Day 107 - Deoghar

Deoghar is a major Hindu pilgrimage and a famous health resort. It has the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one of the twelve 'jyotirlingas' in India. Baidyanath Dham, situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important piligrim centre. It's famous for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. Deoghar literally means "The abode of Gods". It is believed that the Baidyanath (Vaidyanath) Jyotirlingam in Deogarh is associated with legendary stories of Ravana and Lord Shiva. It was at this place Ravana cut off his nine heads to repent and Lord Shiva blessed him by joining back all his heads like a Vaidya. The temple is very famous with thousands of devotees offer their prayers with great devotion and reverence. The Shivalinga here is adorned majestically with jewels and pearls. One can get all kinds of prosperity and long life by praying in this holy place.


How to reach here:

By Air: Closest airport to Deoghar is at Patna, at a distance of 281 km from Deoghar city. Patna is air connected well with other major cities in India.

By Rail: The railway station in Deoghar is at Baidyanath Dham, at a distance of 7 km from the heart of the city. It is a terminal station and is directly connected to the cities like Mumbai (Asn Cstm Expres), Delhi (Lal Quila Exp), Kolkata (Kolkata Rajdhani), Varanasi (Akal Takht Exp) and Allahabad (Pratham S S Exp).


Best time to visit: October to March.


Languages spoken: Hindi, Bengali, Magadhi.


Must eat: Kasar Larua, Hadia ,Mahua (Arkhi), Bathua Saag.


Famous Restaurants: Baidyanath hotel.


Places you must visit:

Baidyanath Temple: Ravana went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gave him a Jyotirlinga and asked him to take it to his land. 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. 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. Historically the temple is dated to 1596 when a hunter by the name of Baiju, discovered the lost lingam. Since then it came to be known as Baidyanath and people also call it Kamma Lingam - the desire fulfilling lingam.








Naulakha Temple is a  beautiful temple of Radha-Krishna on the outskirts of Deogarh is worth a visit for its sheer architectural appeal. It was built by one of the disciples of Balanand Brahmachari, Rani Charushila , the queen of Pathuriaghat of Deoghar. Balanand Brahmachari used to meditate at Tapovan, 8 km from the city. Tapovan is an equally fascinating place famous for its hill top temples and caves.

Tapovan is situated on the eastern front of Deoghar about 9 kms from the city is a famous place of "Pahari Mandirs" where are a no. of caves and it was a meditation place for the rishis and munis for a long time. Thus it came to be known as Tapovan.

Rikhia Dham is a  world famous Yogashram of "Shivanand Math Yogacharya" continues to serve the people and provides new life to the needy, is situated about 9 kms away from Deoghar in the northern part of the town. This Yogashram is a new branch of world famous "Shivanand Math of Munghyi" Every year on the eve of "shri Krishnajanamastmi" and "Sita Kalyanam" a "Shatchandi Mahayagya" is organized in which innumerable devotees from this country and abroad take part to in it.



Trikuti Hill  is situated 13 km away from Deoghar on the way to Dumka. There are three main peaks on the hill which is why it is called Trikutachal. The height of this hill is 2,470 feet (750 m). There is also a temple of Shiva at this place known as Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple. It is the mouth of river Mayurakshi. Here we also find an altar of the goddess of Trishuli. It is an attractive place with a cool stream flowing. Now this have Jharkhand's first rope way.







Satsang Ashram  is a holy place to visit for many foloowers of Shri Shri Thakur Anukulachandra which propagates Arya Dharma and culture. It also has a museum and a zoo with a sarva dharma mandir, which is worth seeing.



Nandan Hills is  a beautiful hill that lies on the western side of Deoghar-the whole town and its surroundings is visible from here. For the tourists there are various arrangements like train, Russian swing, Boating club, restaurants, etc, together with a big statue of 'Nandi' - all these attract numerous visitors to this place.







