Deoghar, popularly known as house of gods and goddesses or Baidyanathdham, is an ancient town situated in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. It is the headquarters of Deoghar District and is 345 km northeast of Ranchi.

Deoghar is a prominent center of Hindu Pilgrimage, and the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one among the twelve jyotirlingas in the country is the prime attraction. The renowned Kamana Linga of Lord Shiva is situated here. The devotees, after picking up the holy Ganga water from Sultanganj, travel a distance of about 100 km on foot to pour the holy water on Kamana Linga. A grand festival held here during the month of Shravan is a major draw.

Places of tourist interest also include Deoghar Archaeological Museum, Chandrakoopa Well, Harila Joria and Sivaganga Lake. Another attraction is Satsang Ashram, which is a significant site for the followers of Sri Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra. (more…)

The most important seasonal fairs held at Deoghar on the occasion of Shivratri, Shravana Sombari and Shri Panchami. Among other important fairs and meals are-Gopastmi mela, Dussehra mela, Makar Sankranti mela, Newan mela and Durga Puja.

Shravani Mela: All the devotees of Lord Shiva are heartly welcome at the Maha Shravani Mela, at Deoghar, the holy abode of Lord Shiva. Devotees, after having a dip at Uttar Vahini Ganga at Sultanganj, carry the Holy Gangas Water. In the Kanwar, barefooted, for a distance of 105 kms up to Deoghar. Their journey culminates by offering this Holy Water to the Lord of Lords, Shiva. (more…)

Baidyanath Temple: According to Hindu mythology, Ravana went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiva, who gave him a Jyotirlinga to take to his land, with the promise not to place the lingam any where else. In case that happened, the lingam would remain fixed on that spot forever. The gods, who were unhappy at the prospect of the divine lingam being established in the enemy kingdom, which would render them powerless against their adversary, worked a trick on Ravana. He mistakenly handed over the lingam to a brahmin, who grounded it at Deoghar. Ravana did his best to uproot it but beyond breaking the tip he was unsuccessful. In deep remorse, he used to come to this place everyday and worship the lingam by offering water from the Ganges. Historically the temple is dated to 1596.

For centuries, devotees, in the month of Shravan (June-July) undertake a rigorous 100-km pilgrimage on foot from Ajgaibinath (Sultanganj) in Bhgalpur district to offer holy water from the Ganges to the lingam at Deoghar.

Trikut: About 24 km west of Deoghar, is famous for its hill temples. The state highway leading to Dumka will take one to Trikut. Legend has it that many a sage attained salvation on the top of three bills situated here, popularly known as Trikut. The name of the hills has been derived from the three distinct peaks. If one travels by a bus or Trekker, one has to alight and climb to the tip of the hills, using the concrete steps built into the slopes of the hill. The hill consists of huge boulders. On the right in a small temple Parvati is worshipped. Close to her lies a Shivling. People flock here from far and wide during Shivratri. (more…)

As of 2001 India census, Deoghar had a population of 98,372. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Deoghar has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82% and, female literacy is 69%. In Deoghar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Deoghar is located at 24.48° N 86.7° E. It has an average elevation of 254 metres (833 feet.
Deoghar, the town, has a picturesque location. To the north of the town there is a wood called Data Jungle after a fakir; to the north-west is a low wooded hill called Nandan Pahar; and to the east about 10 miles away there is a low range of hills known as Tiur or Trikutaparvata. There are a number of small hills to the south-east, south and southwest. There are two rivulets Yamunajor and Dharua near the town. The countryside around Deoghar has an attractive set-up with undulations, water courses and small hills.

This place is famous for the mela of Shrawan (a Hindu month). Approx. 10-20 lakhs worshipers come with holy water of Ganga from Sultangunj to present it to Shiva, which is almost 104 km from Deoghar. The human unbroken line of 104 km in red dress can been seen here in this month.


By Rail: the nearest railway station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) which is a terminal station of a 7 km branch line originating at Jasidih Jn. on the Howrah-Delhi main line. Apart from local trains on the branch line trekkers (type of jeep) taking in passengers on a per person fare basis and auto rickshaws are available.

By Road: Deoghar is approachable from Kolkata 373 km, Giridih 112 km, Patna 281 km, Dumka 67 km, Madhupur 57 km, Shimultala 53 km and other places. Regular buses are available from surrounding towns. (more…)

The earlier history found that Deoghar was ruled by the last Gupta Emperor Adityasena Gupta, in the 8th century A.D. The Baidyanath dham temple has been famous since then. Later Deoghar region was ruled by Mughal.

In early 18th century Maharaja of Gidhaur lost the region from Nawab of Birbhum, which was later recaptured by Maharaja of Gidhaur. In1857, British became the ruler of the region after defeating Nawab of Sirajudaula. After independence of India it became a part of free country.

Deoghar, popularly known as house of gods and goddesses or Baidyanathdham, is an ancient town situated in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. It is the headquarters of Deoghar District and is 345 km northeast of Ranchi.

Deoghar is a prominent center of Hindu Pilgrimage, and the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one among the twelve jyotirlingas in the country, is the prime attraction. The renowned Kamana Linga of Lord Shiva is situated here. (more…)

Places Around of Hazaribagh National Park: The Palamau Forest Reserve is another major wildlife sanctuary in the region. Places of the tourist interest in the vicinity include Canari Hill-5 km, Rajrappa-Falls 89 km, and Suraj Kund hot spring-72 km.

There is a small tourist lodge with four single rooms at the park and next to it is a canteen. A short walk away is a Forest Rest house with a complete suite. Further on at the edge of a clearing are four cottages.