Situated in Dumka district, Jharkhand, the Basukinath Temple, also known as Baba Basukinath Dham, is an important shrine of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered as Basukinath, the lord of serpents. One of three major Shiva temples in Bihar and Jharkhand together with Ajgaibinath temple and Baidyanath templem the temple was built centuries ago, with roots in the 16th century. This temple is famed for its Swayambhu Shivlinga and its link to Baba Baidyanath Dham.
Notable Fact: The temple’s 2-foot Swayambhu Shivlinga, a self-manifested stone, is revered as Faujdari Dham, where Lord Shiva is believed to dispense justice, a rare tradition tied to its name.
Overview of Basukinath Temple
Basukinath Temple stands in Jarmundi block, 24 km northwest of Dumka, along the Deoghar-Dumka state highway, a key Hindu pilgrimage site for Shaivism. Known for its 2-foot black stone Shivlinga, the temple spans 19.90 hectares and includes over 30 shrines for Parvati, Ganesha, Kali, and Hanuman. Devotees offer Ganga water, milk, and bilva leaves, believing Shiva grants justice. The temple, managed by the Deoghar Temple Board since 1952, maintains facilities for 200,000 yearly visitors. It is a major stop for Hindus, linked to Baidyanath Dham, where worship is deemed incomplete without visiting Basukinath.
History of Basukinath Temple
Records show construction began in 1596, with the current structure renovated in 1810 by Queen Baidyanathi of Chota Nagpur. Oral tales claim the Shivlinga emerged during the Sagar Manthan, worshipped by Vasuki, naming the site Basukinath. Shree Baba Basukinath Shivlinga is Swayambhu Shivlinga. Another story tells of a farmer, Basu, who, in ancient times, pleased Shiva in Daruk forest, leading to the linga’s appearance. Vardani Nath is also a Swayambhu Shivlinga and located at a distance of 6 km from Basukinath Mandir. Renovations in 1937–1938, led by Baba Naginath, added shrines, and in 2010, pathways were built. No ancient inscriptions exist, but the site faced no recorded invasions. The Ram Janki Vivah Utsav, started by Pandit Nainalal Jha, draws 5000 visitors yearly. Since 2010, the temple has hosted 200,000 pilgrims during Shravan Mela, reflecting its rise as a pilgrimage hub.
Architecture of Basukinath Temple
Basukinath Temple, set on a plateau, follows a North Indian style with a lotus-shaped dome. The main shrine, 10 meters by 10 meters, is built of white marble, housing a 2-foot Swayambhu Shivlinga. A 5-meter by 5-meter Parvati shrine, facing it, aligns doors, closed at dusk for Shiva-Parvati’s meeting. The complex includes 30 shrines, each 3 meters by 3 meters, for Ganesha, Kali, and others. A 10-meter-wide Shivaganga pond, 100 meters east, has slippery steps for baths. The entrance, a 5-meter-wide arch, bears floral carvings. The tiled yard, 5000 square meters, holds 10,000 devotees. Ancient bricks from the 16th century, found in 2010, are kept near the pond.
Sculptures of Basukinath Temple
The temple houses the 2-foot Swayambhu Shivlinga, black stone, unadorned, symbolizing Shiva’s essence. The Parvati idol, 3 feet tall, white marble, holds a lotus. Ganesha, Kali, and Hanuman idols, 2 feet tall, black stone, hold a modak, skull, and mace. A 5-foot Nandi statue, granite, faces the linga. The main shrine’s walls bear 20 carved panels, 1 meter by 0.5 meters, depicting Shiva’s Tandava and Parvati’s tales, etched 3 centimeters deep, unpainted. The arch has two floral carvings, 0.5 meters wide. No other sculptures exist, but the linga’s simplicity reflects ancient craftsmanship from the 16th century.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Basukinath Temple, Dumka
In Jarmundi block, 24 km from Dumka, 42 km from Deoghar, on the Deoghar-Dumka highway, the temple is reached by bus, taxi, or train, set by hills.
By Air
Deoghar Airport, 52 km away, connects to Delhi (2 hours), Kolkata (1 hour). Taxis to Basukinath take 1 hour. Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 280 km away, takes 5 hours by taxi.
By Train
Basukinath Railway Station, 2 km away, links to Deoghar (1 hour). Jasidih Junction, 50 km, connects to Kolkata (5 hours), Delhi (12 hours). Autos from Basukinath station take 5 minutes.
By Road
Basukinath connects to Dumka (24 km, 30 minutes), Deoghar (42 km, 1 hour), Ranchi (272 km, 5 hours) via NH-114A. State buses cost ₹50–200; private buses run hourly. Taxis cost ₹1000–3000. Autos to the temple cost ₹20–50, flat terrain, no steps.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 3:00 AM–4:00 PM, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹100–500. No photography in the sanctum. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees; women wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas or dhotis.
Best Time to Visit
October to March, temperatures 14–25°C, suits visits. Shravan (July–August) and Maha Shivratri (February) draw 200,000, book early. Avoid April–June, 25–40°C.
Nearby Attractions
Vardani Nath Temple, 6 km away, Swayambhu Shivlinga.
Trikut Pahar, 30 km, ropeway hills.
Mayurakshi River, 20 km, scenic spot.
Maluti Temples, 50 km, 72 terracotta shrines.
Shivaganga Pond, 100 meters, ritual baths.
Final Thoughts
Basukinath Temple in Jarmundi, Dumka, Jharkhand, is a sacred heritage in India’s heart. Lord Shiva’s just grace touches them who come, making it a place you must see among India’s holy spots for devotees and visitors alike.
