Someshwar Shiv Mandir Areraj

Getting there

• By air

  Patna airport is the nearest, about 146 km away.

• By train

  The nearest major railway station is Motihari.

• By road

  Areraj is about 30 km by road from Motihari.

Why devotees come here

Someshwar Shiv Mandir stands in Areraj, a holy town in East Champaran district of North Bihar, on the bank of the Gandak river. It is a Shiva temple whose lingam is believed to be self-manifested and five-faced, and it draws pilgrims from other districts and from Nepal.

The temple is known as the Someshwar Nath Mahadev Temple. It is regarded as the second oldest temple in Bihar, after the Mundeshwari Devi temple. Its main object of worship is the Shivlingam, which is believed to be self-manifested (swayambhu) and Panchmukhi, meaning it has five faces.

Local legend says Shri Ram and Janaki prayed here on their way back to Ayodhya from Janakpur. The temple is said to have been built by King Som around 2,000 years ago, according to the Shiva Purana. The structure is about 55 feet tall.

Areraj is a holy city in North Bihar. The Someshwarnath Mahotsav, a major cultural and religious gathering, is held in Areraj. Areraj is now the headquarters of the Areraj subdivision in East Champaran district. The Shrawani Mela brings pilgrims from other districts and Nepal, and devotees offer holy water to the lingam during the festival.

Festivals

• Shravan monthShrawani Mela

  Pilgrims come from other districts and from Nepal. Devotees take part in jalabhishek, offering holy water to the lingam, in large numbers.

• September or during holidays like ChhathSomeshwarnath Mahotsav

  State-level and national musicians play folk and Bhakti music. Students from nearby schools present programmes on Chhath, Ganga Snan and the Jhijhiya dance.

Tips for your visit

• Large numbers of devotees also take part in jalabhishek on Mahashivratri.
• An Ashokan pillar also stands at Areraj and draws tourists through the year.

Questions people ask