UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 4 August 2026

Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple Latest News

A large number of devotees thronged the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple in Jharkhand’s Deoghar on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan.

About Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple

• It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. 
• It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
• This ancient temple has been mentioned in several ancient scriptures, such as Puranas, Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, etc.

Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple History

• The mythological origin of Baidyanath Dham is tied to the legend of King Demon Ravana, who was granted a boon by Lord Shiva to take a sacred Jyotirlinga to his palace in Lanka. 
• But he placed it on the ground in Deoghar, where the Lingam permanently resides. 
• Historical records suggest the temple's original construction in the 8th century by Puran Mal, an ancestor of the Nagavanshi dynasty. 
• Over the centuries, the temple has seen numerous renovations and expansions, reflecting various architectural styles and cultural influences. 
• The current structure is attributed to Raja Man Singh in the 16th century.
• The temple hosts the famous Shravani Mela, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in India.

Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple Architecture

• The temple showcases the classic Nagara style of North Indian architecture.  
• The temple complex is spread over an area of 12 acres and consists of 22 temples dedicated to various deities. 
• The main temple is the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple, which houses the lingam of Shiva. 
• The temple is built of stone and has a pyramidal tower that rises to a height of 72 feet. 
• The temple has a simple and elegant design, with a spacious hall, a sanctum, and a vestibule. 

News: DD