BABA KUSHESHWAR NATH
Baba Kusheshwar Nath Temple is located in the eastern district of Darbhanga, Bihar, which is about 70 km southeast of the district headquarters. This temple is also known as Baba Dham of Mithila. It is situated at the confluence of three rivers and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many devotees come to the temple every day to worship and offer prayers. The temple doors open every day at 4 am. There is a sacred well called Chandrakup (well) in the temple complex. It is believed that just by entering the temple, devotees feel a sense of peace. Lord Shiva fulfills the wishes of all devotees who come here.
The holy land associated with Kush, the son of Shri Purushottam Ram.
According to mythology, there are two popular stories associated with this holy place. If we look at the history from a different perspective, we can find a mention of Kusheshwarasthan in the Puranas. When the Tretayuga era was about to end, Lord Rama had two sons named Luv and Kush. The land of Bihar’s Mithila region is blessed to have these two sons of Mother Sita. It is said that Maharaja Kush once visited this place and performed worship of Lord Shiva and his father Lord Rama. Therefore, this place is known as Kusheshwarasthan, which is believed to be the abode of Kush’s deity. However, this is just a belief and is included in the folklore.
The city of Maharaja Kushadhwaj is called Kusheshwar Asthan.
In the Puranas, Kusheshwar Asthan is also associated with Devi Ahilya. When Lord Rama went to Mithila with sage Vishwamitra, he freed Ahilya from her curse while passing through this route. Another historical figure associated with this place is King Kushadhwaj, also known as Shirdhwaj. Kushadhwaj was not anyone else but the uncle of Goddess Sita and the father of Mandavi-Shrutakirti. This place used to be his capital. That is why it is called Kusheshwar Asthan. It is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in exploring the cultural and historical heritage of Bihar. The town is well-connected to other parts of the state and can be easily reached by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Darbhanga, which is about 75 km away from the town.
Origin of the Shivling found through excavation.
The city was built by King Kushdhvaj a long time ago. The famous Baba Kushehswar Temple located here indicates its ancient history. Thousands of years ago, the area was covered with dense forests, and evidence of this can still be seen today. Villagers used to bring their cows to graze in these forests. One of the cows used to come to a specific spot every day and pour its milk on the ground. The cow’s activity attracted the attention of the herders who began to investigate. One of the herders, named Khaga Hazari, who was of a saintly nature, began to dig at the spot where the cow poured its milk, and he discovered a Shivling. News of the discovery spread like wildfire throughout the forest. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to Khaga Hazari in a dream and instructed him to build a temple and start worshipping and offering prayers there.
Renovation of the temple.
It is said that Khaga Hazari built a mud temple at this location and started worshiping here. In the 18th century, Queen Kalavati of Narhan Sarkarpura Dohari had a magnificent temple built here. Later, in the 1970s, the Birla Trust of Kolkata carried out the renovation of the temple. In the 1990s, the local market youth group started taking care of the temple. Since 2016, the temple has been under the management of the Nyas Committee. The renovation of the temple has not only preserved its ancient beauty but also kept alive the rich cultural heritage and traditions of our ancestors.