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.


The Baba Baidyanath temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlingam is installed, and 21 other temples. The layout below will give an idea of how these 22 temples are laid out inside the campus.


LEGENDS AND MYTHOLOGY
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. In his frustration, he pressed it with his thumb and attempted to remove it. The linga thus acquired an indentation and tilted slightly, as it is seen to this day. 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. The spot where Ravana came down to the earth is now revered as the Harila Jori. The place where the linga was deposited has come to be known as Baba Dham or Ravaneshwar Baidyanath Dham, popularly shortened to Baidyanath Dham.



The Matsya Purana narrates the sanctity of Arogya Baidyanathitee, the holy place where Shakti lives and assists Shiva in freeing people from incurable diseases. Another legend of the Santhal tradition says that after the death of Ravana, the lingam used to be worshipped by a shepherd boy called Baiju. The dham and Jyotirlinga thus came to be called after him.

ARCHITECTURE AND ANTIQUITY
The main temple was built by King Puranmal of Gidaur (Bihar) in 1516. It is said that the Palas of Bengal (8th-12th century) had extended their territory till Deoghar. In inscriptions found near the Tapovan Hill and Harila Jori areas, and near the villages of Sharot and Shator, there are references to Pala kings Narayanpala and Rampala, and evidence also indicates that the latter constructed parts of the temple complex.

ORIENTATION
Baidyanath D

ham is central to Deoghar Town. A clock tower looms over the central chowk’s crossroads. The best way to get around is by auto (from Jasidih Railway Station, 1 km north-east, to Clock Tower costs Rs 25-35; shared autos charge about Rs 6-8 per person but watch out for overloading, particularly after 8 pm). From the Clock Tower, it is best to either walk or take cycle rickshaws because the lanes become very narrow and the temple administration does not allow autos beyond a point en route to the temple. From the Clock Tower, the Government Bus Stand is 1 km east and the stand for private buses is at Purana Meena Bazaar, half a kilometre away.




Baidyanath Temple
A golden pitcher weighing 65 kg, donated by the queen mother of the Gidhor family, shines bright at the crest of the temple. An extremely rare and precious moonstone is mounted on the top of the crest from inside, which is said to have been brought by the demon king Ravana from the celestial merchant Kuber’s capital Alkapuri. It is believed that droplets of water kept falling on the Jyotirlinga from the moonstone even though there is no known source of water on top of the temple. This phenomenon can be seen even today.

All the 22 temples in the complex are painted white. There are shrines to Parvati, Jagatjanani, Ganesha, Brahma, Sandhya, Kalbhairav, Hanuman, Manasha (the serpent goddess), Saraswati, Surya, Ma Bagala (one of the shorshi, ie, 16 forms of Kali), Ram-Lakshman-Janaki, Ganga-Jahnavi, Ananda-Bhairav, Gourishankar, Narmadeshwar, Shiva, Tara, Kali, Annapurna, Laxminarayana, Nilkantha and Nandi. Of these, the main temple to Shiva as Baidyanath and the temple to Parvati, 30 yards to the north-east, opposite the main sanctum, are the most revered. Shiva presides here as the vaid, or supreme physician.
Location 1 km south-west of the railway station Timings 4 am-4 pm, 6.45-9 pm
Related info The holy Ganga flows by Ajgaibinath Dham (105 km to the north of Baidyanath Dham) in Sultanganj. Every year, during the month of Shravan (mid-Jul to mid-Aug), devotees carry holy water from the Ganga on a yatra to Deoghar by foot, in order to worship Lord Shiva. The month-long Sravani Mela (Monsoon Fair) is also held at this time. Thousands of devotees, some of whom come from afar, undertake this difficult journey to form a 105-km long saffron-clad human chain that knows no caste or creed and remains virtually unbroken for 30 days. Called the ‘Kanwarias’ (the water bearers), young and old pilgrims chant ‘Bol-Bamm’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ in praise of Shiva. Besides the Sravani Mela, Deoghar becomes a fairground around Maha Shivaratri (Mar), Basant Panchami (Jan) and Bhadra Purnima (Sep) Temple Tel 06432-232295


Naulakhya Mandir
Constructed 75 years ago by a pious widow, Rani Charushila Devi, is this 146 ft tall white marble temple with impressive pillars and black idols of Radha and Krishna. As it cost almost 9 lakh rupees to build back then, it earned the name ‘naulakhya’.
Location 1.5 km south-east of Clock Tower Timings 8 am-noon, 1-4 pm

