Baba Baidyanath Dham

Deogarh :The Home of God

2008-06-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

The fame of Deogarh rests upon the sanctity of Lord Baidyanath temple and its importance as sacred tirtha (place of pilgrimage). The ‘Purans’ refer to this temple as fit place for funeral obsequies. The Siva Puran links it to Ravana, who felt that his capital should be graced by the presence of Shiva. Accordingly, Ravana went to Mount Kailash where he entreated the god to riside in his territory. Shiva was pleased by his submission but did not accede to his request and instead, offered him one of the 12 jyotirlingas, which was quite as effective. However, there was a condition attached to the transfer of the divine emblem. Ravana was not supposed to break his journey and place the lingam any where else. In case of such a mishappening, the lingam would remain fixed on that spot forever. The gods were most unhappy at the idea of the divine lingam being established in the enemy kingdom, which would render them powerless against their adversary, Ravana. A strategy was soon worked out to outwit the enemy. The god of water, Varuna entered Ravana’s body and urged him to relieve himself. Meanwhile, Vishnu disguised as an old brahmin, befriended Ravana and offered himself to hold the jyotirlinga for a minute. Ravana realised his folly when he returned to see the lingam on the ground with the Brahmin nowhere to be seen. Ravana did his best to uproot the lingam but beyond breaking the tip he was unsuccessful. He finally prostrated before the invincible lingam, which has ever since remained rooted at Deogarh. In deep remorse, Ravana used to come to this place everday and worship the lingam by offering water from the Ganges. Historically the temple is dated to 1596 when a hunter by the name of Baiju, discovered the lost lingam. Since then it came to be known as Baidyanath and people also call it Kamma Lingam - the desire fulfilling lingam.
¤ Other Temple Attractions The main temple of Baidyanath is the oldest one and is surrounded with various other temples. The male temple of Shiva is connected to the female temple of Parvati from the summit with colourful silken ropes. ¤ The Holy Yatra To The Shrine The pilgrimage to Baidyanath commences in shrawan (July/August) when the land turns green with the first monsoon showers. Piligrims first gather at Sultanganj to fill their pots with the holy water. Sultanganj is called Uttarbahini or where the Ganges run towards north, instead of usual south and then proceed to the temples of Baidyanath and Vasukinath.Pilgrims are usually saffron clad and they consider Monday to be the most auspicious day for worshipping Shiva. The pilgrims carry their water pots, well balanced on a stick and ensure that the pot or water does not touch the ground even while they pause for a break or rest for the night. Some of the pilgrims move at an express speed as they cover the distance between Sultanganj and Baidyanath in just-24 hours. Such pilgrims, called Dak bams get precedence over others. On the other hand there are bhoomi parees who are keen to cover the distance with utmost reverence. They lie flat on the ground, stretch their hand above their heads, offer salutations and ricite their prayers and again prostrate before taking their next step. ¤ In and Around Deoghar
Trikut16 km from Deogarh on Dumka Road lies the picturesque hill dotted with various caves and waterfalls. Pilgrims, while returning from Baidyanath temple to Vasukinath temple, prefer to halt at his hill adorned with various temples. Naulakha TempleThe beautiful temple on the outskirts of Deogarh is worth a visit for its sheer architectural appeal. It was built by one of the disciples of Balanand Brahmachari, who used to meditate at Tapoban, 8 km from the city. Tapoban is an equally fascinating place famous for its hill top temples and caves. Nandan PaharThe beauty of the hill lies in the cluster of temples dedicated to various gods. Atop the hill there is a tank where people often flock for picnics.

Importance of Bol - Bam

2008-05-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

The word Bam is a short name for Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The letters BA came from Brahma and Vishnu and M came from Mahesh.
It is a long efficacious mantra (a hymn). When it is chanted during the way, it generates energy and enthusiasm amongst the kanwarias and gives them the psychological strength to carry on walking and succeed in covering the long distance from Sultanganj to Babadham.
According to the Skand Purana, those who complete the holy journey by reciting Bam-Bam obtain the virtues of Ashwamedha Yajna.
According to the Puranas, the daemon king Ravana had brought the Ganges water from Haridwar and offered to Lord Shiva.

