Every year during the month of Sawan, the town of Deoghar in Jharkhand turns into a sea of devotion, as Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country, becomes a magnet for lakhs of Shiv devotees who arrive to perform the sacred jalabhishek. Belief holds that offering water at this shrine with a pure heart helps Lord Shiva grant the wishes of his devotees, and through the Shravani Mela season the entire town echoes with chants of Bam Bam Bhole.
Most of these pilgrims begin their journey at Sultanganj, filling pots with Ganga water before covering roughly 105 kilometres on foot to reach Deoghar. After such a long and exhausting walk, finding a safe and comfortable place to rest becomes the most pressing need. This year, the Deoghar district administration, along with several social organisations, has set up free accommodation at multiple points along the route. These spots offer beds, fans, mobile charging points, bathing and toilet facilities, and security, with cheap meals also available at some locations, so that pilgrims can regain their strength before finally reaching Baba's court.
A Modern Tent City at Kothia Mor
Right after crossing the Bihar-Jharkhand border and entering Deoghar district, pilgrims reach Kothia Mor, where the district administration has built a modern tent city directly on the Kanwariya Path, about 4 kilometres before the temple. Close to 1,000 kanwariyas can rest here at the same time, and every bed comes fitted with its own fan and mobile charging point, taking away the worry of a dead phone battery midway through the trek. The site also has clean toilets, urinals, bathing areas and drinking water, alongside a police assistance booth and an information centre so devotees can get help whenever they need it.
The Prasad Yojana Building Near Sarasani Village
Further along the Kanwariya Path, near Sarasani village, a massive building constructed under the Prasad Yojana has been specially readied for pilgrims this year. Located about 3 kilometres before the temple, it is the largest of these free stops, with room for 10,000 kanwariyas at once. Inside, two large halls have been set up along with fans, bathrooms, toilets and a separate stand for keeping kanwars safely. An administrative help desk is also stationed here. For the first time, cheap meals will be served at this spot too, offering real relief to pilgrims worn out by the long march.
Another Tent City Coming Up Near Baghmara Bus Stand
Just before entering the city limits of Deoghar, the administration is putting up yet another tent city near the Baghmara bus stand, roughly 4 to 5 kilometres from the Baba Baidyanath temple. This facility will accommodate around 1,200 kanwariyas free of cost, with fans and charging points at every bed, plus cleanliness, toilets, urinals and bathing arrangements. The idea is to let devotees catch their breath and freshen up before the final leg of their walk toward the darshan.
The Marwari Kanwar Sangh's Service Camp
As it does every year, the Marwari Kanwar Sangh will also run a large service camp for pilgrims this Sawan. Besides free lodging and rest, the camp will provide drinking water, medical assistance, prasad and dedicated resting spaces, all at no cost. Large numbers of devotees travelling from far-off places rely on this camp every year, using it as a safe base before continuing their journey onward.
