Ghodsimar Dham, Koderma with detailed information on history, religious significance, major attractions, accommodation, travel routes, and local culture.
Introduction
Ghodsimar Dham is situated at a distance of about 70 km from Koderma district of Jharkhand state. Which comes under Satgaon block. There used to be more than 100 temples here. This temple was spread over 12 acres of land.
Where every place, when any excavation is done for any work, idols of God come out. Many broken idols are found even today in the area around 500 yards of this temple. Even when farmers plough their fields, idols come out. One can reach here by road.
Local people say that this temple was built by Lord Vishwakarma himself with his own hands in one night. Villagers say that this temple has been mentioned in Shiv Purana. This temple is said to be of 1336 AD.
The main part of this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Ghodsimer Dham, Uma-Maheshwar, Surya Dev, Singhvahini Durga, Shivling, Ek Mukhi Shivling, Lord Vishnu, Mata Saraswati, Mata Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and other deities are worshipped. Many religious and cultural programs are held in this temple throughout the year.
History of Ghodsimer Dham
Local people say that Ghodsimer Dham temple was built in 1336 AD by Lord Vishwakarma in a single night. This temple is called the first Devghar. There is a story behind it. It is said that when Ravan was taking Shivling from Shivalaya to his home Lanka, he placed Shivling here in the same order.
This Shivling is said to be five feet. Villagers say that Ghodsimer Dham is also mentioned in Shivpuran. It is said that this Ghodsimer Dham is actually the real Devghar Dham.
It is said that during the Mughal period when Mughal emperors came to Ghodsimar Dham, they broke all the idols present here to end the belief of this place. As soon as you go there, you will see many idols in broken form in the bushes and around the temple.
Even today, they are found in broken form in different places of the forest. A total of 110 temples were built in this area, which narrate religious and mythological stories.
It is said that according to the boundaries of Shivpuran, Shivpuri village is in the east, Scenic Nala in the west, Sakri river in the north and Mahavad mountain in the south.
There are two ponds in the temple premises. The residents here say that even though there is no rain throughout the year, the crops in the fields here are lush green.
Religious Importance
Many fairs are organized in Ghodsimar Dham throughout the year. Puja is performed here every day. The local people here believe that whoever prays in this temple, all his wishes are fulfilled. This is the reason why devotees come here from far and wide.
The maximum crowd is seen here in large numbers during Shivratri, Navratri, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi and other festivals. Due to the temple premises getting smaller day by day, devotees have to face a bit of crowd while enjoying the fair.
Even the development work done by the government in this temple has been obstructed by the local people. The local people say that the temple premises is a bit small, due to which the devotees face problems.
The development work by the government has to be done at some other place, i.e. a little side from the temple. According to Hindu religion, this temple is mentioned in Shiv Purana. This temple is the most ancient and heritage.
In this temple, mainly Uma-Maheshwar, Surya Dev, Singhvahini Durga, Shivling, Ek Mukhi Shivling, Lord Vishnu, Mata Saraswati, Mata Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha etc. deities are worshipped. The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva.
Structure and design of the temple
The Ghodsimar Dham temple of Koderma district is said to have been built in 1336 AD. The local Pandit says that this temple has been built in one night. This work has been done by Lord Vishwakarma himself. The design of this temple is normal.
Two ponds have also been constructed near the temple. Here in the temple premises, many broken idols of gods and goddesses are seen. Which were broken by the Mughal rulers. Remains of idols are also found in the fields here during this time.
All the idols here are made of stone. It is said that all the unique idols were taken from here by sawdust. The remaining statues can be seen in this temple even today.
Major attractions
The most important attraction of Ghodsimar Dham temple is the ancient idol here which is broken. And the ones which are intact, all the idols have been kept in the temple. All the idols which used to attract the main heritage of this place have been taken away from here somewhere else.
Many idols have also been stolen. Broken idols can be seen everywhere inside and around Ghodsimar Dham. The main Shivalinga here is said to be of 10 feet. The lower part is buried inside the ground. The structure of the temple is like that of normal houses.
It has been built in the same design as the houses of olden times. According to the olden times, this temple was very big. But with the passage of time, the structure of today’s houses has changed. People build big houses in today’s time.
Natural beauty and environment
While going to Ghodsimar Dham, one has to pass through a forest on the way here. This temple is located in an ancient village of Satgaon block. Here one can see mythological artwork. The environment here is completely clean. Since this is a rural area, there is no dirt here like in cities.
There are two ponds located near the temple. Where farming is done in the surrounding area throughout the year. It is said that even without rain, the crops here are green and yield good yield.
The water never dries up in these ponds. Pet animals and birds can be seen in the environment here. Which are reared by the villagers.
Best time to visit of Ghodsimar Dham
For darshan here and especially for tourists, the most enjoyment is in any festival or celebration. The cultural and religious programs held here give the most joy.
The mind gets peace. Due to the calm atmosphere here, devotion is felt in the mind. You can come to visit this temple from October to February.
Apart from this, by coming here on any special festival, one can see the customs, rituals, ethics of this place. This temple opens at 6 am and closes at 8 pm. Devotees can be seen here daily.
