Basukinath is a prominent religious town located in the Dumka district of Jharkhand, India. It is best known for the Basukinath Temple, which is one of the most revered Shiva temples in the region. Devotees from various parts of India, especially from Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, visit this holy site to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The town holds immense spiritual significance and is particularly famous during the Shravan Mela, a month-long festival in July-August, when thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage on foot.
Significance of Basukinath Temple:
The Basukinath Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in India. According to mythology, it is closely associated with the famous Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar. Devotees believe that a pilgrimage to Baidyanath Dham is incomplete without visiting Basukinath, as both temples are considered twin shrines of Lord Shiva.
The temple complex is home to multiple smaller temples dedicated to other Hindu deities, including Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman. The main Shiva temple has a unique ‘panch-ratna’ (five-spire) architectural style, and the sanctum houses the revered Shiva Lingam, which is worshipped daily by thousands of devotees.
Mythology of Basukinath Temple, Jharkhand
Basukinath is a sacred place deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is closely associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple at Basukinath is believed to be a divine meeting place for Shiva and Parvati, and various legends surround its significance.
1. The Divine Meeting of Shiva and Parvati:
According to an ancient legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati meet every night in the sanctum of the Basukinath Temple. Devotees believe that after the evening prayers (Sandhya Aarti), the temple doors are closed so that no one can witness their celestial union. This belief adds to the temple’s mystique, and even today, the inner sanctum is kept completely closed after the final prayers of the day.
2. The Connection Between Basukinath and Baidyanath Dham
Basukinath is often linked to the Baidyanath Dham Temple in Deoghar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Lord Shiva’s blessings remain incomplete if a devotee visits Baidyanath Dham without also offering prayers at Basukinath.
One version of the legend states that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside separately in Baidyanath and Basukinath temples. Devotees believe that Shiva’s divine energy is split between these two places, and a pilgrimage to Baidyanath Dham is only fulfilled when one also visits Basukinath. This belief makes Basukinath an essential part of the spiritual journey for Shiva devotees.
3. The Story of Ravana and the Shivalinga:
Another legend connects Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, to the temple’s origin. It is said that Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and performed intense penance to obtain a Jyotirlinga. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted him the boon of taking the Jyotirlinga to Lanka but with the condition that it should not be placed on the ground before reaching its destination.
As Ravana carried the Jyotirlinga, the gods, fearing his growing power, tricked him into placing it down at Deoghar (Baidyanath Dham), where it became fixed. Some legends say that as a part of this divine event, another form of Shiva’s presence remained at Basukinath, completing the spiritual connection between the two temples.
4. The Role of Vasuki Nag (The Serpent King):
The name Basukinath is believed to be derived from Vasuki, the king of serpents and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Vasuki Nag meditated and performed penance at this location, seeking the blessings of Shiva. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and granted him a boon that the place would be known after him as Basukinath.
Some versions of this legend suggest that Vasuki himself installed the Shiva Linga here, making it an ancient and highly revered site for Shiva worshippers.
Festivals and Celebrations:
Basukinath Temple, Jharkhand is famous for its grand celebrations, especially during religious festivals:
1. Shravan Mela (July-August):
- This is the most important festival of Basukinath.
- Thousands of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, undertake a holy journey from Sultanganj (Bihar) to Basukinath, covering nearly 105 km on foot.
- Devotees offer holy water from the Ganges River to Lord Shiva at the temple.
- The temple remains open almost 24 hours during this period due to the heavy rush of pilgrims.
2. Maha Shivaratri:
- Celebrated with great devotion, Maha Shivaratri attracts a large number of devotees who observe fasts and perform rituals to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
3. Diwali and Makar Sankranti:
- On these festivals, special pujas and rituals take place in the temple. The temple premises are beautifully decorated with lights and flowers.
Tourist Attractions Near Basukinath Temple, Jharkhand
There are several attractions that tourists and devotees can visit:
- Baba Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar)
- Located about 45 km from Basukinath, Baidyanath Dham is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a must-visit for devotees.
- Trikuta Parvat (Deoghar)
- A scenic hill associated with Hindu mythology, believed to be the meditation site of Lord Shiva.
- Dumka City
- Known for its beautiful landscapes and waterfalls, Dumka is a great place to explore local culture and traditions.
- Massanjore Dam
- A popular picnic spot located on the Mayurakshi River, offering stunning views of nature.
How to Reach Basukinath:
Air:
- The nearest airport is Deoghar Airport (50 km), which connects to major cities like Delhi and Kolkata.
- Ranchi Airport (270 km) is other option for travelers coming from distant locations.
Train:
- Jasidih Junction (Deoghar) is the nearest major railway station (about 50 km away). From here, taxis and buses are available to reach Basukinath.
- Dumka Railway Station is nearby option for rail connectivity.
Road:
- Basukinath is well-connected via NH-114A and can be easily reached from Dumka, Deoghar, and other nearby towns.
- Regular buses and taxis operate between Deoghar, Dumka, and Basukinath.
Conclusion:
Basukinath’s mythology adds a divine aura to its religious significance. The legends of Shiva and Parvati’s secret meetings, the connection to Baidyanath Dham, the story of Ravana, and the devotion of Vasuki Nag make it a deeply sacred pilgrimage site. Devotees strongly believe in the temple’s mystical energy, and its long-standing traditions continue to attract thousands of pilgrims every year.