Baidyanath at Deoghar

The religious importance of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam should be based upon the facts of the Puranas and Tantras. Puranas might have fallen a pray to their religious lust, as they did. But they would have been spared the glory of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam of a great importance and surely of great cultural heritage.
Adi Shankaracharya declared it in the east and in the north geographical boundary of India as:

The architecture of this temple is indigenous. We can place it under Nagar style. It is Shringvat temple. It contains Kati, Mekhala, and Shring which support the style of Nagara. According to religious belief this temple has been built by Vishwakarma, the architect of gods. There are three parts of this temple; i.e., the main temple, the middle part of the main temple, and the entrance part of the main temple. The main temple is beyond historical dates. It has been visited since the age of Rama, the king of Ayodhya. From the available sources we can say that the presence of Chandrakant Mani is also its glory.
In the popular 'Lingaashtalkam' we get the reference to Asthdal Kamal i.e., Chandrakant Mani which is as such:
Meaning:
The lingam is surrounded by the eight petals. It is the origin of the all creations. It destroys the poverty of eight kinds. I, therefore, pay reverential salutation to Sadashiva Lingam. We can ascertain that the Manjhla Khand was built during the reign of Guptas. Inscription certifies it:
Meaning:
The sage desired to erect on the Haridra Peetha a magnificent edifice, splendent as moon light. O wise king of Cholas, such an edifice could not be the work of man, but no doubts it will be accomplished some time in the Kali age.

There is no place greater or more sacred than this, said Sambhu; it is two mile square and four cubits high. As often as, O Lord of mortals, distress obtains in this place, so often does Rama, the lotus-eyed, descend in incarnation. Verily is this haughty goddess beneficent to him like a mother. He verily should be known to be Rama who will cause this temple to be made.
The entrance of this main temple was created later on. Perhaps, this portion was built during the Mughal period. Puranmal, the Raja of Gidhour added this but he took the credit for the building of the main temple. We find an inscription in which the name of Purana has been referred to this temple. This whole area of Deoghar was under the rule of the Raja of Gidhour and the Raja of Gidhour are very much attached with this temple. It is believed that this part of the temple was built by Maharaja of Gidhour.
Thus the abode of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is a very ancient sacred place of India importance and international fame. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga kshetra in India. Baidyanath Jyotirlinagam is as old as the Ramayana and it is associated with the story of Ravana, in religious literatures. As its very name implies, Baidyanathdham Deoghar, is the holy place where Shri Vishnu is said to have installed Shiva in this form. Hence, the presiding deity here is revered as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. The holy place is famous for its cultural history where people from every corner of India throng all the year round.
A number of tantras also appreciate this place. It is also one of 52 peethas. The question of Pithas is associated with Devi Bhagwat, Kubjika Tantra, Kalika Rahasyam, Mundmal Tantra and Rudrayamalam etc. These Tantras mention this holy shrine as a popular Tantrik seat for Sadhakas. Famous scholar and Tantric Gopinath Kaviraj have mentioned Baidyanathdaham as a seat of Tantric Sadhana. This holy shrine is famous a Chitabhumi. Here we get the worship of Sri Chakra which is still lying in the inner apartment of Bhitarakhanda, administrative office of the high-priest. Now it is administrative office of the temple. There is also one ever flaming Kund where tantrik rituals are being performed for Shakti Sadhana. Baglamukhi and Jai Durga are supposed to be the chief deities of this pitha. Baidyanath is himself Bhairav and he guards this region against auspicious acts. Tanric Sadhana is the crux to worship Lord Shiva and Shakti. During the time of Durga Puja, the decoration of Gahbara was initiated in the temples of Jagadjanani and Kal Bhairava which is more or less Tantric rituals. The presence of Panchshoola is also a matter of Tantric cult.
The temple of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam has patronage of several sects, castes and communities in the past and even today. The Islam and Christianity is influenced by the spiritual and religious envirornment of the temple. Baidyanath is a centre and symbol of Sarva Dharma Sambhava (respect for all religions). We cannot forget the name of Data Saheb. In the religious and cultural history of Deoghar, there is a place on the north-east of Shivganga which was famous as 'Data Ka Jungle'. In the past there was dence forest here. Data Saheb was a muslim Fakir. He was Bhakta to Baidyanath. Every day he used to offer flowers and Vilva in the hands of priest to please Lord Baidyanath. He used to come in the campus of Deoghar temple and offer flowers to priests and Priests offer them to the lingam. There is still lying Mazar of Data Saheb. Once in a year Urs was offered on the Mazar of Data Saheb.
Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is a great power, gracing great effects. Bhaktas receive it from God for God shows it to the entire world in a way that can not be hid or concealed. He must fulfil desires of devotees. The result of His greatness is the page of Deoghar Jail's history. In British India a jailor was posted at Deoghar. As ill luck would have it he was facing against his misfortune. His son was missing in a sea together with his ship. Jailor was upset and he did not pay proper attention to his work. He was advised by his staff to meditate and worship Baidyanath as God is famous for fulfilling one's desires. He began to meditate upon Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. Miracles took place. Suddenly news come, he is alive and ship is alright. Since then he started a tradition in the Deoghar Jail and 'Phool Kaman' was created to gather flowers and Vilva Patras for worshipping Lord Baidyanath. He was influenced by the great power of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. This is unique tradition and we can not find such in other temples of Jyotirlingam in India. The temple of Baidyanath is undeniably a famous holy shrine for developing the religious sense in the people which enable them to think and feel that India is not a mere coteric of geographical fragments, but a single, though immense organism, fitted with the tide of one strong pulsating life from end to end. The visit to holy place as an imperative religious duty has made wide travelling a nation habit in India in all ages of life, with young and old alike.
This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingam temples which link India with a remote past by a living chain and it is very satisfactory that the temple without losing its time honoured sanctity benefits by the methods of modern organisation. To those who have travelled so far to Baidyanath Jyotirlingam will remain an impressive picture of the religious life of Hindus. We can quote here Dr. Radha Krishnan - "It is clear that Hinduism is a process not a result; a growing tradition, not a fixed revelation. It never shut off by force wisdom any where, for there are no distinctions of mine and thine in the kingdom of spirit."
In this way we can say that the shrine of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is the symbol of the unity of spiritual, social, cultural and even temporal of our great India. When people from all parts of country congregate here, they exchange mutual information and feel that they are one and indivisible. We of the great India should be proud of our ancestor's wisdom and foresight.
We conclude this by Shiva Vandana of late High priest Bhavaprita Nand Ojha which is as such:
Prayer of ShivaDevotee-person-hell-destroyer heart success.Silver colour five mouth unequal eyes destroyer of sex.Pressing destroying force Skin cloth, poison-meal always gracing immovable.Many snakes over body, glittering ashes on body.Knott of hair full of water,Sitting on the bull, traveling cities,gods be humble before him.Being and becoming is the voice of life and death and thus pains disappear, worship immovable feet.Then only one will get destination and thus makes his path easy.

