The Temple at Deoghar, also known as the Baidyanath Dham is the most important pilgrim spot in Bihar. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has one of the twelve Jyotiralingams which makes it more important to the devotees. Deoghar means the home of Gods and the place is associated to the legend of Ravana, the demon king. According to the legend, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here to get boons. This is the place where the holy water of the River Ganga is considered more sacred due to its unusual flow northwards. The pilgrims carry the Ganges water on their shoulders and come from distant places on foot to pour the water on the Shiva Lingam. This Lingam is also known as Kamna Lingam – the desire fulfilling lingam. The famous Shrawan Mela is also held which is organized not too far away from the temple.
Description:
During the Shrawan Mela, lakhs of devotees from all over the country flock at the Temple at Deoghar or Baba Baidyanath Temple. The Shrawan Mela falls in the months of July and August. The fair continues for about 30 days and is considered as the biggest and longest continuing religious fair in the world.
Time of Celebration:
The Shrawan Mela continues for the whole month of Shrawan, during the months of July and August.
