Deoghar is one of most popular Hindu pilgrimage centres in India. It is located in the Santhal Parganas division of the Indian state of Jharkhand. Deoghar is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. Numerous Buddhist ruins are also located nearby. Baidyanath Dham, situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important pilgrim centre. It is famous for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday centre. The Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji made Deoghar his capital in 1201 after the conquest of Bihar. Deoghar town is regarded as one of the calmest and unexplored city of the state. The aesthetic ambiance provides eternal feeling to mind and body. For centuries, devotees of Lord Shiva, in the month of Shravan, undertake a rigorous 100 km pilgrimage on foot from Sultanganj to offer Holy Water to Baba Baidyanath.
Etymology of Deoghar
The city derived its name from the Hindi term "Dev Ghar", 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
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 2 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.
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 12 Jyotirlingam in India. Along with this it is further surrounded by other temples like "Basukinath Temple" which is a famous for Shiva Temple, "Harila Joria" is another famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Besides this, Deoghar is also known as one of the biggest Shakti Peetha in India. Surrounded with a number of river streams like Mayurakshi, this place is known as one of the most pious places for its devotees.
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" and others.
Connectivity of Deoghar
Baidyanath Dham is the nearest railway station. Located within the Delhi - Howrah line it can be approached from Patna, Kolkata and Giridih. 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.