Shri Mahadeva

Shri Mahadeva said ...
Whoever meditates for a minute, even he is rogue, and he will be graced for all time to come.
One should worship Baidyanath forever. What to speak of his fruits! Even Brahma, the god of creation, fails to appreciate Him.

The Puranas speak of the Baidyanath Jyortiligam. According to the Shiva Purana, it was in the Treta yuga that the demon Ravana, king of Lanka, felt that his capital would not be perfect and free from enemies unless Mahadeva stays there forever, he paid continuous meditation to Mahadeva. Ultimately Shiva got pleased and permitted him to carry his lingam with him to Lanka. Mahadeva advised him not to place or transfer this lingam to anyone. There should not be a break in his journey to Lanka. If he deposits the lingam anywhere on the earth, in the course of his journey, it would remain fixed at that place forever. Ravana was happy as he was taking his return journey to Lanka.
His fate willed otherwise. The gods took it ill. They never liked to see Mahadeva as his protector. They devised a plan for outwitting Ravana. They requested Varuna to enter into the belly of Ravana. So, on his way Ravana felt a severe urge to release water. He began looking for a man to whom he could temporarily entrust the lingam. Vishnu appeared before Ravana in the guise of a Brahmin. Unaware of the mystery, Ravana handed over the lingam to the Brahmin. Unfortunately, Ravana could not ease himself soon. In the meanwhile the Brahmin placed the lingam at this place which was and which is now Baidyanathdham.
Ravana tried hard to remove the lingam from the spot where it had been placed. He could not turn out the lingam even an inch. This made him frustrated. He used violence but he only succeeded in pushing the lingam by thumb. Later on he felt guilty of his doings and begged for pardon.
He returned to Lanka but visitied daily to worship the lingam. This continued forever. The place where Ravana descended on the earth is identified with the present Harilajori about four miles north of Baidyanathdham and the place where the lingam was kept, is now Deoghar and the lingam itself is known to all as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam.
The very name of Baidyanath bears the history of Ravana as mentioned in the Shiva Purana which is as such:

Patal Khand of Padama Purana

The importance of Baidyanath Jyotirligam has been eulogised in the Patal Khand of Padama Purana, where Shiva praises the religious
significance of this place:

Holy place for pilgrims

It is a rare holy place for pilgrims as the Patal Khand of Padamapurana mentions :-
As Mahadeva rules over the region of heart so it is a place of Shambhu and the holiest place of all and it makes all to succeed in the world.
The heart of Sati, the Daughter of Daksha, fell here in the past. It is, therefore, the holiest place of all.
Whoever dies here with the grace of Shiva, he does not come again in this world even though one is a great sinner.
Being a man one worships Baidyanath and if one does not worship Baidyanath, his birth is meaningless in the world.
If one commits sin in the other place, he gets rid of sins if he worships Baidyanath. It is said, people get rid of sins if he worships the Viswanath of Kashi but sins collected at Kashi, will fly away if he worships Baidyanath. If one commits sins at this holy place, it can never be kicked off. It is, therefore, necessary that one should worship Lord Baidyanath to wash away sins.
In order to wash away sins one should travel Baidyanathdham. Even sins gathered at kashi will be removed soon if he worships Lord Baidyanath.

Jyotirlingam

The importance of Jyotirlingam is well known to all. Its renowned sanctity is attached to the Hindu view of the socio-religious life of India. Jyotirlingam means the linga of light, i.e. a symbolic form of a stone tinctured with the cycle of light. It is a very surprising acknowledgment to us that the twelve lingas spray the rays of the light in the panorama of our life. It may be assumed that Jyotirlinga expels the proceeds of light which is generating with spiritual and cosmos consciousness for all. The light of Jyotirlingam is the light of cosmos which is realized by the power of soul as a whole.
Being one out of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Baidyanath is famous for all. Deoghar, the home of gods, is modern name. In Puranas we find in its place names like Haridrapeetha, Ketaki van, Haritalik van, Chitabhoomi and Vaidyanath. In Bengal and upper provinces the place is generally known as Baidyanathdham.
The sanctity of Baidyanath is mentioned in several Puranas which refer to it and as they are unquestionably the golden treasure of Hindu religion and culture, Baidyanath Jyotirlingam has attained great importance.
Baidyanath Mahatmya speaks of its importance :

Baidyanath Dhyanam :

Shankara is bearing a snake over his head
and he has also the moon over his forehead,
his light is electrifying in golden colour and he is invisible with his shool, that is, trident
and he graces all by his hands, I pray for him.

A Brief History of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam and its Importance

The Shiva Purana describes the geographical location of Dwadash Jyotirlingam :
Lord Somnath is in the country Saurashtra, Mallikarjuna is on the Shree Shailam,
Mahakala is in Ujjayani, Parameshwar belongs to Onkar,
Kedar in the mountain of Himalaya, Bhimashankar is in the country of Dakini,
Viswesh belongs to Varanasi, the Lord Trayam bakam resides on the shore of Gautami river,
Baidyanath lies on the land of ashes and the Lord of snake lives in the wooden forest.
Lord Rama stays near the sea where it was bridged by him and Lord of Ghushma resides in the abode of Shiva.
If one recites the twelve names in the early morning,
he will get rid of all sins and will get all fruits of his efforts.

