Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is among the most revered 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Also known as the Baijnath temple, it has been continuously under worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka. Before the present temple was constructed, the temple of Lord Shiva was present at that spot indicated by the two long inscriptions on the porch of the temple. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early mediaeval north Indian temple architecture known as the Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Shivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple, which has five projections on each side and is surmounted by a tall curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to the sanctum is through a vestibule that has a large square Mandapa. There is a small porch in front of the mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of Nandi and the bull in a small pillared shrine.
Temple History
According to Hindu Mythology, King Ravana, the king of demons who was also an ardent Devotee of Lord Shiva, performed penance in the Himalayas and in order to please Lord Shiva, king Ravana offered his head in the fire. Pleased by his devotion and penance, Lord Shiva blessed Ravana with a boon. King Ravana, the great demon wanted to be invincible and immortal and therefore asked Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Lord Shiva granted Ravana his wish and became Linga and asked Ravana to carry him. However, Lord Shiva also said that he should not keep the Linga on the ground during his journey to Lanka. However, on the way, Ravana had to answer nature’s call so he handed over the Linga to a shepherd wandering in that region. As it took a little longer time for Ravana, the shepherd could not hold it for long and kept Linga on the ground. Hence, the Shiva Linga was established here in Baijnath. Since it was Ravana who brought Lord Shiva Linga to Baijnath, interestingly, the residents of this region do not burn the effigies of Ravana during the Dussehra festival.
Importance of Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Teerth Kshetra
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is also known as Baijnath Jyotirlinga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This Jyotirlinga is located at Deoghar in Jharkhand. Baidyanath is also one of the names of Mahadev. This Jyotirlinga is also referred to as Atma Linga and Kamna Linga as it is believed that Puja and Darshan here fulfil all wishes of Devotees. According to the scriptures, it is the most ancient Jyotirlinga that existed even before the Vedic period.
It is believed that the demon King Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva and requested him to settle in Lanka. Lord Shiva gave this Shivalinga as a boon to Ravana, but warned him that the Shivalinga should not be placed on the land; if placed, it will be established there. King Ravana would have become invincible if this Shivalinga would have been taken to Lanka, but something else happened. While taking the Linga to Lanka from Mount Kailash, Ravana had to go for nature’s call. So, he gave Jyotirlinga to a Shepherd roaming there. But, in his absence, that shepherd saw the proper place and kept that Atma Linga there. On returning, Ravana tried very hard to lift that Linga, but could not lift it. Disappointed, Ravana returned to Lanka. Then, Lord Vishnu with other deities visited this Atma Linga and took a boon from Lord Shiva to settle at this place forever for the welfare of the Devotees. It is said that this Linga is Baba Baidyanath, who fulfils all the wishes of Devotees.
Also Read: Importance of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Importance of Mahamrityunjaya Yagya at Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Tirth Kshetra
Mahamrityunjaya Yagya performed at Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga holds great importance. Especially, when Mahamrityunjaya Yagya is performed along with Rudrabishek puja on the auspicious day of Monday, it is highly beneficial in bringing in good luck and rewards for the Devotees. It is believed that participating in Mahamrityunjaya Yagya at Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga helps you to get rid of dangers and struggles in your life. It helps attract good health, gain wealth, attain success and fortune, provides protection from incurable diseases and removes the Fear of untimely death. By Lord Shiva’s Grace, you are blessed with long life and all your wishes are fulfilled.
Not limited to this, the auspicious Mahamrityunjaya Yagya also brings in benefits which are as follows:
Also Read: Importance of Rudrabhishek Puja during MahaShivratri
Protection from Diseases
Participating in Mahamrityunjaya Yagya, Devotees get rid of pain and suffering due to chronic illnesses. Lord Shiva also blesses Devotees and protects them against various ailments.
Good Luck and Long life
Mahamrityunjaya means Victory over Death. By participating in Mahamrityunjaya Yagya and Lord Shiva Abhishek at Baba Baidyanath Teerth Kshetra, Devotees are bestowed with Good luck and Good fortune. Lord Mahamrityunjaya also blesses Devotees with long life.
Removal of Fear of Premature Death
You get rid of the fear of untimely death by participating in Yagya and chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. It is believed that Mahadev grants Devotees the boon of Fearlessness.
Fulfilment of Wishes
Participating in Rudrabhishek Puja, especially on Monday is believed to be the easiest way to please Lord Shiva. Rudrabhishek Puja gives immediate results to the Devotees and helps in the Fulfillment of all Wishes.
Participate in Mahamrityunjaya Yagya at Baba Baidyanath Temple
Check out various Online Puja and services provided by DevDarshan here and get your bookings done in one click. If you want to know more about Indian culture, Indian Temples, Pujas and festivals, then download the DevDarshan App. Don’t forget to share this blog if you liked.