Pagala Baba Temple is a  pair of temples situated on the west nad about 1.5 km away from the station of Jasidih and 9 kms. from Deoghar is the ashram of late Leelanand Chakrovorty, also known as Pagla Baba. For 101 years baba had promised to continue bhajans and kirtans here , which still continues here day and night.



Nav Durga Temple is about 2.5 km away from Deoghar is situated an attractive temple of Maa Durga which has a metallic temple of Maa Durga, and paintings depicting her nine forms.



Harila Joria is a Shiva Temple situated in the northern direction of Deoghar at a distance of 5 Km. There is an old Shivalingam in this temple and according to local legends it had sprung up from beneath a yellow myrobalan ( Haritaki) tree for which this 'linga' is also called 'Haritakinath'.



Ramkrishna Mission Ashram is a famous educational center based on the principles of Shri Ram Krishna and his disciple Swami Vivekananda. There is a museum , a zoo and a artistic temple of Shri RamKrishna at this place.



Hindi Vidya Peeth was established by our first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the year. 1929 and he served as the Vice Chancellor of this institution. Here foreigners and non-hindi students are taught Hindi.



Kathikund is one of the popular tourist attractions in the destination, which houses a Dhaninath Temple. An annual fair organised during the month of February and March attracts many devotees and tourists to Kathikund.



Shivaganga, earlier known as Varvoghar kund, was founded by Ravana, when he made a blow with his fist on the earth. At that time a huge water stream came out and formed a pond, which is presently known as Shivaganga. It is also believed that at this site Ravana handed over the Shivalingam to Lord Vishnu, who was disguised as a Brahmin.he present shape of the pond was constructed by the Zamindars of Lakshmipur estate. Further, it is also believed that Ashwini Kumaras, renowned as doctors of gods, took bath in this pond and cured themselves from diseases.Natives of the place state that the pond has never dried up. In addition to this, it is also believed that taking bath in the Shivaganga is similar to taking bath in the holy river Ganges. Tourists and devotees visiting the destination take a dip into the Shivaganga before offering water to the Jyotirlingam. The western side of the pond is adorned with a small Shiva Temple, which was built by Raja Jai Singh.





Kundeshwari is renowned for housing a beautiful shrine named Nava Graha Temple. Located at a distance of around 1 km from Chandi Hill, the temple was constructed in 1911 by Late Ramapada Bandopadhyay, a resident of Hoogly, West Bengal.Apart from Nava Graha, the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Ganesh and Lakshmi-Narayan are also enshrined in the sanctum of the temple. Tourists and devotees on their way to this temple can also spend time at Kali Temple, which was built by Late Fakir Chandra Chatterjee.





Temple of Jain Teerthankar Shantinath is one of the popular temples belonging to the Digamber Sect. The present shape of the temple is developed and maintained by support of Tarachand Jain, a social worker and devotee. This beautiful shrine houses a library, which comprises a vast collection of important manuscripts, books and scriptures.



Baiju Temple is a collective name for three temples, which are located to the west of Baba Baidyanath Temple complex. Situated in the main market of Deoghar, these temples were built by the heir of main priests of Baba Baidyanath Temple. The common feature of these temples is that each temple has a huge Shivalingam inside its premises.As stated in Hindu mythology, Baiju, a Bhil boy, was imparted knowledge by Lord Vishnu about the worshipping of Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu told him to pour water or jal on Shivalingam for commencing puja. After a long search, when he did not find any pot for collecting water, he filled his mouth with water and poured it upon the Shivalingam. Lord Shiva got impressed with the simplicity of this boy and appeared to him. Since then the temple is known by the name of that Bhil boy.



Basukinath Temple is frequently thronged by visitors and devotees throughout the year for its popular Shiva Temple. It is believed that the pilgrimage to Babadham is incomplete without paying homage at Basukinath. The history of this popularly known Shiva Temples is connected with Ghatwals of Nonihat.The temple is situated near the village of Jarmundi and presents an example of local art. This ancient temple houses many other small temple located in its campus area.



