Baba Garib Nath Temple

Getting there

• By train

  Muzaffarpur Junction (MFP) is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  Imlichatti Government Bus Stand is the nearby bus stand.

Why devotees come here

Baba Garib Nath Temple in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is a jagrat (awakened) Shiva shrine. Known as the Deoghar of Bihar, it is worshipped as the siddha lingam, Baba Garibnath. Its legend tells of a lingam revealed by a labourer's axe.

Devotees believe the site was once a dense forest with seven peepal trees. They also believe a labourer cutting the trees struck the lingam with his axe, and the lingam was revealed. The ancient kalpavriksha tree in the courtyard is believed to be older than the lingam itself.

According to religious belief, the temple has about three hundred years of history. It is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Shiva, and it is known as the Deoghar of Bihar. The Bihar state religious trust council took over the temple, and a trust of eleven members was formed to run it.

The large dome is the main feature of the building. The courtyard is wide and clean, with room for quiet darshan and puja. Pilgrims carry Ganga water from Sonpur to the lingam during Shravan month, a tradition that began around 1960.

Festivals

• Shravan monthShravani Mela

  A grand fair with Mahashringar and the chant of Bol Bam, held in the month of Shravan.

• Shravan monthKanwar tradition

  Kanwariyas carry Ganga water from Sonpur to the lingam, a tradition that began around 1960.

Tips for your visit

• Devotees draw water from the well in the courtyard for abhishek, the ritual bathing of the lingam.
• The kalpavriksha tree in the courtyard is believed to be older than the lingam, so take a moment to see it.
• Shravan month brings the grand Shravani Mela, so plan the visit around it if you want to see the festival.

Questions people ask