Baba Baidyanath Jyotrilinga Temple is among the most revered 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva. Also known as the Baijnath temple, it has been continuously flooded with devotees to worship Lord Mahadev, 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 medieval 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 the 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 – Baidyanath Jyotrilinga Temple
According to Hindu Mythology, King Ravana, the king of demons, in order to gain immortality, performed a difficult penance. Being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, he performed penance in the Himalayas for Lord Mahadev/Shiva. And, to please Lord Shiva, King Ravana offered his head to the fire 10 times. 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 laid a condition that he should not keep the Linga on the ground during his journey to Lanka. However, on the way, Demon King 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 for Ravana, the shepherd could not hold it for too long and kept the Linga on the ground. 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 fulfills all the wishes of devotees. Hence, the Shiva Linga was established here in Baijnath.
Interestingly, 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 the wishes of devotees. According to the scriptures, it is the most ancient Jyotirlinga that existed even before the Vedic period.
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 days like Monday, Masik Shivratri, MahaShivratri, and during the month of Shravan. Performing this puja on these days is highly beneficial in bringing in good luck and rewards for the devotees.
It is also believed that participating in the 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.
Also Read: Importance of Rudrabhishek Puja during Shivratri
Not limited to this, the auspicious Mahamrityunjaya Yagya also brings in benefits which are as follows:
Protection from Diseases
Participating in the 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 this Yagya and chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. It is believed that Mahadev grants devotees the boon of fearlessness.
Fulfillment of Wishes
Participating in the 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
In conclusion, Baidyanath Jyotrilinga Temple is a sacred abode of Mahadev, and any puja or ritual performed here is highly rewarding. With an immense divine power present here, this place is very sacred for devotees. Devotees visit the Baidyantah Jyotirligna temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and fulfil their wishes. Many visit this Jyotirlinga to perform Mahamritunjaya Yagya to receive Mahadev’s protection and freedom from the fear of death. They also visit this place as a part of their 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.