Why the kanwarias offer ganges water in the Shravana month?

2008-05-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

The custom of carrying Kanwar started in the Treta Yuga - the silver age of Hindu mythology. Lord Rama had carried the holy ganges water from Sultanganj in a kanwar and offered to Lord Shiva at Babadham.
The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the deamons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva.
To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison.
Since, this happened in the month of Shravan, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

Shrawan Mela

2008-05-28T01:52:00.000-07:00

The importance of Babadham increases during the month of Shrawan. During this period, lakhs of devotees throng the Baba Baidyanath temple. Most of them first visit Sultanganj, which is 105 km from Babadham.
In Sultanganj, the Ganges flows to the North. It is from this place that the devotees collect water in their kanwars and carry the holy Ganges water, with the kanwars on their shoulders. They walk 109 km up to Baba Baidyanath temple at Babadham reciting Bol Bam on the way.
On reaching Babadham, the kanwarias first take a dip in the Shivaganga to purify themselves, and then enter the Baba Baidyanath temple, where the Ganges water is offered to the Jyotirlingam.
This pilgrimage continues during the whole of Shravan for 30 days, during July-August. This is the longest religious fair in the world.
People from foreign lands also visit Babadham not only during Shrawan month but also during the rest of the year.
The sight on the way from Sultanganj to Babadham is of a 109 km long human chain of saffron clad pilgrims. It is estimated that within this period of one month around 50 to 55 lakhs pilgrims visit Babadham.
Besides the great pilgrimage of Shrawan, almost the whole year remains under fair with Shivaratri in March, Basant Panchami in January, Bhadra Purnima in September.

The Shringar Puja

2008-05-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

Every evening the jyotirling is worshiped with Shringar puja. This is another way of worshipping lord shiva. This is for attainment of mental peace, all round happiness and ultimate liberation that is Moksha.
This puja begins at 6 pm. In this Puja, the purohit offers fulel, welcome water, aachaman, madhuperk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sacred water, jenau - the sacred thread, scent, raw rice, flowers, bilwapatra, durba, dhoop, deep, Naivedi, beetle leaf, seasonal fruits, karpur aarti, Namaskar and complete Surrender to Lord Shiva.
A throne of flowers wound in a snake like fashion is also placed on the jyotirling. A unique custom is that this throne is daily being made by the prisoners of Deoghar Jail. This has been the practice since the British period.
The rituals are performed according to Vaidic way. Every evening the jyotirling is worshiped with Shringar puja. This is another way of worshipping lord shiva. This is for attainment of mental peace, all round happiness and ultimate liberation that is Moksha.
This puja begins at 6 pm. In this Puja, the purohit offers fulel, welcome water, aachaman, madhuperk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sacred water, jenau - the sacred thread, scent, raw rice, flowers, bilwapatra, durba, dhoop, deep, Naivedi, beetle leaf, seasonal fruits, karpur aarti, Namaskar and complete Surrender to Lord Shiva.
A throne of flowers wound in a snake like fashion is also placed on the jyotirling. A unique custom is that this throne is daily being made by the prisoners of Deoghar Jail. This has been the practice since the British period.
The rituals are performed according to Vaidic way.

The Eight names of Lord Shiva

2008-05-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

Atmalingam: It was worshipped by Mother Parvati in Kailash Parvat. Lord Shiva has been referred by this name in ShivaPuran.
Maheshwar Lingam: As the Jyotirlingam was established by Lord Vishnu, its name, Maheshwar, is related with the name of Lord Vishnu.
Kamad Lingam: In hindi, Kamad means desire. Lord Vishnu had worshipped Lord Shiva for fulfillment of his desires and hence the name Kamad Lingam attributed to Lord Shiva.
Ravaneshwar Lingam: Lord Shiva got this name as the daemon King Ravana was his great devotee.
Baidyanath Lingam: The Baidya (physician) of Gods. Lord Shiva has also been admired as a curer of diseases. Hence he became known as Baidyanath (The head of physicians).
Margalingam: The hindi word Marga means Shining. The illustration of Chandrakanta Mani on top of the Baba Baidyanath temple, gave him this name.
Tatpurus: The hindi word Tatpurus means almighty. As Lord Shiva may fulfill all types of wishes, he is almighty. In this way he is known by this name.
Bamdev or Baijunath: The devoted cowherd Baiju appeased Shiva by his worship and as per his wish the Lord kept his name.

