Basukinath Temple, Basukinath

Basukinath Temple, Basukinath, Dumka, Jharkhand, India

Basukinath Temple

About The Temple and Main Deity

The temple is located in the village Basukinath, district Dumka in the state Jharkhand, on the state highway connecting Dumka and Deoghar.  It is 24 km away from Dumka towards Deoghar.

The temple is basically of Lord Shiva and Lingam is placed inside the Temple. It is an ancient temple and believed to be the court of Lord Shiva. The temple of Mata Parvati is just in front of Lord Shiva. In the evening when the doors of both the Temple opened the devotees are suggested not to go towards the doors. It is believed that at this time Mata Parvati goes to meet Baba Bholenath for discussing the demands and problems of their devotees with generosity. According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva is known as the most generous God who always blessed His devotees. Basuki is the name of a snake in Hindu shastra and Nath means God, so Baba Basukinath is also known as Nagnath.

Festivals

Shravan Mela

In the Hindi month Shravana which usually falls in July – August lacs of devotees come here from Bihar, Jharkhand and also from rest of the country to offer holy Ganga jal on Shivlingam. The devotees collect Ganga jal from Bhagalpur or Sultanganaj (in Bihar) and carry it on their shoulder with the help of a bamboo stick (also available in the market) under which water pots are hanging both sides. They collect Ganga jal after doing proper bath & puja and wear clothes dyed in saffron color and then start their foot march with a slogan ”Bol- Bam” for their loved deity and cover 135 km distance with a lot of vigour and enthusiasm. Some of the Devotees don’t stop at any place on the way and cover entire distance in one stretch are called ’’ Dak Bam’’. An unbroken line of devotees can be seen from Bhaglpur to Basukinath.The devotees who cover the distance in 4-5 days stay at Dharamshala on the way. There are so many Dharamshala available on the way with all facilities. Every facility such as food, lodging is available throughout the way.  This is the main festival over here which is celebrated with joy in such a religious environment.

Kanvaria

Ram Janki Vivah Utsav 

This is also the 2nd main festival celebrated at the temple on 5th day of Shukla Paksha (bright half) of Hindi month Margshirsha (generally falls in November-Dec).  This day is known as Vivah Panchami in Hindu belief. The marriage ceremony of Ram Sita is celebrated with Joy and pleasure. A Baarat  in the form of procession includes  Elephant, Horse , Band, Floral lights etc. moves toward the temple in the guidance of the sons of Pt Tarakant jha. The ancestors of Tara kant jha was Pt Naina Lal Jha who started this celebration and named it as Palki Utsava. Since then it is celebrated every year.

Puja and Rituals in Temple

Shringar Puja

Worshipping Lingam after beautification with flowers, Belpatram, and garlands is called Shringar Puja. It is performed twice a day. The timings are 3.00 pm and 9.00 pm every day. Devotee can do this puja by depositing some amount to the temple Management.

Shingar Puja

Fulaies

It is also a type of puja done for the fulfillment of one’s desire. The material required 50 gm of Akshat (raw rice soaked in water), one Betel nut, and two or three circular cut pieces of Bel Patra. The priest then starts puja in the presence of the devotees by first placing Akshat on the top of Shivlingam and then the circular piece of bel patra on it. After that he put a Betel nut on it. The priest repeats this process again. If the Betel nut falls from Lingam, it is believed that the desire of the devotees will be fulfilled by the Deity. It is believed that even the childless couple is blessed with a child by doing this Puja.

Ready for Fulaes

Ashtayam Puja

This is a special puja conducted by the Main Priest of the temple. During this puja the Temple is kept open 24 hrs.

Other Local Places to Visit

Baba Baidyanath

This Temple is situated in Deoghar and basically the temple of Lord Shiva and famous in India and abroad. In the month of Shravan, more than lacs of devotees gather to offer Ganga jal on Lord Shiva. It is among one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The distance of Baba Baidaynath from Basukinath is 43 kms.

Baidyanath Dham

Naulakha Mandir

This Temple’s architect is similar to the Ramkrishna temple of Belur Math. At the time of construction the cost of temple comes out to be Rs9.00 Lakhs. Hence named as Naulakha Mandir.

Naulakha Mandir

Rikhia Ashram

Established by Swami Satyanand Saraswati of Bihar Yoga Vidayalaya Munger in Rikhia village, near Deoghar. Annual festival is celebrated every year (Nov – Dec)in which the devotees from every corner of India and abroad come here. Swami Ji developed it as an ideal village.

Trikoot Parwat

A set of three mountains called Trikoot at an altitude of 1350 ft is 13 km from Deoghar Town and is a Nature’s boon. Ropeway facility is provided to reach the top of the mountain.

Trikoot Mountain

Harla Jori

In ancient time this place was full of Haritika trees. It is believed that this is the place where Ravana handed over Shiva Lingam to Lord Vishnu who was in guise of a Brahmin.

How To Reach

By Rail:

Basukinath is a railway station on Jasidih – Dumka railway section. Jasidih is well connected from Bihar and Bengal by rail head. One can reach easily Basukinath from every corner of India.

By Road:

Jharkhand and Bihar now have good roads. One can reach Basukinath by road from any city of Bihar and Jharkhand. Buses from major cities ply daily.

By Air:

Birsa Munda airport Ranchi is the nearest airport aprox 300 km away. One can reach here by own car or taxi.