Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
The ninth Jyotirlinga of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is famous as Shri Vaidyanath. This holy Jyotirlinga is located at Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand and is considered a very miraculous and auspicious pilgrimage site in Hinduism. Vaidyanath Dham is also known as “Baba Baidyanath Dham”. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself resides here in the form of a doctor, that is, the god who cures diseases and sorrows. During the month of Shravan, lakhs of Kavadis come here to perform Jalabhishekam with Ganga water, due to which this place is considered one of the largest Shaivite pilgrimage sites in India.
The word “Vaidyanath” means — God in the form of a doctor. It is believed that Lord Shiva removes the physical, mental and spiritual sufferings of the devotees here. The greatness of this Jyotirlinga has been described in many ancient texts including the Shiva Purana. By devoutly seeing and worshipping it, one attains happiness, health, peace and spiritual power in life.
The Mythology of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
According to the Shiva Purana, once upon a time, the king of Lanka, Ravana, began a rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva. He fasted, performed sacrifices and performed severe meditation for many years, but Lord Shiva did not appear. Finally, Ravana started offering his heads to Lord Shiva one after the other to prove his devotion. When he was about to offer the last head, Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, appeared.
Lord Shiva gave Ravana unlimited power and blessings and restored all his heads. Ravana requested Lord Shiva to reside in Lanka. Lord Shiva gave him a divine Shivling and made a condition that this linga should not be placed on the ground anywhere on the way. If placed, it would remain stationary there.
Ravana set out for Lanka with the Shivlinga, but on the way the gods devised a trick with the help of Lord Vishnu. Ravana needed to go to Laghushan on the way and he asked a cow to hold the Shivlinga for some time. When Ravana did not return for a long time, the cow placed the Shivlinga on the ground. At that moment, the Shivlinga became stationary there and became famous as the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga.
Religious Importance of Vaidyanath Dham
Vaidyanath Dham is one of the most sacred Shiva temples of Hinduism. Here, there is a tradition of worshipping Lord Shiva by touching the Jyotirlinga, which is considered special among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Devotees pray here to get rid of the sorrows and obstacles of their lives by performing Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek and special Shiva Puja.
A huge crowd of devotees is seen from sunrise to night in the month of Shravan. The tradition of bringing Ganga water from Sultanganj and offering it to Lord Vaidyanath through Kavad Yatra is very popular.
Architecture of Vaidyanath Temple
The architecture of Vaidyanath Temple is an excellent example of ancient Indian style. The main peak and the grand entrance of the temple give the devotees a sense of spiritual peace. Apart from Lord Shiva, there are also temples of Goddess Parvati and other deities in the temple premises. This entire premises is filled with devotion and Shiva-like atmosphere.
Beliefs associated with Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
It is believed that Lord Shiva removes the diseases and sufferings of the devotees here. Special prayers are offered here for health, longevity and mental peace. Many devotees believe that by visiting Vaidyanath Dham with true devotion, one gets new strength and positivity in life.
Vaidyanath Mantra
To get the grace of Lord Vaidyanath, devotees chant the following mantra:
“ॐम Vaidyanathaya Namah॥”
Places to visit near Vaidyanath Dham
Vasukinath Temple, Nandan Pahad, Tapovan Caves and other holy places are located near Vaidyanath Dham. Pilgrims who come here experience spiritual bliss by visiting these religious places.