Bilwapatra:Leaves of wood apple tree

2008-05-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

Lord Shiva has three eyes - Mother Parvati, Lord Kartik and Ganesh. Lord Shiva is also called Mahadeva, the god of gods and his three eyes- Trinetra are his identification.
Three eyes, three virtues, three truths, three swords of the Trident (Trishul) and three leaves (Bilwaptra) are very dear to Shiva. Lord Shiva becomes pleased if one offers Ganga water with Bilwapatra.
Tridalam Trigunakar Trinetram Cha Tridhayutam.Trijanma pap samhar Bilwapatram Shivarpadham.
The person who offers Bilwapatra to Baba Baidyanath gets rid of his sins and obtains a place in heaven.

Jharkhand

2008-05-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

The newly created Jharkhand State was carved out of Bihar and came into being on November 15, 2000. Having an area of 79714 sq. km Jharkhand has the potential to develop as the most financially viable State in the whole country owing to its mineral-based resources and the available industrial infrastructure . The State comprises of the districts of Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardagga, East Singbhum, West Singbhum, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Koderma, Chatra, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Palamau, Garhwa, Dumka, Deoghar, Godda, Pakur , Sahebgunj , Simdega, Latehar, Saraikela Kharsawan and Jamtara . The new State is bordered by Bihar, Madhya Pradesh , Orissa and West Bengal to its north, west, south and east respectively.
General Profile
The State’s total geographical area is 79.7 lakh hectares. Out of this the cultivable land is 38 lakh hectares and the present net sown area is 18.04 lakh hectares. The net irrigated area is only 1.57 lakh hectares which is 8 per cent of the net sown area. More than 29 per cent land is covered by forest area.Twenty five per cent of its land is covered as sown areas.
Jharkhand’s population is 2,69,09,428 according to the provisional census 2001 figures.In 1991 census, Jharkhand’s population was 2,18,43,911. Its population growth rate in one decade has been 23.19 per cent. The population density in the State is 338. The sex ratio in the State too has shown an upward trend: 941 in 2001 from 922 in 1991. The female literacy rate improved from 25.52 per cent in 1991 to 39.38 per cent in 2001. The main languages spoken in Jharkhand are Santhali , Mundari , Kurukh, Khortha, Nagpuria, Sadri, Khariya, Panchparagnia, Ho, Malto, Karmali, Hindi, Urdu, and Bangla . In some pockets Oriya, Maithili and Bhojpuri are also spoken. Sarhul, Karma, Sohrai, Badna, Tusu, Id, Christmas, Holi and Dushahra are the festivals celebrated in the State.The folk music of the State comprises of Akhariya Domkach, Dohari Domkach, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Faguwa, Udasi, Pawas, Daidhara, Pahilsanjha, Adhratiya, Vinsariya, Pratkali, and Jhumta. Jharkhand’s folk dances include Paika, Chaw, Jadur, Karma, Nachni, Natua, Agni, Choukara, Santhal, Jamda, Ghatwari, Matha, Sohrai, and Lurisayro. Santhali Bhittichitra, Oraon Bhittichitra, and Jado Patiya are the paintings of the State.
Potential
The nascent State of Jharkhand has an enormous potential for exploitation of coal, mica and other minerals particularly in Singhbhum, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Koderma and Dhanbad. It is evident from the existing status of industrial units operating in the district that many ancillary industrial units could be established in and around Bokaro, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh, Ranchi and Dhanbad using the raw materials in the form of bye-products of the industries located in these districts.There is ample scope for development and promotion of artisan-based activity such as manufacturing cane and bamboo products in Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum and Jamshedpur districts. There is enough scope for development of artisans in metal ware, stone carving , handlooms, wood works and leaf plate-making activities. The scope for financing the transport sector is very high.
The Second State Irrigation Commission has made an assessment of the water resources in the State and identified 16 river basins which can be harnessed through major, medium and minor irrigation schemes. The Commission had identified separate potential for reservoir schemes and lift irrigation schemes.
The Commission has also assessed the ground water resources in the State at 5482 million cubic metres. The average stage of development of ground water in the State is approximately 20 per cent with further potential for future development. Ground water exploitation under the private sector is mainly through dug wells. With the huge ground water potential available in the State, 8-10 lakh additional wells can be constructed. Physiographically, the entire State is plateau area where ground water resources may not be depended upon for rabi and summer crops.
It is proposed to take up a large number of schemes under irrigation of the lands to set up watershed development projects. The main rivers flowing in the State are Damodar, Mayurakshi, Barakar, Koyal, Sankh, Son, Auranga, More, Karo, Bansloi, South Koel, Kharkai, Swarna Rekha, Ganga, Gumani and Batane.
