Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deoghar

The Baidyanath Temple at Deoghar, Jharkhand, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva — uniquely worshipped here as 'Baidyanath' or Vaidyanath ('the divine physician'), the form of Shiva who heals all diseases. The temple is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (the place where Sati's heart fell). The double designation as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha is unique in Hindu sacred geography. The present temple structure was rebuilt in the 18th century with later additions. The Shravani Mela is the temple's signature event — held during the lunar month of Shravan (July-August), the festival sees an estimated 10–15 million Kanwariya pilgrims walk a 105-km route from the Ganga at Sultanganj (in Bihar) to Deoghar, carrying water from the Ganga in decorated pots (kanwars) to offer at the Baidyanath lingam. The walk takes 2-4 days; the route is lined with rest-stops, langars, and medical aid stations. The festival is one of the largest annual peaceful gatherings in India. Outside Shravan, the temple is busy on Mondays and Maha Shivratri.