About the TempleAjgaivinath temple situated in Sultanganj is devoted to Lord shiva. The origin of Ajgaivinath temple is not exactly known. The origin of Ajgaivinath temple is also shrouded in mystery. Locals claim it to be a Swayambhu temple that appeared on the rock. Later, it was discovered and then given an abode.
Ajgaivinath Shiva Temple has been built on a rock which is protruding out from the holy river Ganga. The temple can be reached by hiring boat, which is available 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. It is constructed on the rock. It has a series of marvellous 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.
The pilgrimage to Ajgaivinath temple is considered to be holy due to the presence of river Ganga. A part of the river here is found intruded into the temple rock. The rock sculptures, inscriptions and Hindu, Buddhist and Gupt images are spectacular. The sculptures date back to the Pala period.
HistoryAccording 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.
According to an ancient belief, Kala Pahar wanted to destroy the Ajgaivinath temple in his quest against the Hindu temples but didn’t succeed. He, however, destroyed the Parvati temple on a nearby hill and built a mosque there.
Festivals and CelebrationsMahashivratri, Ram Navmi, Vasant Panchmi, Bhadra Purnima and Ganga Dussehra are the major festivals celebrated at Ajgaivinath temple.
The month-long fair known as Shravani Mela has a great importance and is celebrated on grand scale in the temple. Shravani mela starts in the month of Sawan or shravan. Lakhs of devotees flock to Sultanganj to collect holy water of Ganga River. After collecting water in their kanwars, they lift the kanwars on their shoulders and walk 109 km up to Baba Baidyanath temple at Babadham .
How to reach
By Road: Sultanganj is located at 28 km west of Bhagalpur. Bus service is available from Sultanganj bus stand. Temple can also be reach by hiring cycle rikshaw.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Sultanganj.
By Air: Purnea Airport is the nearby airport situated at 89.6 km distance. The other airports are Ranchi Airport and the Lok Nayaka Jaya Prakash Narayana Airport in Patna.