Baba Baidyanath Dham

The temple of Baba Baidyanathdham is situated in a spacious courtyard bounded by stone walls. In the temple complex are 22 other temples. The Baidyanath temple faces east. The top of the original Shiva Lingam was slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it (Click here to know more about the legend). The Lingam has since been rebuilt. Near the temple is the Shivaganga Lake. The Chandrakoopa well, near the main entrance is said to have been built and consecrated with water from several pilgrimages by Ravana.
The Touch of ShivaAs soon as I touched the Lingam, unique feeling overpowered me and forced me to promise Baba Baidyanath to do his 'abhishekam' every day of my stay in Deoghar. Consequently, I ended up doing the 'abhishekam' every morning at 7 am. My daily Abhishekam continued for five weeks culminating on January 14, Makar Sankranti day.
Invoking the Lord: Shakti AbhishekamAlthough I had originally planned to do the Abhishekam of only the Jyotirlingam, I was convinced by the priests in the shrine to do the Abhishekam of Lord Ganesh and Ma Kali also on a daily basis. Instructions to worship Lord Ganesh (also my 'Ishta Devta' - household god) were in line with the Hindu tradition but why the Abhishekam of Ma Kali. That was because of the Tantrik links of the temple.
A Power Center: Shakti Peetha I was told by one of the old priests that Baidyanath is also considered as one of the 52 Shakti Peetha shrines of Sati. It is believed that the heart of Sati fell here, when her half burnt body being carried by Shiva at the end her sacrifice at Daksha's Yagna, was chopped to pieces by Vishnu's discus.
Tantrik LinksBaidyanathdham is a popular Tantrik seat for Sadhakas. Famous scholar and Tantric Gopinath Kaviraj has mentioned Baidyanathdaham as a seat of Tantric Sadhana. There is also one ever flaming Kund where tantrik rituals are being performed for Shakti Sadhana. Tanric Sadhana is the crux to worship Lord Shiva and Shakti.
My Unique Spiritual ExperienceEvery day after touching the Baidyanath Jyotirlingam I felt the kind of bliss and tranquility I had never felt before in my 64 year old life. The unique and blissful experience I had during this trip is beyond description. I felt truly blessed. It was so intoxicating that I could not wait to go to the temple every morning. Nothing seemed to bother me; bare feet, cold wave, the massive crowd, the mud in the courtyard, long lineup and the persistence of the Pandas.
Experiencing True BlissI have never been happier in my life. I kept asking myself: Is this the "true bliss" the scriptures and saints have talked about? Why else, I am not complaining about the unruly crowd, and lack of amenities that I used to during my previous visits. My relatives and friends tried their best to persuade me to visit them but I would not go. I got to have Baba's darshan every day. Mentally I was in a totally different world. Everything and anything I wished for in those five weeks appeared before me without any effort on my part.
As much I want to describe to you how I felt, I can't. All I can say "Experiencing is believing." I had heard in the past that Baba Baidyanath fulfils desires of devotees and hence the number of pilgrims is increasing exponentially every year, especially during the Shravan month. However, I must admit Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is a great power, gracing great effects.

The Ravana Legend
The Puranas speak of the Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. According to the Shiva Purana, it was in the Treta Yuga that the demon Ravana, king of Lanka, felt that his capital would not be perfect and free from enemies unless Lord Shiva stays there forever, he paid continuous meditation to Lord Shiva.
Finally, Shiva was pleased and permitted him to carry his lingam with him to Lanka. Lord Shiva advised him not to place or transfer this lingam to anyone. There should not be a break in his journey to Lanka. If he deposits the lingam anywhere on the earth, in the course of his journey, it would remain fixed at that place forever. Ravana was happy as he was taking his return journey to Lanka.
His fate willed otherwise. The gods took it ill. They never liked to see Lord Shiva as his protector.

They devised a plan for outwitting Ravana. They requested Varuna (the god of water) to enter into the belly of Ravana. So, on his way Ravana felt a severe urge to release water. He began looking for a man to whom he could temporarily entrust the lingam.
Lord Vishnu appeared before Ravana in the guise of a Brahmin. Unaware of the mystery, Ravana handed over the lingam to the Brahmin. Unfortunately, Ravana could not ease himself soon.
Meanwhile, the Brahmin placed the lingam at this place which was and which is now Baidyanathdham.
Ravana tried hard to remove the lingam from the spot where it had been placed. He could not turn out the lingam even an inch. This made him frustrated. He used violence but he only succeeded in pushing the lingam by thumb. Later on he felt guilty of his doings and begged for forgiveness.
He returned to Lanka but visited daily to worship the lingam. This continued forever. The place where Ravana descended on the earth is identified with the present Harilajori about four miles north of Baidyanathdham. The place where the lingam was kept is now Deoghar and the lingam itself is known to all as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam.

Trikuta Parvata

It is situated 10 km away from Deoghar on the way to Dumka. There are three main peaks on the hill which is why it is called Trikutachal. The height of this hill is 2470 feet.
Sage Bam Bam Baba used to come here for penance. In the month of Shravan, the devotees come here to collect wood apple leaves. There are numerous trees of wood apple. Hence this place is also called the Garden of Shiva
There is also a temple of Shiva at this place known as Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple. It is the mouth of river Mayurakshi. Here we also find an altar of the goddess of Trishuli. It is an attractive place with a cool stream flowing.
On the hill there is a cottage of sage Dayananda
It is a popular picnic spot as well. Both pilgrims and tourists visit this place.

Tarapeeth

There is a famous shakti peeth near Deoghar. A yogi Bamakhepa worshipped the goddess Kali. It stands on the bank of Dwaraka. A rare image of Tara is visible in the inner apartment of the temple.
Pilgrims and tourists, who visit Baidyanath, come to worship Tarapeeth. One can go to Tarapeeth by bus and car.

