When Ravana, the king of Lanka, was cutting his heads off to appease Shiva, he was stopped by the lord at the tenth head and granted a wish. Ravana asked that he be allowed to take the lingam back to Lanka. Shiva agreed upon the condition that if Ravana put the lingam down en route, it would stay there. At some point in the journey, Ravana needed to answer nature's call. Vishnu disguised himself as a cowherd and offered to hold the lingam for Ravana. Vishnu left the Jyothirlinga at Chita Bhoomi (Deoghar) to ensure that the lingam did not leave Bharat for Lanka and vanished. When Ravana came back, he found the Jyothirlinga firmly fixed to the earth.

The other story known, according to Devi Puran, is that this is where the heart of Sati fell and so this place is called Harda Shaktipeetham (heart). The Jyothirlinga is in the form of Vaidya, it is believed to cure devotees of disease. The temple faces east and is a plain stone structure with a pyramidal tower, 72 feet tall. The top contains three ascending-shaped gold vessels that are compactly set and were donated by the Maharaja of Giddhaur. Besides these pitcher-shaped vessels, there is a Panchsula (five knives in Trident shape). In the inner top there is an eight-petal lotus jewel called Chandrakanta Mani. The temple is in the middle of a large complex with 22 temples and a Chandrakoop (well).

Sevas and pujas:

The head priest begins worship at 4 am with Shodashopachar. Then the devotees begin their worship of the lingam. An interesting tradition is that priests of the temple pour kuchcha jal upon the lingam first; later, other pilgrims pour water and offer flowers and Vilva leaf. Pujas close from 3.30 pm to 6 pm. Shringar puja takes place - scent, water, and sandal paste of Malayagiri are put on the lingam. Temple doors close at 9 pm.

Utsavs:

• Shravan Mela: Celebrated for the entire month of Shravan, devotees offer water to the idol from the Ganga.
• Maha Shivratri: The complex is lit up and special puja is performed during the night.
• Makar Sankranti: Devotees take a dip in Shiva Ganga and offer tilkoot, chuda, and curd to the Lord.
• Basant Panchami: Worship and prayers hold a special significance.
• Bhadra Purnima: A huge fair held with the objective of worshipping Shiva.
• Navratri: Elaborate puja is performed due to the Shaktipeetham.

Best time to visit: October - February

Interesting facts:

A snake-like crown of flowers that comes regularly from the Deoghar Jail is put on the lingam at Baidyanathdham.

Places nearby:

• Shiva Ganga: A lake formed by the impact of the Ravana's foot.
• Tapovan: 9 km away from Deoghar, this mountain is believed to be Sage Valmiki's devotion ground.
• Vasukinath: It is believed that the gods released Vasuki Nag hereafter churning the ocean.
• Mandar Parvat: 70 km away from Deoghar, believed to be the mountain used for churning the ocean.