivan or Ketakivan in Sanskrit texts. Also, the city has archaeological and historical value. Ancient Indian books and scripts state the age of the city is Vedic or before Vedic period. Deoghar, is famous for the mela of Shrawan, 4th month according to the Hindu calendar system. It is, along with Shrisailam, one of the few places in India where the Jyotirlinga and the Shaktipeeth are together, lying side beside each other.
Each year between July and August (on the eve of the month of Shrawan) in Deoghar Yatra, about 7 to 8 million devotees come from various part of India bringing holy water from various areas of Ganges at Sultanganj, which is almost 108 km (67 mi) from Deoghar, in order to offer it to Lord Shiva. During that month, a line of people in saffron-dyed clothes stretches over the full 108 km (67 mi). It is the longest Mela of Asia. The official language of the city of Deoghar is Hindi and Urdu.
The native languages of Deoghar are Hindi, Angika, Hindi and Santhali.well connected by air, rail and road there are several well known. Economy of Deoghar is mainly based on IT, agriculture, hospitality, petroleum and tourism and in the service sector. Besides Baidyanathdham Trikut Pahar is one of the most exciting tourist destination in Deoghar, where toist can enjoy trekking, ropeway, wildlife adventures, there is a ropeway too. Other places worth visiting are Nandan Pahar, Satsang Ashram, Naulakha Temple, Basukinath Temple, Tapovan Temples and Caves, and Mayurakshi River.
Tourist can enjoy boating on the river.In recent years, Deoghar has become a popular tourist destination in the month of Shrawan. There are several hotels and lodges that offer all the amenities for a pleasant stay. The cuisine of Deoghar is centered around Indian vegetarian dishes like Litti-Chokha, Bamboo shoots, Rugra, Kanda, Mahua, Arsa Roti, and Dubhni Roti. Tourist can shop at the local markets to get a true idea of Jharkhand’s rich tradition. These markets sell various types of decorative and religious sculptures and fabrics. Deoghar’s unique handicraft reflects simplicity and instinct. June to August is the best time is the best time to visit Deoghar.