Ajgaibinath is famous for its two great rocks of granite, out of which, one has a mosque and other has a temple of Ghaibinath Shiva. It is believed that sage Harinath visited this site for penance and was blessed with an image to which he may address his prayers. He received his promised idol at Sultanganj and he became its first mahant. Since this incident, tourists and devotees visiting this place carry a vessel of water to pour over the image.Ajgaibinath is counted among the one of three famous Shiva temples in Bihar and Jharkhand, while the other two being Basukinath and Baidyanath temples.







Maa Shitala Temple is one of the beautiful shrines, which is located in the main market near Tower Chowk. The small shrine is an ideal place to rest in peace and is frequently thronged by devotees as well as tourists. The idols enshrined in the temple are ancient and it is believed that incurable diseases are cured if one worships at this site with respect and devotion.

Day 106 - Ranchi

Ranchi is the state capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand and is known for its large mineral contents, which forms 18% of the total mineral content of India. This is why it is called the ‘Manchester of the East’. It is also called the ‘city of waterfalls’ for comprising many small and big waterfalls in its premises. Ranchi has derived its name from an Oraon village called ‘Archi’ present in the area. Archi means bamboo grove or stave in Oraon language. Ranchi is the headquarters of Ranchi District and was earlier known as Lohardaga. It was also an important administrative and military base of eastern India, during the British rule. Ranchi is also referred to as the ‘vegetable bowl’ due to thick vegetation of green vegetables in its villages. Ranchi is famous for its divine hospitality; exquisite tribal culture and the enchanting beauty of the nature merge together here in Ranchi to provide a real lifetime experience to its visitors. Really Ranchi is a gift of nature and Mother Earth.


How to reach here:

By Air: Ranchi airport is located at Hinoo, nearly 7 km away from the city center.

By Rail: Ranchi rail-head is well connected to important cities all over the country.


Best time to visit: September to May.


Languages spoken: Nagpuria, Oraon, Bengali, Hindi, English.


Must eat:  Litti and Chokha.


Famous Restaurants: Planet Masala, The Nook.


Places you must visit:

The Jagannath temple was constructed in the 17th century, 1691 by king of Barkagarh, Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo. It is situated at 10 km from the city, on a hill top near Firayalal Chowk. The architectural style of this temple is same as that of a fort presenting a miniature of the famous Puri Jagannath temple. It is most popularly known for its Ratha Yatra held every year whose concept has been taken from the original Puri temple.





Ranchi Lake is situated in the heart of the city, at the base of Ranchi Hill. It lies near G.P.O. and was excavated by a British agent named Colonel Onsley in 1842. The place is also a popular picnic and boating spot.





Hundru Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls of Ranchi. It is the 34th highest waterfall of India and falls from a height of 320 ft. It is created on the course of Subarnarekha River. The fall also has a nearby pool that serves as a bathing place as well as a picnic spot. The different rock formations made by the waterfall due to its constant falling is also one of the attractive features of this place.





The Ranchi Museum was established in 1974. It display items include prehistoric implements, terracottas, stone sculptures, arms, numismatics and ethnological objects.



Sun temple is another significant religious attraction of Ranchi, located at 39 km from the city. It lies on the Tata road in Bhundu, near the Bhundu village. Its main attraction is a statue of a chariot present in its premises with 18 wheels and 7 horses. This temple was built by Sanskrit Vihar and presently is managed by Shri Ram Maroo. A dharamshala and pond also lie near this temple. This pond also serves as a sacred place for Chhathavratis.