Horticulture is one of the important sub-sectors of agriculture, having ample scope for expansion in Jharkhand. The total area occupied by various plantation and horticulture (P&H) crop in the State is about 2.57 lakh hectares with an estimated total production of 37.85 lakh tonnes. Different kinds of fruit crops are grown in Jharkhand. Considering the agro-climatic suitability and future prospects, the State Government has programmed to implement various schemes/programmes for promoting this sector. A major thrust is being given for bringing additional areas under various plantation and horticulture crops and enhancing the productivity of the yielding crops. Besides supply of protein-rich food, the fisheries sector also has vast potential to provide employment to the people in the rural areas.
Jharkhand is endowed with vast fresh water resources in the form of tanks/ponds and reservoirs. These water bodies are yet to be exploited for commercial aquaculture. Thus, there is an abundant scope for horizontal and vertical expansion of fish culture in the State. The livestock production at 10.73 lakh litres of milk, 661-.4 million eggs and 7.04 lakh kgs. of wool in Jharkhand indicate that this sector makes a sizeale contribution to the State’s economy .
Most of the dairy development activities in Jharkhand are taken care of by the Dairy Development Directorate. It promotes milk producers’ unions in the districts of Ranchi Lohardagga, Palamu, Gumla, Chaibasa, East Singhbhum Hazaribagh and Bokaro and helps in milk collection from rural areas through milk cooperative societies and marketing in the urban areas, establishment of mini-dairies and provision of technical inputs extension services .
The State has a forage seed production farm at Chatra. There is also a feed plant in Ranchi which manufactures and supplies adult cattle feed (ACF) and bypass protein feed (BPF) to the farmers on cost basis. There are dairy plants at Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Ranchi and13 milk-chilling plants in different districts of the State under the Dairy Development Directorate.
With a view to having qualitative and quantitative achievement of wool and mutton, a new breeding policy has been adopted. Under the policy, selective breeding and cross-breeding programme had been launched at Chatra where Shahabadi ewes are crossed with Rambouillet breed of USA. Besides, Corriedale breed of ram was also used for the purpose. In addition, grading up programme of Shahabadi ewes with Corriedale ram had also been taken up. There are two wool collection centres in East Singhbhum district.
Dumka, Deoghar and Godda districts account for higher population of’ goats followed by the districts of South Chhotanagpur Division and Hazaribagh Division. Selective breeding with beetal breed and grading up with Jamunapri goats had been taken up in the State. There are threegoat farms-one in Chatra for Beetal bred and two in Ranchi and Sahebganj for Black Bengal breed.
Pigs are mostly concentrated in the plateau region of Chhotanagpur. The tribal people have a special interest and aptitude for pig husbandry. During the 8th Plan (1992-97), scheme for upgrading of country pigs with boars of exotic breed, strengthening of pig breeding farm and publicity of bacon factory product was taken up.
The State has five pig breeding farms at Gatiriakarma, Hotwar, Saraikela, Jamshedpur and Kanke where large White Yorkshre breeds and Desi breeds of pigs are reared. Ranchi Veterinary College rears pigs and supplies piglets to the farmers besides training the beneficiaries.
Mainstay
Although Jharkhand is endowed with vast and rich natural resources, mainly minerals and forest, 80 per cent of its population residing in 32620 villages depend mainly on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. One of the main strategies for development of’the Jharkhand State is to ensure agricultural and rural development on a sustainable basis. Capacity building is the focal point for any developmental endeavor.
In the agricultural sector there is scope for bringing additional area under cultivation through vertical and horizontal expansion, increasing the area under irrigation, raising production and productivity of food crops through optimum utilization of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural tools and implements. Besides these, horticultural development has vast potential not only in terms of meeting the local requirements of fruits, vegetables flowers and medicinal and aromatic plants but also in terms of exploiting the opportunities for exports. Similar is the situation with the livestock enterprises with respect to increasing milk, meat and egg production. There is a vast scope in the State for establishing food processing units including those of fruit and vegetable preservation, milk and meat preservation and for processing minor forest produce.
The highest priority in the Annual Plan 2001-2002 has been given to rural development. The emphasis given on rural development in the VIIIth Plan is being continued in the ninth Plan as well with a view to giving due importance to the problem of rural unemployment and poverty. The next priority would be on irrigation. The emphasis on irrigation is necessary for increasing agricultural production. For creating more infrastructure, emphasis is being given on road links and irrigation. The health and energy sectors are also priority areas in the new State.

