Jayadurga Temple at Baidyanath is the place where Satis Heart had fallen. The temple is locally called as Baba mandir / Baba Dham. Within the campus, Jayadurga Shaktipeeth is present exactly opposite to the main temple of Vaidyanath. Both the temples are connected by red coloured silk threads in their tops. There is a belief that the couple who binds these two tops with the silk will have a happy family life by the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvathi
Shrine’s History
Goddess Sati was married to lord Shiva. She was the daughter of king Daksha. And, king Dasha did not like lord Shiva. Daksha was proud about his position and rank. Once he organised a Yagya. all God and Goddesses were invited in this Hawan, apart from Goddess Sati and her husband lord Shiva. Devi Sati could not bear this disrespect of her husband. So, she jumped in the Hawan Kund (fire furrow) and died. hearing about this incident, lord Shiva became very angry. Shiva started roaming in the whole universe with the dead body of his wife. On the request of other deities,lord Vishnu had made 51 parts of Satis dead body. The places of Asia where these body parts fell were given the name as Shakti Peeth. After wandering in the whole universe, lord Shiva took the Samadhi at mount Kailash.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Jai Durga Shakthi peeth is also known as Chitabhumi . When Lord Shiva was wandering with the corpse of Sati, Devis heart fell here. Lord Shiva cremated Satis heart at this place, hence the place is known as Chitabhumi.
Another puranic reference is that, once Ravan meditated upon Lord Shiva and requested him to reside at Lanka to protect his capital. Ravan attempted to lift Mount Kailash and take it to Lanka. However, Lord Shiva crushed Ravan with his finger. Ravan realized his folly and meditated upon Lord Shiva to get His mercy. Lord Shiva was pleased with Ravans penance and gave away one of the Jyotirlingas with the condition that the linga would get rooted, if kept on the ground. While Ravan was carrying the Jyotirlinga back to Lanka, Lord Varun entered his belly and created discomfort. Lord Vishnu came in the form of a lad and offered Ravan help to hold the Jyotirlinga till he relieved himself. By the time Ravan was back, the Jyotirling was placed on the ground and the linga was rooted. A disappointed Ravan undertook severe penance to appease Lord Shiva and cut off his nine heads. Shiva pleased with Ravans penance joined the nine heads as a Vaidya (physician). Thus the place gets the name Vaidyanath. Gokaran in Karnataka also has the same puranic reference.
Another puranic reference is that the temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju, and hence the name Baijnath.
This place is also believed to be a panacea for all diseases (specifically leprosy) and all miseries and sins. Hence the place gets the name Baidyanath or Vaidyanath or Kaamna ling.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Baidyanath Temple facing east is a 72 feet tall ancient stone structure with twenty two other temples in the complex, dedicated to various gods and goddess. All the temples have fine architecture on its walls. The temples built by Vishwakarma(the architect of gods)are in Nagara style of architecture. Some of the other temples within the temple complex are that of goddess Kali, Tara, Bagala, Sandhya, Saraswathi, Annapurna, Jagatjanani etc. The temple comprises of three parts, viz., the main temple of Baidyanath (Jyothirlinga), the middle part of the temple and at the entrance of the main temple is the idol of the Nandi. The sanctum is covered by a tall Shikara or gopura. Inside the temple is the Chandrakant Mani (a gem). Shivaganga Lake (built by Akbars General Man Singh) is near the temple. Another belief about the temple is that the lake is formed by the imprint of Ravans foot. The temple is also sanctified with Chandrakoopa well at the main entrance which is built and consecrated with water brought by Ravan from several thirthams (sacred water).
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
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.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Jasidih (10 km) on Howrah ? Patna ? Delhi line.
By Air
Nearby Airports are ? Ranchi, Gaya, Patna and Kolkata.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Every year in the months of Shravan (around July), Magh (around February) festivals are conducted in the temple of Vaidyanath. Ashviyuja Navaratri (around October) festivals are also conducted. The famous pilgrimage, as well as tourist spot, is also known for mela of Shravan. During the month of July and August, more than 8 million devotees gather and get the holy water from the Ganges. Unbroken lines of people are seen to wearing clothes with saffron colour and travel over 108 km in a particular month. People get all their desire fulfilled in this regard.
Extra Information About this Shrine
The temple is very small. The idols of Durga and Parvathi are present on a rock stage. People usually climb it up and offer flowers and milk to the goddesses. We can make Pradikshana to the stage within the sanctum sanctorum. We can find many temples of Shakti in the temple campus of Vaidyanath. Kali, Tara, Bagala, Sandhya, Saraswathi, Annapurna, Jagatjanani temples are important. Local people do worship in all these temples with their special mantras and sutras. Every temple will look alike if we consider floating. But, Durga is Shaktipeeth.
Caution while visiting Vaidyanath:
The temple campus will always be crowded and there is no queue system. Be patient and keep your mind on the goddess. Don’t try to do your chantings within the temple, rather chose some other place for that. Remember that the entire Vaidyanath village has the power to give benefits. Sadhana: Every year in the months of Shravan (around July), Magh (around February) festivals are conducted in the temple of Vaidyanath. Ashviyuja Navaratri (around October) festivals are also conducted.
