Shivgadi Dham is also known as Baba Gajeshwar Nath Dham. Where Gajeshwar Nath Dham has been established by Demon King Gajasur. This Demon King Gajasur has been described in Shiv Purana.
He was the son of the powerful Mahishasur. He did severe penance by standing on one thumb for several thousand years and got the boon from Lord Shankar.
On getting the boon, he became the most and extremely powerful. Due to his power, he became wicked and started committing atrocities. Due to fear of which, sages and gods started crying for help.
Due to the fear of Demon King Gajasur, all the Gods, Goddesses and Rishis and Munis praised Lord Shankar. Hearing the sad cry of Gods, Goddesses and Rishis, Lord Shankar killed Gajasur. Which will later come to be known as Gajeshwar Dham.
It is said that when Lord Shankar was riding on Nandi and killing Gajasur, Nandi stood on both his feet. The marks of both his feet fell on a rock. This rock is on the top of the mountain. A staircase has been built to go there. And this place became famous by the name of Shivgadi.
Apart from this, there is a belief here that during the Mahabharata period, Arjun had seen Lord Shankar on this Devana mountain.
Brief introduction of Shivgadi Dham
This Shivgadi is the second Baba Dham of Santhal Pargana, which is known as Gajeshwar Nath and Shivgadi. This Dham is located at a distance of about 6 kilometers from Barhet block under Sahibganj district.
The temple of Baba Gajeshwar Nath is inside a Griha cave. A waterfall of water keeps flowing outside the cave throughout the year. From the main gate to the cave, devotees have to climb 195 stairs barefoot. Only then can the temple be seen.
Right time to visit
You can visit Shivgadi Dham any month of the year. This temple remains open throughout the year. But the maximum crowd here is in the month of Shravan. In the month of Shravan, lakhs of devotees offer water to the Shivling of Lord Shiva to fulfill their wishes.
You can take a small vehicle in the month of Shravan. Which may have to be parked far away from the temple premises. Because the crowd is the biggest.
If you believe my opinion, you can visit here with family in any month or day except Shravan month. This will ensure that you will be able to visit the temple properly. There will be no problem in doing puja.
Spring season: The right time to visit Shivgadi is between March and May and between October to November. At this time the weather is a bit spring and autumn. Which is considered a pleasant season. In this season there is neither too much heat nor high temperature.
Summer season: During summer, there is more heat in Sahibganj district. Even the water level of Ganga goes down. Going to Shivgadi Dham in summer can cause a lot of trouble. Which is a scorching heat from June to September.
Autumn season: Traveling to Shivgadi Dham in this season can feel a little cold due to cold. The atmosphere here is autumnal. Just like the heat increases, similarly the cold increases in the winter season. Despite this, many devotees come here to visit.
Essential Materials
If you are preparing for the Shivgadi Yatra, then it is necessary to carry your clothes according to the weather. Because the weather changes and the environment here keeps changing. Whatever the weather, one must definitely carry a pair of clothes for bathing.
There will be no problem for food items. It is available here.
Main routes of the journey
The nearest railway station for the journey to Shivgadi Dham is Barharwa Junction which is 26 kilometers away from Shivgadi. It is about 50 kilometers from Sahebganj. It is also 50 kilometers from Pakur.
If we talk about bus stations, then the nearest to Shivgadi is Barharwa Bus Station and if we talk about the nearest, then it is 60 kilometers from Godda and 100 kilometers from Dumka. Those who want to travel by road can take advantage of transportation.
Road route: If you want to travel to Shigadi Dham by road, then you can go to Shigadi Dham by bus or your own vehicle from Patna, Ranchi and Kolkata.
Rail route: The nearest railway station to Shigadi Dham is Sahebganj Railway Station. Which is connected to various parts of India. Apart from this, one can travel to Shigadi Dham by Howrah Jamalpur Express, Gangasagar Express and Vananchal Express.
Airport: There is no nearest airport here. For this, one will have to come by road from Patna, Ranchi and Bagdogra. Because
- Sigadi is 305 km from Patna.
- It is 420 km from Ranchi.
- It is 280 km from Bagdogra.
Spiritual aspects of Shivgadi Dham
The temple of Shivgadi Dham is situated in the main cave of the mountain. This cave has two doors. One door to enter and the other to come out. When you enter the cave of the temple, you will feel that the arrow will touch the shingle of the temple.
But this is not so, when you enter the temple, you will be able to stand completely straight.