Millions of devotees visit Devghar to offer their prayer to the Lord Shiva.

2008-02-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hundreds and thousands of devotees from all over India visit Devghar daily.During Shivratri and other pious days these numbers are into millions.Millions of Kanwaria set out on foot from Sultan gang and after traversing very treacherous journey through hills and ravines of around forty kms,offer their prayers to the almighty Lord Shiva.
The place is held in such high reverence from the time immemorial.Earlier this town was in Bihar which is now with the Jharkhand.But the place is originally Mithila and Maithil are the dominant community here.There are not much difference between Maithil and other communities as they all have assimilated and there is no distinguishing factors.
It is believed that nobody returns empty handed from the abode of Lord Shiva .

SHIV STUTI AND OTER DEVOTINAL SONGS

2008-02-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

Jai bholebaba tavsharnam aarti Play
Shiv pooja mein man leen rahePlay
Shiva gayatri chantPlay
Shiv panchakshar stotramPlay
Bhole baba ke dwarPlay
RudrashtakamPlay
Om namah shivay chantPlay
Milta hai sachcha sukh shiv jiPlay
Shivnath teri mahimaPlay
Mere devon ke dev mahadevaPlay
Shiv shankar ko jisne poojaPlay
Maha mrityunjay chantPlay
Vaisnav jan toPlay
Tumhi mere mandirPlay
Tu pyar ka sagar haiPlay
Thumak chalat ramchandraPlay
Shyam teri bansiPlay
Shri ram chandra kripaluPlay
Satyam shivam sundaramPlay
Ramayan aartiPlayRam bhajan kar manPlay
Om jai jagdish harePlay
O palan harePlay
Mera jivan teri sharanPlay
Mangal moorti marutPlay
Man re tu kahe naPlay
Jyoti kalash chhalkePlayI
tana to karana swamiPlay
Itani shakti hamein denaPlay
Hanuman aartiPlay
Ganpati vandanaPlay
Ek radha ek meeraPlay
Doosron ka dukhraPlay
Chup chup meera royePlay
Banwari rePlay
Aisi lagi laganPlay
Ai malik tere bande humPlay

Devghar

2008-02-07T05:21:00.000-08:00

Devghar is the abode of Lord Shiva where hundreds and thousands of devotees come every year from every part of India and Nepal.