WHILE IN BAIDYANATH DHAM
On the eastern outskirts, a panoramic view of Deoghar can be had from a hillock called Nandan Pahar (3 km from Clock Tower; there is also an amusement park here, which is open 8 am-8 pm). A huge idol of Nandi is to be seen here. Harila Jori (5 km north-east) has a temple to Shiva as Haritakinath, situated in what was once a grove of hartaki (myrobalan) trees, of which only two giant specimens remain. Trikut Pahar (18 km east), also known as Trikutachal, is a 2,470-foot high hill comprising of three peaks and thus the name. There are many wood apple trees here and devotees come to collect their leaves in the month of Shravan, giving this scenic spot the title ‘the garden of Shiva’. The Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple here is also the origin of the River Mayurakshi, a stream that makes this site a picnic spot. Tapovan (10 km north-west) is said to be the place where Ravana meditated. The pond adjacent to this temple is called Shuul Kund. Note that none of these sites have fixed timings and it is best to cover them as a day tour, starting early by, say, 7 am, to return by sunset, or even earlier. It is best to hire an auto (Rs 350 return-trip, waiting time included) or taxi (the same amount, fuel charge extra @ Rs 10 per litre according to the distance covered).


AROUND BAIDYANATH DHAM
Pilgrims make it a point to pay homage to the black granite idol of Lord Krishna at the Basukinath Temple (45 km north-east of Deoghar, on the way to Dumka). The dam across the River Mayurakshi at Masanjorh is a tourist attraction (145 km south-east; open 9 am-5 pm).
How to reach Babadham

Babadham is located in north-eastern Jharkhand, four miles from Jasidih railway station on the main line of the Eastern Railway from Howrah to Delhi. There is a small railway branch line from Jasidih to Babadham. The railway station at Babadham is called Baidyanath Dham.


Babadham stands near the G.T. Road connecting Calcutta with Delhi. From the G.T. Road, you can take a turn to the state road at Bagodar or at Dumri. Devotees coming down from Kolkata or other parts of West Bengal can take the route via Jamtara.


In the North-East Dumka, Rajmahal and Bhagalpur; in the North-West Munger; in the West Hazaribag and in the South Giridih district border the region.







Passenger buses run regularly from Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Hazaribag, Bhagalpur, Dumka, Patna, Gaya, Munger, and other places in Jharkhand and Bihar to Deogarh. Taxis and Rickshaws are available at Babadham and at Jasidih railway station.


Nearby Airports are - Ranchi, Gaya, Patna and Kolkata.







By Road


By road Babadham (Deoghar) to Kolkatta 373 kms, Giridih 112 kms, Patna 281 kms, Dumka 67 kms, Madhupur 57 kms, Shimultala 53 kms etc.


Approximate journey time is 6 hrs from Munger,Ranchi, Dhanbad; 3 hrs from Sultanganj and 4 hrs from Bhagalpur & Hazaribag.
By Rail


The nearest railway station is Jasidih (10 kms) on Howarah - Patna - Delhi line.


Darshan Timings



On a normal day, the worshipping of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam begins at 4 AM The temple doors open at this time. The Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. Then the devotees begin their worship of the lingam.


The most interesting tradition is that priests of the temple pour kuchcha Jal upon the lingam first, later on other pilgrims pour water and offer flowers and Vilva leaf upon the lingam. The Puja rituals continue till 3.30 PM After this the temple doors are closed.


In the evening at 6 PM the doors are opened again for devotees/ pilgrims and the process of worshipping begins. At this time Shringar Puja takes place.


Scent is spread over the lingam. Again a stream of water is poured over the lingam. Sandal paste of Malayagiri is also pasted on the head of the lingam. There is an interesting tradition that a snake like throne of flowers (Jata Mukut) is also placed on the lingam which comes regularly from the Deoghar Jail since the British time.


Normally, at 9 PM the temple doors are closed.

RAJA RAJESHWARI TEMPLE, Bangalore

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RAJARAJESHWARI TEMPLE:-
Less than 1km from the eye-catching Rajeshwari Entrance Arch on the Bangalore-Mysore highway.



In the early 1960’s His Holiness Sri Tiruchi Swamigal had established Kailas Ashram at Kenchanalli, a remote village close by the Vrushabhavathi river. The same village is now a posh locality, Rajeshwarinagar. Later, Swamiji built a temple dedicated to Goddess Sri Rajarajeshwari
Ashram seer had chosen Kenchanahalli for the temple and the ashram, as there are Puranic legends about the place, where Sage Athreya and his devout wife Anusuya are believed to have lived.