Tapovan

It is situated 10 km away from Babadham.
There is a temple of Shiva which is the centre of attraction for pilgrims. The temple of Shiva is called Taponath Mahadeva.
A number of caves are found in this hill. In one of the caves, a Shiva lingam is installed. It is said that Sage Valmiki came here for penance. Sri Sri Balananda Brahmachari obtained Siddhi (success through penance) here.
Sri Sri Mohananada Brahmachari, disciple of Sri Sri Balananda Brahmachari also used to come here. In the olden days it was a meditation spot (Tapobhumi) for the Nagas.
In the ancient time Tapovan was the military camp of the palas. Here we find an inscription Shri Deo Narayan Pal.
Legends say that devotees visiting Tapovana, get the fruits of Baidyanath Darshan. It is also a good spot for picnic. People come here to enjoy its beauty.
There is a cracked rock at Tapovan. In the inner surface of the crack, one can see a portrait of Hanuman. This is an amazing feat as it is practically impossible to insert a paint brush in the crack and draw anything.
Below the hill there is a small cemented Kund (water - body) which is called Shukta Kund (Sita Kund) by the local people. It is a holy water body. It is said that Sita used to take bath here.

Shivaganga

When Ravana was taking the lingam to Lanka, he felt the urge for urination. He handed over the lingam to a brahmin and went for urintation. After urination, he needed to wash his hands and be purified before holding the lingam. When he did not find any water source nearby, he made a blow with his fist on the earth and water came out and formed a pond. This pond is now known as Shivaganga.
The old name of Shivaganga is Varvoghar kund. It is situated just 200 metres away from the Baidyanath temple.
In ancient India Ashwini Kumaras, doctors of gods, bathed in this tank and cured themselves from diseases. Formerly it was a small tank. Later, the Zamindar of Lakshmipur estate shaped it to the present size.
Taking bath into the Shivaganga is the same as taking bath into the Ganges. Shiva devotees, who come to Deoghar, take a dip into the Shivaganga to purify themselves before offering water to the Jyotirlingam. It is said that this pond has never dried up.
On the western side, a small temple has been constructed by Raja Jai Singh. It is a Shiva temple. It stands near Ganesh Kala Mandir.

Maa Shitala Temple

It is situated in the main market near Tower Chowk. Devotees come here and sit for hours in its premises. The temple has less height but idols are ancient. It is believed that incurable diseases are cured if one worships here with heart. Every year in the month of Chaita, Shitala Puja celebration takes place with great pomp and show.

Satsang Nagar Ashram

In the south - west of Deoghar there is a big Ashram established by Sri Sri Anukul Chandra which is called Satsang Ashram. It is related with the sect of Radhaswami. It is a universal reforming Ashram and working for the betterment of humanity. People from India and abroad visit this Ashram every year.
The Life story of Sri Anukul Chandra Thakur: It was 14th September, 1888 at 7:05 the light in the room was brightened with a divine light. This was the advent of Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra who took birth at that instant. His father Shiva Chandra Chakraborty was a man of prominence in virtue. Manomohini Debi was his mother.
Even as a child Anukul Chandra showed signs of super human greatness. While playing when he got dusty, this small boy was still the embodiment of Vedanta.
At an auspicious time Anukul Chandra's father enrolled him as a student in the school of Kesto Bairag. If anyone was in pain it would make his kind heart overflow with sympathy. If someone seemed without proper clothing, he would give him his own clothing and return home naked.
Anukul Chandra once visited the place of Sri Ramakrishna. He went to the side of the house where Ramakrishna used to stay. He felt asleep in shade of the Panchabati and he saw the Goddess Mother Kali coming to him. On 13th August, 1906 he was married to Sorashi Bala Debi, daughter of Ram Gopal Bhattachraya, a teacher of Pabna Institute.
After marriage he studied for a time at Raipura High school near Amirabad. But within a short while he had to take admission in Naihati High School in the 24 Parganas district. The members of his family wanted him to become a doctor. So young Anukul Chandra started for the city of Kolkata. Despite many difficulties and inconveniences, he finished study at the Medical college and returned home. He practised as a physician for only three years and earned a wonderful reputation. Very serious kinds of diseases were cured under his treatment. Though he was trained in allopathic medicine, he sometimes used other systems such as homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, too.
The man who first experienced Sri Sri Thakur's unconditional mercy was Ananta Maharaj. It was he who first addressed Anukul Chandra as Sri Sri Thakur.
Among the hundreds of people who became devotees and adorers of Sri Sri Thakur, was Satish Goswami. When he heard the sound of the Kirton, Sri Sri Thakur would feel restless. Leading the Kirton, he created an atmosphere of such exaltment that even the most terrible kinds of human minds where able to ascend to the sphere of consciousness in a moment. During the Kirton Sri Sri Thakur absorbed in the Supreme Idea. Sometimes fell on the ground in an unconscious state.
In the midst of Pabna's jungles and thickets at the village of Himaitpur a radical change was going on. As more people arrived, the village was transformed into Satsang Ashram. Dharma, education, industry, commerce art and music all found expression in the activities of Satsang Ashram.
He built up an institution, Tapovan School, which became reputed throughout the country.
On 13th Aug, 1946 some of his devotees rented a big house Boral Bungalow (Now it is known as Thakur Bungalow).
The moment of greatest misfortune came at 4:55 a.m. on the 27th January 1969, when Sri Sri Anukul Chandra quietly departed from this terrestrial world.

