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The book 'Temple of Deoghar' by Dr. Rajendra Lal Mitra says Shiv
purna dedicates these sentences. It was in the Treta Yuga, one demon
Ravan, King of Lanka (Ceylon) coincidently established this ' Lingam
' (Lord Shiva). ' Padma Purana ' (Holy book of Hindus) supports
these facts.
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 Dakshraja 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).
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.
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 (Shrinagar)
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.
