Ajgaibinath Temple, Bhagalpur | Bihar Tourism | Famous Shiva Temple in Sultanganj

Overview

Ajgaibinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands majestically on the northern bank of the Ganges in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district. This ancient shrine attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the month of Shravan (July–August), when devotees collect Ganges water here to carry to Deoghar for pouring on the Shiva linga. The temple’s simple stone structure, surrounded by sacred ghats and banyan trees, exudes spiritual serenity.

Discover more about Sultanganj on our Sultanganj page or explore other Famous Temples in Bihar.

Historical Significance

10th–11th Century CE: Legends attribute the temple’s origin to a local king who discovered a Shivling emerging from the Ganges and built the first stone shrine.
16th–17th Century: Mughal-era records mention Emperor Akbar’s pilgrimage here, granting land endowments for temple upkeep.
18th Century: The temple gained prominence when Pathan rulers patronized annual fairs, solidifying its status among regional Shiva shrines.
20th Century: The shrine was renovated and expanded by the temple committee; a ghat complex was constructed to facilitate large pilgrim gatherings.

Architectural Features

The temple’s core structure consists of finely chiseled grey stone blocks, crowned by a modest shikhara (spire) that reflects the Nagara style. The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a naturally formed black basalt Shivling believed to have emerged from the riverbed. A pillared mandapa precedes the sanctum, with carved stone brackets featuring Shiva motifs. The adjacent ghat complex includes stone steps leading down to the river, flanked by ancient banyan trees providing shade for pilgrims.

Nagara-style shikhara with lotus finial and carved stone panels
Basalt Shivling set within a sandstone plinth, partially submerged during high water
Pillared mandapa with stone beams featuring Nandi (Shiva’s bull) carvings
Ghat complex with broad steps (200+ steps) leading to Ganges; balustrades adorned with trishul motifs

Spiritual Importance

Ajgaibinath Temple is one of the most venerated Shiva shrines in Bihar. During the month of Shravan, devotees—known as Kanwariyas—gather here to fetch holy Ganges water in kanwars (decorated bamboo carriers) and walk nearly 300 kilometers to Deoghar’s Baidyanath Jyotirlinga. This annual Shravan Mela draws over 200,000 pilgrims. The temple’s Shivling, partially immersed in river water, is believed to grant moksha and blessings for marital harmony and good health.

Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located 300 km away; the culmination point of the Shravan Kanwar pilgrimage.

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Budhanath Temple, Bhagalpur

Ancient Shiva shrine in Bhagalpur city, famed for its intricate terracotta panels and pilgrimage during Mahashivratri.

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Vikramshila Ruins

Historic site of an ancient Buddhist university approximately 50 km from Sultanganj, featuring excavated temples and monastic enclosures.

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Visiting Information

Opening Hours

05:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free (Donations Welcome)

Best Time to Visit

July – August (Shravan Mela)

How to Reach

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Patna (200 km) or Deoghar Airport (300 km), then train or bus to Bhagalpur.
By Train: Sultanganj Railway Station (adjacent to the temple). Direct trains connect from Patna, Bhagalpur, and Kolkata.
By Road: State-run buses and private taxis run from Bhagalpur (30 km) and Jamalpur (25 km) to Sultanganj. Auto-rickshaws are available from the station to the temple ghat.

Travel Tips

During Shravan Mela, arrive early to secure a spot on the ghat and avoid midday heat.
Carry at least 2 liters of water and light snacks; food stalls line the ghats but can be crowded.
Wear comfortable footwear; the stone ghat steps can become slippery when wet.
Follow local customs: do not carry alcohol or non-vegetarian food onto the ghat, and maintain decorum around the Shivling.

Nearby Attractions

Kuppa Ghat

Just upstream of Ajgaibinath Temple, this sacred ghat sees devotees performing ritual baths before prayer.

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Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

Approximately 40 km away, this sanctuary offers jeep safaris to spot deer, peacocks, and migratory birds.

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Vikramshila Ruins

Remains of the ancient Vikramshila University’s monasteries and temples, located about 50 km from Sultanganj.

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Accommodation & Dining

Hotel Ganges View

Mid-range hotel located 2 km from Ajgaibinath Temple, offering river-facing rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

Sultanganj Darshan Bhavan

Budget-friendly guesthouse run by the temple committee, located adjacent to the ghat; basic dormitory-style rooms and shared bathrooms.

Ghatside Dhaba

Simple vegetarian eatery on the ghat serving hot litti-chokha, dal, rice, and tea throughout the day.

Testimonials

“Climbing down to Ajgaibinath Ghat at sunrise and seeing the Shivling glow in the first light was unforgettable.”

— Sunil Kumar

“Participating in the Shravan Mela here gave me immense peace and a sense of community with thousands of Kanwariyas.”

— Priya Raj

“The simple architecture, the chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya,’ and the river’s flow—everything here feels divinely connected.”

— Rajesh Singh

FAQs

During Shravan, devotees—Kanwariyas—gather Ganges water here to carry it to Deoghar to offer at the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, seeking Shiva’s blessings.

The temple committee runs the Darshan Bhavan guesthouse, which fills up quickly during Mela. Pilgrims often stay in Bhagalpur or Jamalpur and arrive early.

Ajgaibinath Temple

Overview

Historical Significance

Architectural Features