Crowd of devotees at Devki Baba Dham, Gumla district

Devki Baba Dham is a revered Hindu temple, which attracts a large number of devotees especially during major festivals like Janmashtami, Navratri and Dussehra.

Introduction

The Devki temple is situated in Ghagra block of Gumla district of Jharkhand state. This temple has a Shivling here since the Mahabharata period. Devki temple is situated on the right side of the village on the banks of Kera Jharia river, 3 km from Ghagra block, at a distance of 26 km from Gumla district.

This temple is said to be of ancient times. Local people say that this temple has a Shivling here since the Mahabharata period. This Shivling is present inside a cave. Which is situated on the banks of the river. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Two temples have been built in the temple complex a few years ago. In which Lord Shiva’s Shivling is installed in one temple, and a temple of Mata Parvati has been built right in front of the same temple.

Ancient Shivlings are present in this temple complex. It is said that many Shivlings can be seen here. Which are of ancient times. Apart from this, temples of other gods and goddesses are located in the temple complex. Among which there is also a temple of Hanuman ji.

Historical and cultural importance of Dewaki Baba Dham

It is said about this temple that during the Mahabharata period, five Shivlingas were established by Lord Shri Krishna during the exile of the Pandavas. One of those Shivlingas is here in Devaki Dham itself. Therefore, this temple was named after Shri Krishna’s mother Devaki.

After the Pandavas’ stay was over, Shri Krishna blew the conch in Devaki Ghaam itself. And since then till today, this place came to be known as Devaki Baba Ghaam.

Establishment of the temple

Devaki Baba Dham temple was discovered in 1967-68. The establishment of this temple is said to be of the Mahabharata period. Here, the story of establishment and important dates are told that this Devaki Baba Dham temple is said to have been established around 1901.

There is no written proof of this. This is what the local people say. Seeing the crowd of devotees and devotees here in Devki temple, two new temples have been built a few years ago. In which Shivling and in the second one Mata Devki have been established.

Shivling is already situated, the idol of Mata Devki has been established. Devotees are seen here for worship every day. The management and care of Devki temple, Pujari, worship, etc. are done by the traditional priest clan.

Main founder and his contribution

The primitive form of the founder of Devki Baba Dham temple is being told as 1901. But no one knows anything about its establishment. No one knows who established this Devki temple.

It is only believed that this temple was during the time of Mahabharata period. Local people believe that this Devki Baba Dham temple was established by King Puran Mal or Vishwakarma got this temple constructed.

Religious importance

Local people and devotees believe that when coming to this temple, one must ask for his wish. All the devotees who come here come to fulfill their wishes. It is said that whatever wish a devotee makes in the temple of Mata Devaki, Mata definitely fulfills his wish.

The main feature of this temple is that there are temples of other gods and goddesses here. The main temple among them is the temple of Shiva-Parvati.

Temple opening time

This Devki temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm. In which the crowd of devotees is seen throughout the day. This temple often has the highest crowd of devotees in the month of Shravan. In the month of Shravan, a fair is held here in this Devki temple for a month.

One has to stand in line to do puja in the Devki temple. This rule applies to everyone. All the materials of worship can be obtained from the temple premises. All the puja items can be brought from home, or you can take them in the temple premises by paying some amount.

Various religious festivals and events

Here Devki Baba Dham temple is called Baba Dham because thousands of devotees come to offer water in this temple in the month of Shravan. Here there is the highest crowd in Shravan. In the month of Shravan, a fair is held in this Devki Baba Dham temple for a month.

Because the number of devotees doing Kanwar Yatra is also seen. Apart from this, Shivratri is celebrated with great pomp in Devki Baba Dham temple. Along with this, many types of religious and cultural programs are also organized.

In which devotees from all the nearby villages participate in this program. And after taking the prasad, they go back after taking the blessings of God.

