Baidyanath
The temple of Baidyanath
faces the east and is a plain stone structure with a pyramidal tower which
rises from a square base to a height of 72 feet from the ground. To the
east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large vat into which
flows the water and milk offered as ablution. The lingam is of a cylindrical
form about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the centre
of a large slab of basalt. It is not possible to ascertain how much of
the lingam is buried. The top is broken and has uneven surface.
There are different porches
in the temple. One porch leads to the cell where the lingam is fixed. The
second porch is in front with a row of pillars spanned by blocks of basalt
and on the right side there is a sandstone image of a bull. There are bells
fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell-ropes to
announce their approach to the divinity. The courtyard has eleven other
temples
According to other traditions,
not noticed in any purana, the 'LINGAM' (Lord Shiva) lay neglected after
the death of Ravan until it was noticed by a rude hunter, Baiju, who accepted
it as his God and worshipped daily; proclaiming to the world as the Lord
of Baiju (Baidyanath).
Some of the purans ascribe
the advent of Baidyanath of Deoghar to the 'Satya Yug', or the first age
of the world. When Sati, the wife of SHIVA and the daughter of DAKSHARAJA
committed suicide in consequence of the discourtesy shown to her husband
by Raja Daksha; the heart falling spot of Deoghar (Baidyanath) of SHIVA'S
Sati attends is sanctity. Hence the place had been called 'SIDDHAPEETH'
.
Sir William Hunter in the
annuals of rural Bengal related the Santhal tradition of Baidyanath with
Santhals but unfortunately many historians say it has no inference.
Current Condition : There
are 22 temples in the same campus of different Gods and Goddessess among
which Lord Shiva is embraced being as supreme. Modern concepts ascribe
that the shrines are of both old and new styles. The temple of Shiva is
72 feet tall and it is lotus Shaped. The top contains three ascending shaped
gold vessels that are compactly set, which is donated by Giddhor King.
Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a 'PUNCHSULA' (Five knives
in Tridenta shape), which is rare. In inner top there is a eight pettaled
lotus jewel (CHANDRAKANTA MANI). The 'LINGAM' (Lord Shiva) is also very
rare.
It is known as 'JYOTIRLINGAM'.
In entire India these Jyotirlingams are twelve, among those this is one.
This is described in 'ShivPurana' (Holy book of Hindus).
The greatness of this temple
lies in this fact that in this modern age the scientists are unable to
open one cross ventilated door, so it is also said that Vishwakarma (God's
Engineer) had erected this temple.
In the north of the temple
there is one holy pond known as 'SIVGANGA', regarding which there are several
myths in the society. Its present condition is brought by king of Laxmipur
state (Late Thakur Pratap Narayan Dev).
Adjacent to it there is another
old pond (Mansinghi) made during 16th century by Swami Raja Man Singh (Jaipur).
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Though it's original citizens
are Panari and Adivasis, now several religious persons are residing. But
priest group is of Brahman whose deep relations is related with the temple.
But historical facts say that 'Maithil Brahmans' came here in the end of
13th century and beginning of 14th century from Mithila Kingdom known as
Darbhanga. Radhi Brahmans came here from Central Bengal during 16th century,
Kanyakubja also came from Central India during same phase. These all priest
groups are not only priest but they assist Shivas worshipper by giving
shelter and other help. Their unbounded contribution can be seen in maintaining
the sanctity of the temple.
The head priest is a Maithil
Brahman. His post is known as 'Sevayat' who is not only head priest but
religious administrator too. Worshippers have a very revered approach to
him. Presently the administration of the temple is under one Trust whose
members are from local panda (Priest) community representative of king
Giddhor and Deputy Commissioner Deoghar being receiver.
Lord Shiva is not a myth
for the people of Deoghar, rather it's a live concept. Shiva is not the
only source of living. In fact it splashes the love and Bhakti to each
and everyone. This 'JYOTIRLINGAM' is in fact related with the cultural
way of wishing people in myriad occasion. 'Har Har Mahadav' is a slogan
of trust and victory.
The whole world takes boon
from this God.
This religious city has kept
a long chain of great SADHAK and personalities and artists, but this entire
chain remains fake just before the name of Lord SHIVA. Even after some
bhakts cannot be forgotten. This group contains Hindu, Muslims, Christians
etc. These persons were belonging with politics medieval feudal lords in
previous days. In one side is one Muslim family (Halim Saheb) who provides
worshipping materials for Shiva and the next aspect is daily evening (SHRINGAR)
worship which cannot be held without the garland of prisoners of Deoghar
jail.
In one way the king of Giddhor
donates the heavy gold vessels to temple and in other way several sociopolitical
figures Vinoba Bhave, Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. B. N. Jha, Ram Raj Jajware tries
their best to complete their mission by opening the gate of the temple
for other sectors of people.
Inspite of having such a
large contradiction, the people here remain unafraid and continue their
life with total freedom like fast flowing mountaineous rivulets.