Sultanganj Ajgaivinath Temple, Bihar

Address

Sultanganj Ajgaivinath Temple, Ghat Rd, Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district Bihar 813213

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Ajgaivinath Temple of Lord Shiva is located in Sultanganj, a town in Bhagalpur district of Bihar in India. Also known as Gaibinath Mahadeo, this is one of the rare ancient temples where the deity Lord Siva has existed as ‘Swayambhu’. Ajgaivinath Shiva Temple has been constructed on a rock which is projected out from the holy river Ganges. To reach here, there are boat services from Murli Hills of Sultanganj..The temple is popular for the sanctity of the idol of Lord Shiva. The temple of Ajgaivinath is also known as Gaibinath Mahadev.

Puranic Significance

The origin of the temple is shrouded in mystery. According to the legend lord Shiva took a bow known as Ajgav and so the place came to be known as Ajgaivinath. It is commonly said that Kalapahar failed to demolish Ajgaivinath temple, but he could destroy the Parvati temple on the neighboring hill and built a mosque there. Formerly, this hill must have been bigger and spacious. The high floods and the constant strong currents of the Ganga must have worn away the decaying granite rocks of the hill. The present village Jahangira to the west of Sultangang still keeps alive the memory of the Ashram of Jahnu Muni. The name of Jahangira appears to be the distorted form of Jahnugiri (the hill of Jahnu) or Jahnu griha (the abode of Jahnu). During the rule of the Mauryas, Guptas and Palas many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. The Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. The area has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta and Buddha images. Many carvings can still be seen in the Sultanganj hills. A number of small images along with a copper image of Lord Buddha about seven feet high were excavated here. A Buddha image found in Sultanganj is now in Birmingham Museum. According to the legend, Lord Shiva was given his Ajgav bow here, and hence the place is known as Ajgaivinath. Originally, this place was known as Jahangira which was derived from the name of Jahnu Muni. Jahangira is now a small village within the Sultanganj town.

Special Features

It has a series of marvelous rock sculpture and some inscriptions. Some of the prototypes of the rock panel sculptures at this temple are one of the best known specimens across the India. The sculpture could be taken to be of the later Pala period. The site is very attractive. During the rainy season, the swashing waters of river Ganga wash the base of the temple.