Bhagalpur, August 8: As the month of Sawan begins, SultanGanj in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district transforms into a major pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees across the country. This area, known for the north-flowing Ganges, holds significant religious importance and serves as the starting point for millions of Kanwariyas each year.
Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges and fill their pots with sacred water, embarking on a 105-kilometer trek to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand, where they perform water offerings to Lord Shiva. A key question arises: why is Ganga water sourced from SultanGanj for offerings to Baba Baidyanath?
This practice is deeply rooted in religious beliefs and centuries-old traditions. The Ganges flows northward here, earning it the title of the North-flowing Ganges. In Sanatan tradition, the north direction holds special spiritual significance, and the water from the North-flowing Ganges is considered extremely pure.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash, also located in the north. Therefore, offering water from the North-flowing Ganges to the Shiva Lingam is deemed highly auspicious. This faith draws countless Kanwariyas to SultanGanj during Sawan. After bathing and worshipping at the Ganga ghats, devotees fill their pots with water and set off towards Deoghar, chanting “Bol Bam” in unison. Many devotees undertake this journey barefoot, viewing it not merely as a means of travel but as a symbol of intense penance, resolve, and devotion.
Another legend associated with this belief is that Lord Rama also collected Ganga water from SultanGanj to offer at Baba Baidyanath Dham. This tradition continues today as devotees carry water from here to Deoghar, although it remains a part of religious customs and folklore.
SultanGanj’s significance extends beyond the Kanwar Yatra. The Baba Ajgaivinath temple, perched on a massive rock amidst the Ganges, stands as a major religious center. The surrounding hills are home to ancient sculptures from the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the area. Statues of various deities, including Vishnu and Uma-Maheshwar, reflect the region’s artistic traditions.
The Murli Hill along the Ganges is also of archaeological importance, revealing ancient structures, deity statues, and inscriptions, along with several Shiva Lingams. Excavations in SultanGanj have uncovered remnants of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. A bronze Buddha statue weighing nearly a ton, discovered here, is currently housed in the Birmingham Museum in England. Historical records indicate that SultanGanj has long been a hub for large fairs and a significant influx of devotees.
This highlights that the area has been a center for religious activities for centuries. Today, SultanGanj presents new opportunities for both religious and heritage tourism. It is essential to scientifically preserve the ancient temples, sculptures, Buddhist relics, and archaeological sites alongside the identity of the Shravan Mela.
SultanGanj is uniquely identified by the coexistence of the religious significance of the North-flowing Ganges, the tradition of the Kanwar Yatra, the worship of Baba Ajgaivinath, and ancient Hindu-Buddhist heritage. This rich legacy positions it as a vital spiritual and cultural tourism center in Bihar.
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