| The origin of
Ajgaivinath temple at Jahangira or Sultanganj is not exactly known. Some claim it to be a
Swayambhu on the rock, discovered and then given an abode. That this is a very ancient
place of worship there can be no doubt. The three temples of Shiva, namely, the
Ajgaivinath temple at Sultanganj, Basukinath temple at Basukinath near Dumka and the
temple of Vaidyanath at Deoghar in Santal Parganas are the three most famous Shiva temples
in Bihar and they have attracted lakhs of pilgrims every year from a long time past. Even
now large bands of devotees are found walking carrying holy Ganga water, chanting mantras
and making a pilgrimage to all these three Shiva temples. The temple is solidly built on
the rock and has got a series of marvelous rock sculpture and some inscriptions. Some of
the specimens of the rock panel sculpture at this temple can hold there own against any of
the best known specimens anywhere in India.
Not much study, unfortunately, has been made of the rock
sculpture and inscriptions here. The sculpture could be taken to be of the later Pala
period The site is very attractive and, particularly during the rainy season, the
splashing waters of Mother Ganga wash the feet of the temple. The present Mahanth temple
is a Nepali Sadhu and there are good are for offering puja at the temple. |