The eye-catching temple, built in the Dravidian style of architecture, has five Rajagopuras. However, the main attraction is the six-feet tall, inspring stone image of Divine Mother Sri Raja Rajeshwari, also worshipped as Mother Sri Gnanakshi.
Devotees from distant places can be seen in long queues at the temple, particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays. During the annual Brahmarathotsava and the Navarathri festival, the devotees offer special pujas, homas, rathotsavas. Cultural programmes are also held on all the nine days of Navarathri Utsav at the temple.
Later, Swamiji built a temple dedicated to Goddess Sri
RajaRajeshwari and SRI CHAKRA TEMPLE.





The Temple of Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari is a magnificent edifice in pure granite. Verily a masterpiece among the recent monuments in the whole of Karnataka. It is an excellent specimen of Dravidian religious architecture, and is built strictly in accordance with the agama prescriptions. With its finely carved pillars (Sthambha) and beautifully dressed walls (Bhitti) it presents a charming spectacle.

It is complete with an elevated sanctum (garbha griha), a porch (antarala), an open pillared hall (Mukha Mantapa), a wide circumambulatory path (Pradikshina patha) and an inner courtyard. In the sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) can be seen the splendid stone image (six feet in height) of the Divine Mother Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari, seated on a throne with her right leg folded and placed across the seat, while her left leg is bent at the knee and stretched below to rest on a lotus in full bloom.

The worship is conducted in the Saivagama tradition, elaborately and meticulously, by competent and well trained priests (deekshitars).




STORY BEHIND THE TEMPLE :
Sri Kailash Ashrama Mahasamsthana in Kenchenahally (now called Sri Rajarajeshwarinagar) was founded by His Holiness Sri Sivaratnapuri Swamiji (popularly known as Sri Tiruchi Swamigal) in 1960. His Guru was Sri Sivapuribaba who lived in Katmandu. The Guru, after initiating him asked him to go south, where, he said there was much good work to be done. Before coming down South, Swamiji went to Mount Kailas. There, during intense meditation, he had a vision of the triple divinities of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi; and a bodiless voice (Asarira vani) asked him to go to Karnataka. He came down to Bangalore via Bombay.





EEarly in the morning on 14.1.1960, the auspicious Sankranthi day, Sri Tiruchi Swamiji was proceeding to Mysore by a car for a Pada Pooja, along with two of his disciples. Just at about six miles South West of Bangalore City, he saw above him in the sky, three garudas (sacred eagles) circling. He saw in them the images of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi who had appeared before him on Mount Kailas. Swamiji got down from the car, and saw a footpath leading to a tiny village Kenchenahally. He proceeded and spotted a tiny cottage amidst a grove of guava trees, the spot the eagles kept on encircling. He decided to have his Ashrama there and arranged to purchase the area. This area happens to be the ancient sacred Tap van of Athri Maharishi and Mahasathi Anasuya. The Foundation stone was laid there by Sri Sivaratnapuri Swamiji (now popularly known as Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamigal) between 5-30a.m. and 6.-15a.m. on 3rd April 1960.




From then onwards, the growth of the Ashram, has been phenomenally rapid. He has built an Ashram complex consisting of numerous building, established a Pathashala for Vedic and Aagamic studies, free school for academic education, branch Maths in several places, and most important of all, constructed the temple at the present spot which was divinely ordained.




On the 27th of March every year at sunrise, the rays of the sun fall directly, on the Devi's forehead and travel down to her feet. This was not planned, but it happens that way. The temple is attracting more and more devotees everyday; and special mention should be made of the Navarathri Celebrations and Brahmotsavam, during which Chandi Homa is performed everyday and priests are specially recruited to recite the Vedas and the Saptashati.



There is also a Guru Parampara School where Vedas are taught.

NANJUNGUD

Nanjangud is a town in Mysore district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a temple town and is on the banks of the river Kapila (a.k.a Kabini). It is at a distance of 23 km from the city of Mysore. Nanjangud is also called as "Dakshina Kashi" (southern Kashi).




Nanjangud -

Nanjangud is located at 12.12° N 76.68° E. It has an average elevation of 657 metres (2155 feet).Nanjangud Taluk borders Mysore taluk of Mysore district to the north, T Narsipur taluk of Mysore district to the east, H D Kote taluk of Mysore district to the west and Gundlupet and Chamarajanagar taluks of Chamarajanagar district to the south.

Nanjangud - History

The main temple at Nanjangud is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, whose another name is Nanjundeshwara. Nanjundeshwara means the God who drank poison. Hindu mythology quotes an interesting legend in which the Gods and demons churned the ocean in search of the nectar of immortality. During this churning, there were lots of artefacts that emanated out of the ocean, including poison. To prevent the poison from spreading across the universe and destroying it, Shiva came to the rescue and drank the poison. His wife Parvati then held his throat tightly to prevent the poison from spreading to the rest of his body. Nanjanagud literally means the place where Nanjundeshwara resides.

