top places to visit in Deoghar 814112 (Jharkhand)
Top Visiting Places
Baba Baidyanath Temple, the most prominent shrine in the region, is a revered destination that draws countless devotees each year. Recognized as one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also a shaktipeeth, the temple holds deep spiritual significance. It enshrines not only Lord Shiva but also houses idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.
Daily rituals begin at 4 a.m. with the shodashopachar (sixteen traditional offerings) performed by the head priest, followed by public worship. According to legend, this is the sacred site where Ravana, the king of Lanka, offered his ten heads to Lord Shiva. Moved by his devotion, Shiva appeared to heal Ravana’s wounds, thus earning the title Vaidhya (healer), from which the temple derives its name.
Historically, the temple’s prominence is evident from records dating back to the 8th century AD, during the reign of Adityasena Gupta of the Gupta dynasty. Later, during the Mughal era, Raja Man Singh of Amber built the Mansarovar pond nearby. Architecturally, the east-facing temple is a simple stone structure crowned with a 72-foot high pyramidal tower. The summit is adorned with three gold vessels, a punchshula (five-bladed trident), and the ornate eight-petaled lotus known as Chandrakanta Mani.
In essence, Baba Baidyanath Temple stands as a powerful symbol of faith, healing, and history, continuing to inspire spiritual devotion through the ages.
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
Top Visiting Places
Situated 10 km from Deoghar, Tapovan Hills are home to the Tapo Nath Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique cracked rock here is believed to naturally display an image of Lord Hanuman. At the base lies Sukta Kund (or Sita Kund), where Goddess Sita is said to have bathed. Once a meditation site (Tapobhumi) for Nagas (ascetics), the name ‘Tapovan’ means “forest of meditation.”
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
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Located about 3 km from Baba Baidyanath Dham station, Nandan Pahar is a small hill known for its Nandi Temple and scenic views. The hill features temples dedicated to Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, and Kartik, along with a water tank that supplies filtered water to the area. According to legend, Ravana hurled Nandi from Shiva’s gate, and the hill is named after him. It also hosts the Nandan Hill Entertainment Park, offering boating, a children’s park, a ghost house, boot house, mirror house, and a restaurant—making it a popular picnic spot.
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
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Located just 2 km from the main town, the Naulakha Temple is dedicated to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. Resembling the architecture of the Ramakrishna Temple in Belur, it features 146-ft high idols of the deities. The temple was built with a donation of nine lakh rupees by Queen Charushila of Kolkata, giving it the name ‘Naulakha’. Guided by saint Balananda Brahmachari after the loss of her husband, the queen built the temple as an act of devotion and healing.
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
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Established in 1922, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is the oldest institute of the Ramakrishna Mission. It holds historical significance, having been visited by the brother disciples of Swami Vivekananda. A boys-only residential school, it is affiliated with the CBSE. Admissions are mainly open for Class VI, with limited seats in Class XI based on merit and availability. Swami Jayantananda serves as the secretary, and Swami Divyasudhananda is the current principal.
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
Top Visiting Places
Originating from Trikut Hills, 16 km from Deoghar, the Mayurakshi River (also known as Mor River) flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal before merging with the Hooghly River. Spanning about 250 km, it passes through Birbhum and Murshidabad districts. Though vital to the region, it has a history of causing severe floods.