{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Sultanganj to See Year-Round North-Flowing Ganga Stream as 165-Crore Project Progresses in Bhagalpur",
  "summary": "A 165-crore project is underway at Sultanganj in Bihar's Bhagalpur to ensure the Ganga flows northwards throughout the year, allowing devotees to collect holy water round the clock by next year.",
  "content": "Pilgrims visiting the renowned pilgrimage hub of Sultanganj in Bihar's Bhagalpur district will soon witness a historic transformation. Sultanganj holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, who gather in immense numbers to collect sacred river water. Historically, the Ganga River at Sultanganj flows northwards for only two months during the monsoon period of Sawan and Bhado, before shifting its current towards the east and west. However, a major infrastructure initiative is now underway to ensure that the Uttarvahini Ganga maintains its north-flowing direction continuously throughout all twelve months of the year, allowing pilgrims from across India and abroad to collect holy water round the clock.\n\nA 165-Crore Master Plan: Riverfront Development and Dredging\nTo restore and maintain the continuous northern flow of the river, work is moving at a rapid pace on a project valued at 165 crore rupees. The comprehensive development is structured into two strategic phases. In the first phase, extensive concrete staircases are being constructed around the ghats to transform the waterfront into a magnificent riverfront. The second phase will focus on large-scale dredging operations to remove heavy silt accumulations from the riverbed. Clearing these sediment deposits will unblock the natural course of the stream, enabling the river to flow unhindered towards the north. Project officials anticipate that at the current rate of construction, the newly engineered natural channel will be ready for pilgrims by next year.\n\nRestoring a 32-Year-Old Heritage at Ajgaibinath Math\nThe spiritual ecology of Sultanganj is closely tied to the ancient Ajgaibinath Math, which stands near the riverbank. Highlighting the historic landscape, Mahant Premanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Ajgaibinath Math stated, \"Nearly 32 years ago, the Ganga continuously flowed northward in Sultanganj, surrounding the monastery with holy water on all sides.\" He explained that three decades ago, the monastery presented a breathtaking spectacle as it remained encircled by the sacred river year-round. Over time, progressive siltation elevated the riverbed and altered its course. With the completion of the ongoing 165-crore restoration effort, the majestic 32-year-old landscape is set to return to Sultanganj.\n\nGlobal Uniqueness and Mythological Significance from Treta Yuga\nIn sacred traditions, the northern direction is associated with Mount Kailash, the revered abode of Lord Shiva. Consequently, holy water from a north-flowing river stream is considered exceptionally dear to the deity. Globally, there are only two sacred sites where the Ganga River naturally flows towards the north: Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Sultanganj in Bhagalpur. According to ancient scriptures, during the Treta Yuga, Lord Shri Ram himself collected sacred water from the Uttarvahini Ganga at Sultanganj to perform the ritual consecration of Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar. Sages and ascetics since antiquity have upheld this tradition, carrying water on foot from Sultanganj to Deoghar. Devotees believe that undertaking this barefoot pilgrimage with sacred water from the north-flowing Ganga fulfills every noble wish.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: Devotees will no longer be restricted to Sawan and Bhado to collect north-flowing Ganga water from Sultanganj for their pilgrimage to Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar.\n\nIn Bhagalpur and Sultanganj: The 165-crore riverfront redevelopment and ghat enhancement will significantly boost local tourism, pilgrim amenities, and regional commerce.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What is the financial outlay for making the Ganga flow northwards year-round in Sultanganj?\nA project worth 165 crore rupees is actively being executed in Sultanganj to ensure a continuous north-flowing stream of the Ganga throughout all 12 months.\n\n2. By when is the Sultanganj riverfront project expected to be completed?\nGiven the current pace of work, officials expect that devotees will be able to access north-flowing Ganga water all year round starting next year.\n\n3. During which months does the Ganga currently flow northwards at Sultanganj?\nPresently, the Ganga flows northwards at Sultanganj only during the two months of Sawan and Bhado, after which its current turns east and west.\n\n4. Which two places in the world feature a north-flowing Ganga River?\nAccording to ancient traditions, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Sultanganj in Bhagalpur are the only two locations globally where the Ganga flows towards the north.\n\n5. Where do devotees carry the holy water collected from Sultanganj?\nPilgrims collect sacred water from the north-flowing Ganga at Sultanganj and undertake a foot pilgrimage to perform consecration at Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/religion/bhagalpur-ke-sultanganj-men-sala-bhara-bahegi-uttarvahini-ganga-165-karora-ke-projekta-se-badalega-ghaton-ka-svarupa-12494",
  "category": "Religion",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-31",
  "tags": [
    "Sultanganj",
    "Bhagalpur",
    "Uttarvahini Ganga",
    "Baba Baidyanath",
    "Deoghar",
    "Ajgaibinath Math",
    "Riverfront Development"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}