Architecture and structure of the temple

Devki Baba Dham temple was built a few years ago. Its height can be around 60-70 feet. Which is present at a high place. There are two main temples here. Which are face to face. In which the Shivling of Lord Shiva and the idol of Mata Devki are located.

This temple has been built in a simple manner. No kind of craftsmanship has been done in it. The temple looks simple and simple. A marriage hall has been constructed in the temple premises. A Dharamshala has also been constructed.

Major attractions of Gumla district

• Maha sadashiv Temple
• Kamdara Tourism
• Basudev kona Temple
• Baba Tanginath Dham Temple
• Nagpheni
• Nagar Nagvanshi
• Dewaki

How to reach Devki Baba Dham place?

The easiest way to reach Devki Baba Dham Mandir is by road. Apart from this, no other road facility is available to this temple.

Devki Baba Dham Mandir is located on the banks of Ghagh river at a distance of 3 km from Ghaghra block, about 26 km from the district headquarters.

You can use the rail route to reach Gumla district. Or you can reach by road or rail from Ranchi airport.

Geographical location of Dewaki Baba Dham

The Devki Baba Dham temple is situated on the banks of the Ghagh river. This temple site is situated at a slightly higher place. Many other temples of deities have been built in the temple complex. The main temple is of Devki and Shiva.

On going on that side of the river, temples can be seen on three sides. A pool has been built in the river. On the banks of the pool, two Shivlingas have been installed in ancient times. There is a small cave on the other side of the pool. There is a Shivling inside the cave as well.

It is said that this Shivling is the fifth Shivling of Devki Baba Dham here. Here in Devki Dham, you can see a total of 10 Shivlingas. All of which are different in size and shape. All the Shivlingas are ancient.

Map of Gumla District to reach Devki Temple

Major festivals and their dates

Like every year, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Navratri and Vijayadashami are the major festivals in this Devki temple. Which is celebrated with full devotion on Krishna Janmashtami Bhado (Bhadrapada) Krishna Paksha.

The festival of Navratri starts from Pratipada of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. And continues for the ninth day. Overall, Vijayadashami is celebrated on Dashami. Shivratri is organized every year. Apart from this, other major festivals are also included. Which are celebrated on some special dates and days.

As a tourist destination

This place is fine for tourists. There are many tourist places to see here in Gumla. This is also one of them. The beauty around this temple is good.

This can be the best place for worship. But it cannot be called that special just for visiting. The number of devotees who worship in the temple here is the highest. But the number of people who visit is less.

Being a historical and cultural place, this Devki Baba Dham temple is famous. People come here from far and wide to worship.

Accommodation and food facilities

Many hotels are available for accommodation in Gumla district. But a marriage hall and Dharamshala have been built for accommodation in Devki temple. There are many small shops in the temple premises for food and drinks.

This temple is located near the village, so help can be taken in case of any problem. Local cuisine is available in the temple premises. Which can be eaten as breakfast. Which includes Dhuska, Chilka Roti, Til Ka Barfi. Masala Dal Khana is used the most here.

Essential information for visitors

It can take at least a week to visit Devki Baba Dham temple or all the tourist places under Gumla district. The best time to visit here can be between October to February.

If we talk about one or two days, then you can come here for darshan at any time. The weather and climate here remains normal as per the entire Jharkhand state. Only during summers, the heat increases a little.

Main seasons and their specialties

If you come to Gumla with the intention of visiting Devki Baba Dham Mandir, then visiting on a special occasion or a special festival can be a lot of fun. One must definitely come here during the time of marriage if there is a relative here. Apart from this, it can be best to visit Devki Mandir during festivals.

Travel Preparation and Tips

Never go alone to visit any place. If possible, take a friend along. This will make you feel safe. Take some food items and sufficient amount of water with you.

You can eat and drink it if you feel hungry or thirsty on the way. Apart from this, if you have any physical problem, take its medicine with you. You can use your own or hired vehicle. Carry mobile, clothes, food items and as much as can fit in a bag.

Questions related to Devaki Baba Dham Temple