The Johna Falls also known as Gautamdhara Falls is a popular waterfall situated at 40 km from Ranchi. This waterfall lies at the edge of Ranchi Plateau and comes amongst the hanging valley falls. It gathers water supply from River Ganga and Raru to form the fall. It drops water from a height of 43 m. To see the surrounding areas of this falls,  a decent of 500 stairs is required.The premise of this waterfall also includes a rest house, which encloses a Buddhist shrine, dedicated to Lord Gautam Buddha. There is also a nearby temple and ashram dedicated to Lord Buddha, situated on the Gautam Pahar. This temple was built by the sons of Raja Baldevdas Birla.



Gonda Hill  has a water reservoir and Kanke Dam Lake located on its top. The lake of Kanke Dam is said to have originated many decades ago. Along with this lake, Gonda hill is also home to a rock garden. This rock garden is a scenic hillock situated near the Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. The hill is also a popular picnic spot as it of clean air and panoramic views of surrounding valleys and mountains.





The Dassam Falls is situated at 34 km from the city of Ranchi on Ranchi-Tata road near the Taimara village. The place is also known as Dassam Garh. The major water source of this waterfall is River Kachni, which falls here from an altitude of 144 feet. The unique feature of this fall is that when the waterfall is seen, 10 water streams are also seen falling.



The Panch Gagh Falls provides a view of five cascades in a row, which is also suggested by its name. It lies on the Ranchi-Chakradharpur road, at 6 km from the Khunti village. The five cascades present in this waterfall originate from high altitudes. Its serene surroundings also make the place a popular picnic spot.



The Hirni Falls of Ranchi is situated at 20 km from Khunti village, in the West Singhbhum. It lies at the edge of Ranchi Plateau around Bandgaon. The fall is formed by Ramgarha River that falls here from a height of 37 m in a broad torrent. Its surroundings comprise a dense forest.



Tagore Hill also known as Moradabad Hill is a 300 ft high hill located near the Albert Ekka Chowk. This hill is named after the famous poet, Rabindra Nath Tagore. According to a legend, Rabindra Nath liked this hill for to its serene beauty and thus he used the place a lot for writing his renowned literary works. Centre of Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute along with the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is also located in the premises of this hill.



Pahari Mandir is a temple of Lord Shiva located on the top of a Ranchi hill having an altitude of 2140 ft from the sea level. This hill was earlier known as Phansi Tongri as in ancient times, freedom fighters were hanged here. To remember the sacrifice of these freedom fighters, national flag is also hosted here on Republic Day.The way leading to this temple comprises 300 steps. The temple is said to have powers of blessing its devotees with the desired wishes. The site of this temple also provides a bird’s view of the entire city of Ranchi. Its surroundings comprise different species of trees.





Angrabadi temple complex is another popular temple of Ranchi situated near its Khunti village. This temple was renamed as Amreshwar Dham by the Sage Shankaracharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswathi. This complex comprises several temples dedicated to Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Ram-Sita, and Lord Hanuman. Devotees come to this place to offer their prayers as well as for spiritual enhancement.



The Birsa zoological park also known as Birsa Jaivik Udyan, is an eco friendly site. It lies near Ormanjhi, on the Ranchi-Patna National highway. This park is involved in providing more information on mammalian fauna along with providing a sight of nature’s wild life in its own habitat.Most popular species of fauna present at this park includes tigers, monkeys and deer. An animal adopting program is also a part of this park, which was started to improve public awareness about the importance of wild life protection and conservation.







Nakshatra Van is a park situated in front of Jharkhand Raj Bhawan, created by Jharkhand Forest Department. This park comprises various Nakshatras, each of which is associated with a Zodiac and celestial bodies. According to Hindu astrologers, each constellation is associated with a tree that are of medicinal, aesthetic, social and economic value.The premise of this park is divided into various sections that represent various Nakshatras(stars) surrounding a circle. This circle is divided in arcs according to precise angles representing zodiacs subtend on earth. The centre of this circle also has a musical fountain with a huge pot collecting all its water. It also has various species of flowers planted along its pathway. Its centre also has a sleeping statue of Dhanvantari.