Ramkrishna Mission Vidyapeeth

The Ramkrishna Mission Vidyapith, a branch of Ramkrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah district, was established in 1922 with the objective of imparting modern education combined with the values of our ancient culture in the lines of the ancient Gurukula. The institution has grown into a famous residential secondary school with about 450 students at present. It is managed by the monks of the Ramkrishna Mission.
The school, with classes VI to XII, is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. It is equipped with modern laboratories and computers to give the students a good learning experience. There is also a library, with numerous books and journals. Academic performance of the boys has been uniformly good over the years.
Co-curricular activities get equal emphasis. Students are encouraged to participate in debates, elocution, recitation, group discussions, seminars, sports activities etc. They also learn art and music. An educational exhibition is organised annually by the boys. The emphasis is on nurturing the inherent talents of the students and developing a balanced character.
Spiritual and Moral Training of the boys gets special attention. Daily prayer sessions are held in the prayer hall. The Ashram's atmosphere is generated by the teachers who help the students to imbibe the moral values set forth by Swami Vivekananda. Religious festivals are celebrated with solemnity with an idea to root the boys in traditional Indian culture.
The Vidyapeeth is alive to the problems and needs of the local community. The institute runs a charitable dispensary which provides medical care (including ECG, X-ray, Pathology, Homeopathy and Allopathy facilities) to the poor folks of nearby areas. The Vivekananda Balakendra (a free primary coaching centre) run by the Vidyapeeth provides free education and other necessities to more than 400 deprived children of the locality. Inter school competitions, Teacher's seminars and Youth Festivals for schools and colleges of Jharkhand are held regularly.
The Ramkrishna Mission Vidyapeeth is thus a living and vibrant effort to manifest the ideal of education as envisaged by Swami Vivekananda: We want the education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one is able to stand on one's own feet.

Rikhia Yogashram

This Yogashram (Sri Sri Panch Dashanam Paramhansa Alakhbarah) was established by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Swami Satyananda Saraswati was born on 26th July 1923 in Almora (in the Himalayan Tarai). Since his childhood he was brilliant and spiritual - minded. At the age of six he was touched with spiritual feelings. At the age of 19 he left his home and started wandering in search of a Guru. He reached Rishikesh where he met Swami Shivananda Saraswati. He became his disciple on 12th September, 1947. He stayed there for 12 years to serve Guru Maharaj. There he worked hard and was taught a lesson - Work hard and hard work will make you sacred. You do not have to try for Atmagyan (the knowledge of spirit), it itself will appear in you.
After Sanyas - Training he started his life as an ascetic. As a religious wanders he travelled not only in India but Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal etc. During this period he has started living in religious touch and its uses were to develop and clear Yoga - System.
In 1956 he established the International Yoga Mandal to show the right path through spiritual knowledge. He established Bihar Yoga Vidyalaya in 1964 in Monghyr.
In 1968 he left India to tour the world. The aim of the tour was to establish World - Friendship and to make the people apply Yoga in practical and scientific form. He became world famous. He was the first sage in the world - history who tried to use the Yoga - Mystery in the scientific base. Between 1968 and 1982 he travelled abroad for 26 times. He went to England, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Austria, USA, Canada, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Japan, Malaysia, El-Salvador, Hongkong, Australia, etc. to establish the seeds of Yoga.
In 1983 he announced the name of his heir and appointed him as the president of Bihar Yoga VIdyalaya and its related centres. That lucky person is Swami Niranjananandaji.
In 1984 he established Shivananda Math where people are undertaken physical treatment and given medicines free of cost.
In 1988, he left Monghyr and travelled many pilgrimage in India as a religious wanderer and at last he reached at Baidyanath Dham. Here he started penance wearing a Kopin (a piece of cloth tucked to the waist). During the penance he got a command - The facilities which I have given you, give to your neighbours.
These days he is worshipping to serve the people in the surrounding area. The offerings he gets, such as vehicles, cattle, medicine, clothes, sewing machines etc. he donates to the needy. Every year in the month of November/ December a grand fair is held here with great pomp and show. Sita-Vivah is arranged here. Thousand of devotees from different corners of the world participate in this fair. Foreigners are seen in every corner of the town. This Ashram is indeed a sacred place in Deoghar.