- The holy Shivling of Lord Shiva is installed in the sanctum sanctorum inside the temple.
- The idol of Mother Parvati is near the Shivling, because she is the better half of Shiva.
- The idol of Lord Ganesha is present near the main gate.
- Lord Kartikeya who is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
- Nandi bull is located at the main gate of the temple.
- Apart from this, other deities have been installed. Which are in the premises of the temple. Like Hanuman ji, Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities.
Festival of Mahashivratri
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp in Shivgadi Dham. Every year thousands of people gather here on Shivratri. All the devotees from nearby areas come here to see the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati on Shivratri.
A huge and grand festival is celebrated here. If we believe the mysterious stories, there are many devotees who claim to have seen Lord Shiva.
Famous folk tales
In the Shiv Purana, there is a description of a demon named Gajasur who was the worthy son of the powerful Mahishasur. He did severe penance for thousands of years by standing on his thumb and got a boon from Lord Shankar.
After getting the boon, he became very powerful and wicked. Due to his atrocities and fear, the sages, saints and gods started crying for help. The sages and gods praised Lord Shankar.
On hearing their pitiful cries, Lord Shankar killed Gajasur. Even while dying, Gajasura praised Lord Shiva due to which Lord Shiva became pleased and said that this Shivalinga established by you will become famous by your name and people will know it by the name of Gajeshwar Dham.
Fairs and festivals
Many types of festivals are organized in Shivgadi Dham. These include religious worship and rituals, bhajans and kirtans, religious discourses and stories, cultural programs, etc. The most important fair among these which is worth seeing is the Kanwar fair here.
Kanwar Yatra: In the month of Shravan, devotees of Lord Shiva take a pledge of holy water of Mother Ganga from Rajmahal and perform Jalabhishek on the Shivling in Shivgadi Dham. Shivgadi Dham is about 58 kilometers from Rajmahal Ganga Ghat. It can take 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach here by vehicle.
During the fair, lakhs of devotees come here to perform Jalabhishek. They perform Jalabhishek to fulfill their wishes. Special security arrangements are made here at this time.
Many small and big fairs are organized here. Many camps are run. Cultural programs are organized. During the fair, various types of shops are set up. In which various types of worship materials, religious books and other items are purchased for the devotees.
Description of Nature
The beauty of nature can be seen here. Water falls on the temple gate from the peaks of the mountain. The place where devotees enter the temple after taking bath. Talking about hills and forests, there are high and dense forests here.
Wandering alone in this forest can be very dangerous. A hill village is settled on the top of the mountain, in which people of the hill community live.
A stream flows from this temple, which joins a river at a distance of about 5 kilometers from the temple. If you want, you can also take a bath in this river and go to visit the temple. The environment here remains green all the time.
Local folk dance and music
Many types of folk music and dances are performed in Shivagadi Dham. Religious cultural programs are held here on every religious festival. Talking about local cuisine, the most popular dishes here are Kachori, Puri-Sabzi, Prasad, Plain Food and Malpua.
Main places for photography
Talking about photography, there is already a camera man here. He takes a picture for 20 rupees. Also, he gives you the photo within 5 minutes. If you want, you can click with your own camera or your mobile.
There is no restriction of any kind for this. Whether you are taking a picture inside or outside the temple. This place is perfect for photography.
FAQ’s
1. Where is Shivgadi Dham located?
Shivgadi Dham is located in Sahebganj district of Jharkhand state of India.
2. What is the spiritual significance of visiting Shivgadi Dham?
The spiritual significance of visiting Shivgadi Dham is for the worship and meditation of Lord Shiva, who shows the path to attain spiritual peace and salvation to the devotees.
3. What mystical experiences can be expected during the visit to Shivgadi Dham?
Devotees can experience amazing and supernatural experiences during the visit, such as the wonderful apparition of the Shivalinga located in the cave and the sacred energy there.
4. What is the best time to visit Shivgadi Dham?
The best time to visit Shivgadi Dham is during the festival of Mahashivratri, when special pujas and rituals are conducted.
5. What are the preparations required for the visit to Shivgadi Dham?
Preparations for the visit include carrying good shoes, light food, and water. Due to the narrow and rocky paths of the cave, it is necessary to remain physically fit.
6. shivgadi dham nearest railway station ?
TPH/Tinpahar Junction 12 Km. And Barharwa Junction Railway Station 26Km. from Shivgadi Dham Temple.