Budhanath Temple

Budhanath Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictBhagalpur district
DeityVriddheshwarnath (Budhanath)
FestivalsMaha Shivratri
Governing bodyBaba Budhanath Mandir Committee
Location
LocationAdampur, Bhagalpur
StateBihar
CountryIndia
Budhanath Temple is located in Bihar
Budhanath Temple
Location in Bihar
Geographic coordinates25°15′17.1″N 86°58′29.5″E / 25.254750°N 86.974861°E / 25.254750; 86.974861
Architecture
TypeVedic-Style
CreatorVashishth Muni
Date establishedTreta Yuga
Monument(s)2

Budhanath Temple, also known as Vriddheshwarnath or Baba Bal Vridheshwarnath Temple , is a revered Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva perched on the banks of the Uttarvahini Ganga (a rare northward‑flowing stretch of the Ganges) in Jogsar (Adampur), Bhagalpur . Widely believed to date back to Treta Yuga, it is counted among the 108 Nath temples of India mentioned in the Shiva Purana.[1][2]

Etymology

Budhanath or Bal Vridheswarnath is one of 108 Nath in India. It is mentioned in the twelfth chapter of Shiva Purana.[3]It is believed that the Shiva Lingam is Swayambhu (self-manifested), consecrated by Sage Vashishtha during Satya Yuga, though its origin remains unknown.[4][5]

Architecture & Temple Complex

Spread over roughly 3 acres, the temple complex includes deities of Goddess Durga, Radha‑Krishna, Hanuman, Parvati, and a Nandi statue alongside the main Shivlinga. Built in a localized Nagara‑style architecture, the temple is known more for its spiritual ambiance than grand architecture; imagery and statues date from around 1937, but much of the structure is traditional in design.[6]

A shrine for Maa Bhavani stands beside it, and local tradition holds that the idol came floating down from Munger via the Ganga.[7]

Festivals & Rituals

  • Key observances: Maha Shivaratri, the month of Shravan, and Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially auspicious. During Shravan, the temple attracts over a million devotees, who perform Rudrabhishek (Abhisheka of Rudra)[8]and Jalabhishek rituals along the Ganga ghats.[9]
  • During Durga Puja, the temple is beautifully decorated. Notably, for three generations, a Muslim family has performed morning‑evening shehnai music during the festival, showcasing Ganga‑Jamuni communal harmony.
  • Every year, a large Kanwar Yatra departs from the temple to Baba Basukinath Dham, involving hundreds of devotees carrying water from the Ganga. Massive crowds gather, reportedly exceeding one million worshippers during peak periods.[10]
  • Budhanath Ghat adjoining from the temple complex lies of on the bank of Uttarvahini Ganga. The ghat serves as a primary point for devotees to engage in sacred rituals connected with the temple’s religious activities. [11][12]

Cultural & Regional Context

Bhagalpur, historically known as Champanagari ( Capital of Anga region), hosts a vibrant Angika culture, with a rich tradition of folk rituals and festivals. The Budhanath Temple contributes significantly to this cultural tapestry as a religious landmark of Anga’s legacy and a focal point for regional identity.[13]

Visitor Information

  • Typically open daily, with morning to evening visiting hours (often 5 AM to 9 or 10 PM). Visitors are advised to dress modestly and request permission before photographing inside the main shrine.

Location and Access

The temple is located about 1.6 km from Bhagalpur Railway Station, approximately a 10–20 minute rickshaw or auto ride from the station via Khalifabagh Market Road and Budhanath Road . Deoghar Airport is the nearest functional airport to Budhanath especially for people from south side of Bihar and Patna Airport is second nearest prioritized for north of Bihar . [14][15]

See also

References

  1. ^ archanasharma24 (18 September 2024). "Ancient History of Bhagalpur". Echoes of Time. Retrieved 26 July 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Bhagalpur City Guide, Travel Guide to Bhagalpur, Informations on Bhagalpur". BhagalpurOnline.in. Archived from the original on 27 March 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  3. ^ ShivShankar.in (3 October 2013). "Budhanath Mandir, Bhagalpur Bihar". ShivShankar.in. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  4. ^ link, Get; Facebook; X; Pinterest; Email; Apps, Other. "Budhanath Temple in Bhagalpur – Information About Baba Budhanath Mandir at Bhagalpur in Bihar". Retrieved 26 July 2025. {{cite web}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ "Budhanath Temple – I Am Sanatani". 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  6. ^ Shree (10 May 2025). "Famous Tourist Place in Budhanath Temple Bhagulpur Bihar". thepipl.com. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  7. ^ "बूढ़ानाथ महादेव मंदिर, भागलपुर (Burhanath Mahadev Temple) – Bhagalpur". Bhagalpur and around - History, Culture, Literature & Tourism. 8 June 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Rudrabhishek Puja - Harivara.com". Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Budhanath Temple, Bhagalpur | Timings, History, Sightseeing | Holidify". www.holidify.com. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Arc of the Kanwar Yatra: From Samudra Manthan to churning forces in society today". The Indian Express. 24 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  11. ^ "मनोरम दृश्य: बूढ़ानाथ में मिनी रिवर फ्रंट पर पहुंची गंगा, रोशनी में नहाया घाट, बना टूरिस्ट स्पॉट". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 24 July 2023. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  12. ^ "Budhanath Temple Bhagalpur (Bhagalpur) Tourist Map". travelsetu.com. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  13. ^ "Bihar Information | PDF | Languages | Politics (General)". Scribd. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Burhanath Temple Travel Guide, Places to see, Attractions - Trodly". www.trodly.com. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Budhanath Temple Bhagalpur (Bhagalpur) History". travelsetu.com. Retrieved 26 July 2025.