Pagla Baba Ashram

It is situated 8 km. away from Tower Chowk on the Jasidih - Rohini road. It was established by Pagla Baba (Late Lilananda Thakur) who belonged to Bangladesh.
Here idols of Radha - Krishna are installed. The idols weigh about 6 quintals and are made of eight metals.
The Ashram conducts continuous Sankirtan. This ashram is worth visiting.

Naulakha Temple

It is situated 1.5 k.m. away from Baba Baidyanath Temple. It is a nice visiting spot. This temple looks like the temple of Ramakrishna in Belur. Inside it there are idols of Radha - Krishna. Its height is 146 feet.
The amount spent in construction of the temple was about Rupees Nine lakhs (9 lakhs). Hence it became known as Naulakha Temple. This amount was donated entirely by Rani Charushila who belonged to Pathuria Ghat King's family, Kolkata.
At the early age she lost her husband Akshay Ghosh and son Jatindra Ghosh. Grieved by the deaths, she left her home and met the saint Balananda Brahmachari who asked her to construct this temple.

Nandan Pahar

It is 3 km away from Baba Baidyanath station. It attracts a lot of people.
There are few temples on the hill and inside them the idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartik have been installed. There is a water tank from where filtered water is supplied to each corner of Deoghar through pipes. The sunrise and sunset from here is a charming scene.
It is said that once King Ravana tried to enter Shivadham forcibly. Nandi was the door keeper at that time. Nandi obstructed him. Ravana became angry and threw him who fell here and in this way this hill became to known by this name.
Here a park named Nandan Hill Entertainment Park has been constructed. It is a favourite spot of tiny - tots. Facilities of swinging, boating etc. are available here.
It is situated in the western side of the Deoghar town. It has got importance in the religious history of Babadham.
One can view the beauty of Deoghar from here.

Mansarovar

It was constructed by Raja Man Singh, who was Akbar's General and the then ruler of Bengal. It is situated in the west of Shivaganga.
There is also an altar of Khatri Baba whom people worship to fulfil their needs.

Lila Temple

It is situated three miles away from Deoghar in the east. It is also famous as Arunachal Mission. Thakur Jayanand Deo founded it. The goddess Kali is the main deity of this Ashram.
Propagation of universal brotherhood is the motto and objective of this Ashram.

Kundeshwari

It is situated about a kilometre away from Chandi Hill, Navagraha Temples are also situated here.
Idols of Lord Shiva & Mother Parvati, Ganesh & Lakshmi - Narayan have been installed here. It was constructed by Late Ramapada Bandopadhyay (Hoogly, W.B.) in 1911 A.D.
On the way to this temple a Kali Temple was established by Late Fakir Chandra Chatterjee.

Kathikund

There is a Dhaninath temple at Kathikund which is on the road. In the month of February - March, a fair is organised here. People from all areas of Santhal Pargana visit the fair.

Hathi Pahar or Mahadevatari

There is a small hillock in the east of Deoghar which is popularly known as Hathipahar or Mahadevatari. The name of Mahadevatari defines that this hillock is beneath the temple of Shiva. From a distance this hillock looks like an elephant, that is why, it is called Hathipahar.
There is a small stream of water which flows continuously. People visit this place and drink the river water. The belief is that its water can cure all stomach related diseases.

Harila Jori

Harila Jori is situated in the northern side of Deoghar, 8 km away from Baidyanath temple and 5 km away from Tower chowk. During ancient times, the area was full of Haritaki (Myrobalan) trees. This was the place where Ravana handed over the lingam to lord Visnu disguised as a brahmin, and went for urination. A stream flows here and is known as Ravana Jori

Legends say that both Shiva and Vishnu met here. Hence the name, Harila - Jori.

The Shiva temple was constructed by Achintan Das. There is also a tank at this place which is famous as Shool Harini tank. It is a famous tourist place.

Dolmanch

Dolmanch is a beautiful tourist attraction located in the main market of Deoghar.It is on the first floor of Rasraj Sweet House. The main attraction of this place is a swing made of stone. On full moon days or Paurnima as it is famously known the idols of Radha and Krishna are swung here. A big crowd gathers and everyone enjoys playing with abir on this occasion. Many pilgrims visit the place and celebrate the unique swing festival with lot of pomp and fanfare.Auto rickshaws are available to reach this place from any corner of the town.

