Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga Temple

Vaidhyanath is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas area of Bihar. Deogarh is also known as Vaidyanath.

The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard surrounded by stone walls. Within the vicinity of the temple complex, twenty two other temples are as well found. The temple faces the east. The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken which as per the legend happened when Ravana tried to uproot it. Sivaganga lake is positioned just near the temple. While the Chandrakoopa well found near the main entrance is said to have been filled with water by Ravana from several thirthams. The Shiva's temple is almost 72 feet tall in the form of a lotus. There are three ascending shaped gold vessels on the top. Then there is a 'Punchsula' as well as an eight petaled lotus jewel called 'Chandrakanta Mani'.

According to mythology, Ravana meditated hard to invoke Lord Shiva. In his desire to become invinciible, he attempted to lift Lord Shiva's abode, Mount Kailash. The act offended the Lord. He punished him but with Ravana pleading for mercy, he left him on one condition. He gave him one of the twelve lingas which was not supposed to be kept on ground in any case. But Ravana's promise gave way infront of nature's call & kept the linga on the ground. In order to rectify the mistake, Ravana started cutting off nine of his heads as a part of his repentance. Shiva was pleased by this & he joined the heads again to the body.

Worshipping Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga is considered to eliminate one's all worries and miseries. It even imparts Moksha. In order to complete the travel, devotees carry Kanwars on their shoulders.