Vaidyanath
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Legend (as per scripture and tradition)
According to the Shiva Purana, Ravana performed severe penance to Shiva and offered his heads. Pleased, Shiva healed him, and so he came to be called 'Vaidya', the healer. Ravana was carrying the Shiva linga to Lanka, but on the way it became fixed in the ground. This story is held in both the Deoghar and the Parli traditions.
History and significance
The Baba Baidyanath temple at Deoghar faces east, and its pyramid-like spire is 72 feet high. According to the district administration the builder of the temple is not known; its front parts are said to have been built in 1596 by Puran Mal, an ancestor of the Maharaja of Gidhaur. Besides being a Jyotirlinga, it is also one of the Shakti Peethas. The Parli Vaijnath temple in Beed district, Maharashtra, is built of stone on a hill 75–80 feet high. It is believed to have been built in the Yadava period, in the 12th or 13th century, and Ahilyabai Holkar restored it in the 18th century. It has a unique tradition of offering tulsi to Shiva and bel leaves to Vishnu, and devotees may touch the Jyotirlinga while they worship. The line "Paralyam Vaidyanatham cha" in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra is linked to this tradition.
Festivals and worship
Shravani Mela, Deoghar (Shravan month, July–August) · Maha Shivaratri · Parli: Rudrabhishek in Shravan, Dussehra, Kartik Purnima
Other beliefs
There are two traditions about the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga — Deoghar in Jharkhand and Parli Vaijnath in Maharashtra. At both places lakhs of devotees worship it as the Jyotirlinga. Tirth Bharat gives both traditions equal respect.
Darshan and travel
- Darshan timings
- Deoghar: 4:00 am to 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- How to reach
- Deoghar: the nearest airport is Deoghar (DGH); Patna and Gaya airports are also nearby. The nearest railway station is Deoghar Junction. Deoghar is about 150 km from Bhagalpur. Parli: the nearest airport is Aurangabad (200 km); Parli Vaijnath railway station is connected to Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Latur; ST buses run from Aurangabad, Nanded, Latur and Beed.
- Nearest railway station
- Deoghar Junction · Parli Vaijnath
- Nearest airport
- Deoghar airport (DGH) · Aurangabad (200 km from Parli)
- Best time to visit
- Both places: October to February
Information checked on: 2026-11-11
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga?
There are two traditions — Baba Baidyanath Dham at Deoghar in Jharkhand, and Parli Vaijnath in Beed district, Maharashtra.
Why is Shiva called 'Vaidyanath'?
According to the legend Shiva healed Ravana, so he is worshipped as 'Vaidya', the healer.
What is the Shravani Mela?
In the month of Shravan (July–August) devotees carry Ganga water from Sultanganj, about 108 km away, and offer it to Shiva at Deoghar. Every year 70 to 80 lakh devotees come.
Is Deoghar also a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. According to the district administration, Baidyanath Dham is one of the Shakti Peethas as well as a Jyotirlinga.
What is special about the Parli Vaijnath temple?
Here tulsi is offered to Shiva and bel leaves to Vishnu, the reverse of the usual practice, and devotees may touch the Jyotirlinga while they worship.
What are the darshan timings at the Deoghar temple?
4:00 am to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Timings may change on festivals.
Sources
- Deoghar District (Govt. of Jharkhand): History
- Incredible India (Govt. of India): Baba Baidyanath Dham
- Britannica: Deoghar
- Maharashtra Tourism (Govt. of Maharashtra): Parli Vaijnath
- शिव पुराण, कोटिरुद्र संहिता — गीता प्रेस, गोरखपुर
Tirth Bharat takes facts only from official temple trusts, government sources and recognised editions of scripture. Check darshan timings with the temple's official information before you travel.