Nanjangud has been a major Shaiva centre since times immemorial. The original Nanjundeshwara temple is said to be of Ganga period (325 - 1000 CE). This temple has then been renovated by the Hoysala kings. Both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan had close associations with this temple. Wodeyar kings have provided various grants to renovate the temple.





As of 2001 India census,Nanjangud had a population of 48,220. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Nanjangud has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 63%. In Nanjangud, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.






Nanjundeshwara temple

The town is famous because of the huge temple dedicated to Lord Nanjundeswara also referred to as Srikanteswara. It is believed that sage Gauthama stayed here for some time and installed a Lingam, the idol form of Shiva. Nanjangud is also known as 'Dakshina Kashi' or Varanasi of the South.



The temple was originally built by the Ganga rulers in the 9th century during their occupation of this region. The residing deity of the temple was later called Hakim Nanjundeswara; a title given by the Great Tippu Sultan who had faith in the God.
It is said and inscribed in the temple history that his favourite and beloved elephant was bestowed with eyesight by the Lord, after Tippu Sultan's vow with the local deity. The Sultan then had a Lingam made of jade along with an emerald necklace and donated it to the temple. The Vaidya Nanjundeswara, even today is said to be a healer for his believers, and one can see even today worshippers doing Urulu seve, a ritualistic practice after taking bath in the Kapila river.

There are many cells with Lingas enshrined in them. There are 122 images in the vast prakara or enclosure. There is a vast pillared mantapa inside. The temple has many bronzes Uthsava (procession) idols and a good number of vahanas (carriages) used on different festivals.

The nine-storied tall Gopura or tower is ascribed to the queen of the Mysore kings, Devarajammanni, wife of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1849). The tower, nearly 120 feet in height has fine stucco images and decorations and gold-gilded kalashas atop, seven in number, each about three meters in height, flanked by two horns, a common architectural style of Dravidian construction.


Twice every year thousands of worshippers gather for the famous Chariot Festival locally known as the Dodda Jathre and the Chikka Jathre. Idols of Lord Srikanteshwara, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subramanya and Lord Chandikeshwara are kept in five separate chariots and a traditional puja is performed to the idols early in the morning on the Jathre day. After the puja chariots are flagged off. Thousands of devotees pull the Chariots carved out of wood, across the streets of the old town. The town remains immersed in festivities on the Jathre days.


Other attractions at Nanjangud

Sri Raghavendra Swamigala Mutt: Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt which is called as Preteeka Sanidhi is situated on the road to the right of the Nanjundeswara temple. The uniqueness of this Mutt is one can find an idol of Sri Raghavendra Swamy instead of the usual Brindavana.It was founded by the close of 15th century and great gurus or heads like Sudheendra Thirtha and RaghavendraThirtha headed this institution. It has a fine collection of Sanskrit manuscripts and copper plates

Parashurama Kshetra is the place where the Kapila and Kaundinya rivers meet (sangam). It is believed that sage Parashurama have cleansed himself from the sin of beheading his mother in this place.There is a Parashurama temple of the Mysore style, now renovated fully and in the sanctum Lord Parashurama is worshipped. This quiet place has shrines of Maruthi and a newly built Basaveshvara temple A small rivulet called Suvarnavathy also joins the rivers here.


Famous for Ayurveda

Nanjangud is famous for the Ayurveda medicines manufactured by the Late Sri. B.V.Pandit. The Sadvaidyashala established by him serves people very successfully. Ayurvedic medicenes produced here are marketed all over India. In earlier times (1950-70) a tooth powder brand made locally called 'Nanjangud Hallupudi' was also very famous all over Karnataka.

Nanjungud is also very famous for a special type of Banana called Nanjungud RasaBale Hannu. It has even been patented.



HOW TO REACH

One can reach Nanjangud, Karnataka via road. If traveling from the state capital Bangalore (163 kilometers away), one can take the State Highway 17 to reach the Nanjungud. The nearest rail head is Mysore(26km) which is well connected with the other cities in the country.

Bandipur: 55 km
Madumalai: 60 km
There are good Bus connection Facility from Mysore and Nanjungud.
The Recently opened BG Rail line has also improved Connectivity

WHRERE TO STAY :

There are lot of Choultries and some Lodges which offer Basic Comfort.
The Better among them are
Magaji Choultry
Eashwari Bhavan

The more wiser option would be stay in Mysore(26km)

Temple Timings:
Weekdays: 6.00 AM to 1.30 PM and 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM
Sundays: 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM