Basukinath Temple is one of the most ancient temples in India. It is situated located in Dumka District of Jharkhand. It lies on the Deoghar to Dumka state highway and is around 25 km north-west of Dumka. Basukinath temple is the second most famous temple in and around Deoghar. There are many other small temples of different Gods and Goddesses also in the same compound. The temple is a famous pilgrimage spot and is frequently thronged by visitors and devotees throughout the year. It is believed that the pilgrimage to "Babadham" is incomplete without paying homage at Basukinath Temple.
Legends of Basukinath Temple
There is a belief related to Basukinath temple that during "Sagar Manthan", Lord Shiva was pleased with the services of Nagraj Basuki and blessed him. It is said that this Shivlinga was established here by Nagraj Basuki. In ancient times, many cobras used to worship and perform milk bath to the Shivlinga during night time. When the people came to know about this then the Basukinath temple was built.
Local Beliefs about Basukinath Dham
According to local beliefs it is said that Basukinath temple is the court of Lord Shiva. At Basukinath Dham, Shiv and Parvati temple are just in-front of each other. In the evening when gates of both the temples are opened then the devotees are suggested to move away from in-front of the gates as there is a belief that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati meet each other at this time.
Shravani Mela at Basukinath
Basukinath is also famous for "Shravani Mela" during July and August every year. Many devotees visit the place from various parts of India and offer holy water of Ganges to the deity collected from Sultangunj, Bhagalpur district in Bihar, which is almost 135 km from Basukinath. An unbroken line of people in saffron-dyed clothes stretches over the path between Bhagalpur and Basukinath is seen during the fair.
How to Reach Basukinath Temple
Basukinath temple lies on the Deoghar to Dumka State highway and is located around 25 km northwest of Dumka. Basukinath Railway Station is located on Jasidih-Dumka New Railway line.