Deoghar is one of most popular Hindu pilgrimage centres in India. Located in the Santhal Parganas division of the Indian state of Jharkhand, the city derived its name from the Hindi term "DevGhar", which means house of Gods and Goddesses. With the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti this place is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Jharkhand. Deoghar also has a Baidyanath Temple, one of the 12 Shiva Jyothirlingams in the country and also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

Geography of Deoghar
Deoghar is located at 24.48 degree North and 86.7 degree East. The average altitude of Deoghar is 254 m. Deoghar is amongst the most picturesque sites which are surrounded by a number of jungles in the north, northwest, south, south east and southwest. In the north it is surrounded by the dense forests which are known as Baba jungle after the fakir, to the east the area is surrounded by Trikuti Hills and there are a number of low lying hills which surround the southern part of Deoghar. Along with these two river lets called Yamunajar and Dharua which are located near the town.

Overall the countryside of Deoghar is surrounded with a number of water outlets and small streams which make the place more picturesque and attractive. The climate of Deoghar is dry and pleasant and considered as a natural health resort. Baidyanathdham is the nearest railway station. Located within the Delhi - Howrah line it can be approached from Patna, Kolkata and Giridih.

Demography of Deoghar
According to the 2011 census, Deoghar comprises a total population of 1,491,879. 52% of the population constitute of Males and 48% constitute of Females. The average literacy rate is 66.34%, which is lower than the national average. Literacy of male is 79.13% and, literacy of female is 52.39%. 17.62% of the population is under 6 years of age, in Deoghar.

Religious Importance of Deoghar
Deoghar also popular as Baidyanath Dham and is a vital Hindu pilgrimage site. Deoghar is surrounded with a number of religious shrines. One of the most popular shrines is the Baidyanath temple which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingam in India. Along with this it is further surrounded with other Shiva Temples like Basakinath Temple which is a famous for Shiva Temple, Harila Joria, another famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Besides this, Deoghar is also known as one of the biggest Shakti Peeth in India. Surrounded with a number of river streams like Mayurakhee, this place is known as one of the most pious place for its devotees. This place is accessible through roads and train.

Tourist Destinations in Deoghar
Deoghar has numerous places of interest for the visiting tourists. Nandan Pahar is a small hillock on the edge of the town that houses a famous Nandi Temple. Basukinath, located in Dumka district, is popular for its Shiva Temple. Naulakha Mandir is also a beautiful location. Tapovan which is located 10 km away from Deoghar contains a Shiva temple which is the major attraction for pilgrims. Ramakrishna Mission is a boarding school operated by the monks of Ramakrishna Mission. Other places include, Jalsar Children Park, Prabhu Jagadbandhu Ashrama, Koiridih, Trikuth Parvat, Shivganga, Naulakha Mandir and others.

Overall well connected with other areas this is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Jharkhand. Surrounded with religious shrines Deoghar has attracted large number devotees from all over the country.