Introduction
A high Mandapam at the entrance, a large campus area, several temples on the premises, a large crowd of devotees, many rituals (Sanskars) being performed in gatherings, and many happy faces enough to make your day. These are the visuals of a normal day in Indradamneshwar Mahadev Temple, renowned as Ashok Dham Mandir in the Lakhisarai District of Bihar.
This temple is an epi-center of devotion for the people of Lakhisarai and nearby states Jharkhand and UP to some extent. Here, in this article, we will explore the features and historical evolution of the temple. We will also find how the lost temple appeared by itself miraculously in 1977.
Image: Mandapam of Ashok Dham Mandir
Where Is Ashok Dham Mandir?
Ashok Dham Mandir is a famous temple situated in the Lakhisarai District of Bihar. The temple is situated at the meeting point of three rivers viz Kiul River, the Haruhar River, and the Holy Ganga River. It is spread in a large campus area that houses temples of predominantly Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. However, Lord Shiva is the main diety worshipped as the Indradamneshwar Mahadev here.
Why Is Ashok Dham Mandir (Indradamneshwar Mahadev Temple) Popular As The Deoghar Of Bihar?
Ashok Dham Mandir is popular among devotees as the 'Deoghar of Bihar' because it is similar to the original Deoghar Temple (Situated in Jharkhand) in many terms. Read a few of the similarities in the list below.
(a) Lord Shiva is the main deity in both temples.
(b) People have similar beliefs about both temples.
(c) Both temples house Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva temple side by side.
(d) They receive a large number of gatherings in the holy month 'Shravan (A Hindu Month according to the Hindu Calendar)' for 'Jal Abhishek'.
(e) Both are spread into a large campus area and are historic. Their origin dates back centuries and is associated with a popular Hindu Tale.
Why Is The Ashok Dham Mandir Famous?
Ashok Dham Mandir is famous for its beliefs and cultural activities. However, the people also applaud the temple for its great management.
Famous for Beliefs
The Ashok Dham Temple is famous for its belief in devotees. Similar to the Deoghar Temple of Jharkhand, the Shivlinga is the 'Manokamna Shivlinga (Desire Fulfilling Shivlinga)'. Therefore, people believe every wish of devotees is granted in this temple. Because the Deoghar Temple of Jharkhand is also called 'Manokamna Ling', Ashok Dham Mandir is popular among devotees as the 'Deoghar of Bihar',
Famous for Activities
The temple is also famous for its cultural and environmental activities. The temple trust organizes many cultural & social activities that benefit society. Fully funded marriage ceremony for poor families is one of them.
Famous for Management
In addition, the Mandir Trust is also known for its environment-friendly management. The temple trust and locals ensure environmental balance in the temple and the nearby. For this, they have planted several trees on the campus and the nearby areas so that the devotees can get relief when come for worship or visit. The campus houses many trees that are old enough and provide shelter to both humans and animals.
How Did The Lost Temple Appear By Itself?
According to the tales, the origin of the temple dates back to the 8th century. Lord Shiva was being worshipped here at that time. However, the evidence of the existence of a temple is found in the rule of King Indradyumna of the Pal Dynasty. He built a temple in the 12th century dedicated to Lord Shiva. But the temple was demolished at a later time and the place became barren and empty.
However, on 7th April 1977 when two child shepherds rediscovered the temple. The boys named Ashok and Gajanand were gazing at their cattle and started playing a game called 'Gulli-danda'. They dig some portion of the land at some point as a part of the game. However, they encountered a black stone wrapped in the soil after digging a few inches. They dig more in curious and find that the stone is none other than a huge shiv linga.
The ruins of the temple that were discovered were also placed in the present temple campus. The Shankaracharya of Jagannathpur integrated the present temple on Feb 11, 1993.
Image: Temples of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati side-by-side
Histories Behind Names
As Ashok was the boy who discovered the great Shivlinga and the ruins of the historic temple, the temple is named after him to give him honor.
The discovered Shivlinga is worshipped today as the Indradamneshwar Mahadev in the name of King Indradyumna. Because the first evidence of building a temple was found by King Indradyumna, the Lord Shiva Temple is named after him.
How To Reach Ashok Dham Mandir?
Ashok Dham Mandir is well-connected by train, airplane, and road. Whatever the transport you are taking you can reach the place very easily. The exact location of the temple is 'Ashok Dham Mandir, Balgudar, Bihar 811311' which is about 5 to 7 km from Lakhisarai Railway Station.
By Train
Lakhisarai is the nearest railway station to reach Ashok Dham Mandir by train. But very few direct trains are available to this station. Therefore, you can book tickets to Kiul Junction Railway Station which is just 1.6 km to Lakhisarai and is well connected to other parts of India. It is easy to get a direct train to Kiul Junction from the major cities of India.
After reaching the Kiul Railway station take a local train or walk on foot to Luckkesarai Junction. Now, you can take any shared auto up to 'Vidyapeeth Chowk' which is about 3 km away from the station. As soon as you reach the Vidyapeeth Chowk, take another auto to 'Balgudar' or 'Ashok Dham Mandir'.
By Airplane
If you wish to reach Ashok Dham by flight then 'Patna' is the nearest airport available to you. After landing in Patna you can reach Lakhisarai By train or by road.
By Road
Lakhisarai district is well connected by road to other parts of India. Therefore, you can reach the Ashok Dham Mandir by road by taking any national highway connected to Lakhisarai.
Image: Main Entrance to Ashok Dham Mandir
Things to Remember when visiting Ashok Dham Mandir in Lakhisarai
The following are the important points to keep in mind when visiting Ashok Dham Mandir:
(a) Ashok Dham Mandir is situated remotely. Hence, you might wait for other passengers to join you when trying to reach finally through a shared auto or taxi.
(b) You might need to change taxi or auto 2-3 times to reach the Ashok Dham Temple. Therefore, It is wise to reserve a vehicle when visiting.
(c) There is no stay facility available at the temple or nearby. So, arrange for your stay in the main city of Lakhisarai.
(d) The temple is good for one day visit. Hence, don't walk late in the evening as it will be difficult to find a connecting means to return to your place.
(e) You can purchase all the worship-related things outside the temple. Hence, you don't need to carry these things with you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ashok Dham Mandir is the epicenter of devotion and faith. More than just a place of worship, it is the center of cultural & social activities that benefit society. The historic temple speaks the tale of its evolution by itself. Therefore, attracts devotees to it. Hence, If you are on a trip to Lakhisarai in Bihar or the nearby district then must visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
FAQs
Q1. Which temple is famous in the Lakshisarai District of Bihar?
Ans. Ashok Dham Temple is a famous temple in the Lakshisarai District of Bihar. The temple is significant because it is situated at the meeting point of three rivers.
Q2. Which is the nearest Railway Station to Ashok Dham Mandir?
Ans. Lakhisarai Junction Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station to Ashok Dham Temple. However, for better connectivity choose Kiul Junction Railway Station which is just about 1.6 km from Lakhisarai.
Q3. How far is Ashok Dham Temple from Lakhisarai Junction?
Ans. The Ashok Dham Mandir is at a distance of 5 to 7 km from Lakhisarai Railway Station. It will take merely 20 minutes to reach the temple from Lakhisarai station.