Travel routes and transport options
Ghodsimr Dham temple is located at a distance of about 70 km from Koderma district headquarters. It can be reached by road. The road can be a bit rough at some places.
Keep all the food items with you and then go here. No person was visible on the way. So never go alone. Take someone with you. Koderma can be reached by air, rail and road. You can hire a small vehicle from there.
Accommodation
There is no special facility for staying in the Ghodsimar Dham temple complex. There is neither any hotel nor any restaurant where one can rest for a while. There is nothing like that. If you want to stay, then there are many places to stay in Jhumri Tilaiya city. Where all the facilities of food and drink are available.
Local food and special dishes
The main dishes of this place are available for several kilometers around the Ghodsimar Dham temple. Which are also special for Koderma district.
As the main dishes available here include Liti-Chokha, Pitha, Thuska, Puri, Nasta etc. You can see them being sold in many shops here. There is no facility of Bhojanalaya and restaurant near Ghodsimar Dham.
Local culture and traditions
Many religious programs are organized in Ghodsimar Dham throughout the year. A grand fair is organized here at that time. In which about thousands of devotees come to worship. Apart from being an ancient temple, it is also very religious.
Shivaratri, Dussehra, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Kali Puja, Mansa Puja, Chhat Puja etc. are celebrated here. On this occasion, devotees living in the vicinity come for darshan and perform puja, aarti etc. Ghodsimar Dham Temple is the oldest temple of Koderma district. Its cultural heritage has been recorded in Shiv Purana.
Guidelines for tourists
Tourists can come to visit Ghodsimar Dham Temple. You can reach here by road. No fee is charged for entering this temple. Ancient remains of Hindu religion can be seen in this temple. Remains of the temple are also found in the surrounding areas.
While coming here, take someone along with you, never come alone. There is no security arrangement here, so take care of your own safety. Do not depend on anyone. Take your food and drink items with you.
Fill enough fuel in your vehicle to travel. So that there is no problem. Try to come here for darshan in the morning and leave from here before evening.
Photography and Filming
You can do photography in Ghodsimar Dham temple. There is complete freedom for this. But before doing this, take permission from the temple manager or the priest here. Only then do photography. You will not face any kind of problem due to this.
Stories and experiences of devotees
There are many fields in the Ghodsimar Dham temple complex. In which farming is done throughout the year. Many remains related to the temple are found in those fields. The farmers here leave all those remains at the same place.
It is said that God can get angry if the remains of the temple are moved here and there. Due to which the crop here can be less. Even if the remains of the temple are found in the forests here, they are left at the same place.
The villagers say that God is present everywhere, so his place of residence should not be changed. Apart from this, it is said here that whatever devotees come here to fulfill their wishes, their wishes are fulfilled soon.
People come here as a tourist spot along with a religious place. Every year many scientists come here for their research. They research the remains of the temple here.
Upcoming development and projects
Development work has been possible to some extent in Ghodsimar Dham temple from ancient times till today. The main reason for no development work here is the local people living here. They used to stop the development of this temple.
Local people believe that due to big and small temples and other development work here, there will be a shortage of space in the temple premises.
This is the reason why many plans are opposed here. If development work is done in future, when the construction of a new temple will take place, then tourists and devotees will come here daily like other places.
Development of this Ghodsimar Dham temple is necessary. Otherwise, this temple can also break down and end in the coming few years. It should be repaired from time to time.
More Tourist Places in Koderma District
- Makamaro Hills
- Dhawajadhari Hill
- Maa Chanchala Devi mandir
- Radha Krishna Mandir
- Jharna Kund Dham
- Maharshi Kardam Park
- Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary
- Telaiya dam
- Vrindaha Waterfalls
- Puto Dham
- Panchkhero Dam
- Petro Waterfalls
- Jhumri Telaiya
FAQs about Ghodsimar Dham
1. How to reach Ghodsimar Dham?
Ghodsimar Dham temple is accessible by road.
2. When was Ghodsimar Dham temple established?
The exact date of establishment of Ghodsimar Dham temple is unknown, but this temple is being told in 1336 according to local beliefs and traditions.
3. Which deities are worshipped in Ghodsimar Dham temple?
Lord Shiva is mainly worshipped in Ghodsimar Dham temple, and there are also idols of other gods and goddesses which people worship.
4. What is the significance of Ghodsimar Dham temple in local culture?
Ghodsimar Dham temple is an important part of the local culture. Traditional festivals and fairs are organized here, which connects people culturally and promotes religious faith.
5. What kind of traditions do the people of Koderma district follow associated with the Ghodsimar Dham Temple?
The people of Koderma district follow many religious rituals and traditions associated with the temple, such as special puja on Mahashivratri, annual fair, and Jalabhishek to please Lord Shiva. Shravami Mela, Kanwar Yatra, etc
6. How to reach Ghodsimar Dham Temple?
Ghodsimar Dham Temple is located in Koderma district and one can use bus, taxi, or private vehicle to reach here. The nearest railway station and airport is in Koderma.