Think about a place, where prisoners (kaidi) are advised/guided for worshipping of lord shiva.

Yes its Babadham and the Deoghar Karavas.

As there used to be a “Shringar Puja” at every evening in Baba Mandir. For this pooja, garlands/FOOLON KI MALAYEN used to pluged & prepared by Prisoners in Deoghar Jails within the campus.

Later few of constables, pick up them and enchanting Shiva (Har Har Mahadev) throughout the way from Karavas to Mandir, and later with the same puja will be done. This is not just one day work, or a work on special occasion, in fact a tradition which has been carrying since uncountable years.

Last week “The Telegraph” has mentioned it:

“Perhaps Babadham — as the temple town is popularly known — is the only place in the country where inmates languishing in jails prepare flower ornaments for the deity. The inmates prepare flower crown that is used during night Shringar, a special decoration of the Dwadash Jyotirlinga of Baidhyanath every late evening.“

There is an interesting story associated with this ritual, though. A British jailer started this tradition, said elderly residents of the temple town, after inmates suggested him to pray to the deity of Baidayanath for speedy recuperation of his ailing son.

The jailer, Christian by faith, did not turn down the advice. He reportedly prayed to the deity of Baidhyanath to save his son’s life.

The boy recovered within few days and an elated jailer started offering flower bouquets to the temple daily.

“It is a very old story but I doubt if there is any historical evidence or any references about the incident or the name of the British officer,” Falguni Marik Kushbaha, a local resident, said.

prisoners making garlands

Jai Shree Ganeshay Namah, Jai Shiv.

Shrawan Starting from 18/19th July.

The usual timings for Baba darshan is 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM and again 6:00PM to 9:00PM. But in crowded day (like each SOMWARI (Monday) this could be quite early and delayed for late night)

To the first time comer to Deoghar, just want to convey a message, don’t worry come in a free mood. The mela is controlled by PRASHASHAN people ( Govtt. Employees ). Nothing to worry. Lots of hotel for accommodation ( varying to all rates may be 100/- to 700/- ), nothing to worry about food – as so many restaurants are here. Apart from the facility provided by Deoghar Govtt. there will be huge number of SANSKRITIK SANSTHA/SANGS/Political Parties which are gonna help you in 24×7 including the medication if require.

One advice to the parents of small kids, just keep a complete adress chit in their pockets, so that if they are lost in crowd, the concern authorities (Yes prashashan cares a lot for such events and are ready to make things perfect in your ways) can announce/handover the kid to you using the address slip in their pocket.

No problem of drinking water, whether will be bit rainy, almost no cold, bit sunny.

There are very less chances of misguiding from other people upon asking for few queries like where to stay, how to go to X place etc.. but still advice able to ask the traffic people, use sign boards across the roads.

Shivganga is the holy lake/pond for you bath and then go to temple for pooja.

Yes please do carry a torch light with you, although there will be electricity in 24×7 manner.

As a prasad you may take Chuda, Elaichidana, Peda, and mala(Baddhi).

Deoghar is famous for PEDA, Rasagullah. So can be enjoyed very well.

Samosa and few types of chats are could be an excellent spicy food here.

Finish the pooja and can go many places to visit in deoghar or nearby deoghar like Nanadan pahar, Satsang, Tapovan, Trikut Pahad etc.

Railway station/ Bus stand is quite nearby ( 10-15 mins walkable from Mandir).

Autos(Tampoo)/Jeeps/Rickshaws/Tanga(horse)/State Bus/Private Bus etc for transportation.

Anything that you want to ask or add, just comment here.

Hope for a pleasant coming and stay in our lovable Deoghar.

BOL BAM KA NARA HAI, BABA EK SAHARA HAI

You may get almost all info on http://www.babadham.org/

Jai Shiv,

Welcome to all Shiv jee devotees across the globe. This blog is dedicated to all who believe in God. I am really excited about the upcoming SAWAN MELA and wish the Shrawan Mela authority is gonna take care of all the devotees. Wish you a colorful Sawan and all types of success.

Bolo,

HAR HAR MAHADEV!