Devasangha Math

Dev Sangha Math/ Ashram at Deoghar, a divine Association, was founded by Narendra Nath Brahmachary. It has a number of disciples.
It is situated 3 km away from Baidyanath temple and 2 km from Deoghar railway station.
The Nava Durga Temple at Devsangha Math has an idol of Goddess Durga in the Bengali style. There are also images of Krishna, Annapurna and Maheshwara. The temple was constructed in 1955. Beside the temple, a statue of its founder Narendra Nath Brahmachary is also installed.
Durga Puja celebration at Devsangha is an important event at Deoghar. Thousands of devotees come every year during this celebration.

Basukinath Temple

It is famous for its Shiva Temple, and the pilgrimage to Babadham is considered incomplete, without paying homage at Basukinath.

It is situated 42 km from Deoghar near the village of Jarmundi and connected by road. It is an indigenous temple bearing local art.

The temple’s history is connected with Ghatwals of Nonihat. There are other small temples also in the campus of the Basukinath temple.

Baiju Temple

There are three temples to the west of the Baba Baidyanath Temple complex in the main market of Deoghar. These are known as Baiju Temples.
The Baiju temples were constructed by the heir of main priests of Baba Baidyanath Temple. A Shiva Lingam has been installed in each temple.
As per the Hindu mythology a Bhil boy named Baiju was taught by Lord Vishnu about the worshipping. He was told to pour water on Shiva Lingam. He had no water pot. He filled his mouth with water and poured it upon the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva was so pleased with his simplicity that he appeared to him. The temple has been known by this boys name since that event.

Ajgaibinath at Sultanganj

Sultanganj is a village in Bhagalpur district of Bihar, 109 km away from Babadham. It is situated close to the Ganges, near a railway station by the same name. Sultanganj is conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by Musalman mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva, and is a place of great holiness in the eyes of Hindus. The river here impinges on a stone cliff and this is believed to be the scene of the love of River Nymph and Lord Shiva.
Close to Sultanganj railway station are extensive remains of Buddhist monasteries, where a number of figures have been exhumed, and nearby is a fine old Stupa.
The tradition runs that a devotee or sanyasi named Harinath, who had forsaken the pleasures of the world, dwelt here at one time. He used to make pilgrimages to the shrine of Baidyanath at Babadham until, at last, God informed him in a dream that he would have no further occasion to go so far, as on his return to this island rock he would find an image there to which he may address his prayers. He found the promised idol awaiting him at Sultanganj and founding a convent of devotees. He became its first mahant. Almost everyone who comes to bathe at Sultanganj visits the place, and carries up a vessel of water to pour over the image.
It is said that in ancient times Sultanganj being the abode of the sage Jahnu, was a very famous place. Being the Ashram of a sage, it must have been a popular seat of learning and students must have received learning and erudition under the guidance of the learned sage.
The hill that contained the Ashram of Jahnu Muni is still existing in the mid stream of the Ganga and at present the famous Shiva temple of Ajgaivinath is situated at its summit. The origin of the temple is shrouded in mystery. According to the legend lord Shiva took here a bow known as Ajgav and so the place came to be known as Ajgaivinath. It is commonly said that Kalapahar failed to demolish Ajgaivinath temple but he could destroy the Parvati temple on the neighbouring hill and built a mosque there. Formerly, this hill must have been bigger and spacious. The high floods and the constant strong currents of the Ganga must have worn away the decaying granite rocks of the hill. he present village Jahangira to the west of Sultangang still keeps alive the memory of the Ashram of Jahnu Muni. The name of Jahangira appears to be the distorted form of Jahnugiri (the hill of Jahnu) or Jahnu griha (the abode of Jahnu).
During the rule of the Mauryas, Guptas and Palas many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. The area has yielded ancient relicks like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta and Hindu and Buddha images. Many carvings can still be seen in the Sultanganj hills. A number of small images along with a copper image of Lord Buddha about seven feet high were excavated here. A Buddha image found in Sultanganj is now in Birmingham Museum.
A large number of antiquities covered from krishnagarh at Sultanganj have been preserved in Patna Museum. They indicate a very high standard of Hindu religiosity and culture. The fact that some of the images and other antiquities are Buddhistic reiterates that the area was very important from Buddhistic point of view as well. Most of the antiquities have been identified with the medieval period.
Through various vicissitudes Sultanganj continued in importance in the later centuries. It is peculiar that a place which has the famous Shiva temple known as Ajgaivinath, which is quite old, should have a name which has a clear muslim impress. It is all the more so when it is remembered that Ajgaivinath temple is one of the three famous Shiva temples in Bihar & Jharkhand, the two other being Basukinath and Baidyanath temples.