Basukinath Temple: Your Complete Guide To A Holy Shrine In Jharkhand

One of the ancient, 16th-century Lord Shiva temple is the Basukinath Temple in Jharkhand

Basukinath Temple is a holy place situated in Dumka district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. Many consider it the counterpart of the Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. The temple is a very important place for the pilgrims who come there to take part in the Shravani Mela during the monsoon months of the year and for other forms of worship. The temple holds a unique place in the hearts of the followers of God due to its rich tradition of religion, culture, and scenic beauty.

Quick Details About Basukinath Temple

Basukinath Temple Location: Basukinath, Dumka District, Jharkhand, India
Basukinath Temple Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Best Time To Visit: July to August during the Shravani Mela, but you can visit anytime
Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours for temple visit; additional time for surrounding areas
Nearest Railway station: Dumka Railway Station (25 kilometres)

Location

Outside the courtyard of the Baba Basukinath temple

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Basukinath Temple is located in the town of Basukinath, some 25 kilometres from Dumka, one of the major towns in Jharkhand. The temple is located in the centre of a stunning rural landscape, some 900 metres above sea level, on the Chotanagpur plateau.

How To Reach Basukinath Temple

Picturesque view of the incarved temple roof against the clear blue sky

Photo: S B Stock / shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

By Road: The temple is very well connected by road. You can go there from nearby cities like Dumka, Deoghar, and Ranchi. The distance from Deoghar to Basukinath is approximately 43 kilometres.

By Train: The nearest railway station from the Basukinath Temple is Dumka Railway Station, which is located about 25 kilometres from the temple. Trains from cities like Howrah, Patna, and Ranchi have regular connections to Dumka, from where you can take a taxi or other local transport to reach the temple.

By Air: The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport, 270 km away from Basukinath. Deoghar Airport, at a distance of 70 km from the temple, is another option. From the airport, one can get a taxi, an auto, or a bus to Basukinath.

Things To Do At Basukinath Temple

These are some things that you must do while wandering through the sacred halls of Basukinath temple:

1. Attend The Aarti ceremony

Hands holding Aarti thali, a prayer plate, ready for the ceremony

Photo: Harshit Srivastava S3 / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

Perhaps the biggest draw to Basukinath Temple is the daily Aarti performed to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The aarti is so delightful, being performed with 108 bells of varying sizes, accompanied by loud hymns and rhythmic clapping of devotees, that you won’t want to miss it. The evening Aarti, under the soft light of hundreds of diyas, is even more magical.

2. Participate In Shravani Mela

View of the mela, large ferris wheel, eateries and local stalls surrounded by visitors

Photo: ZiyaurRahmanFalahi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Held every year during the monsoon months, the Shravani Mela at Basukinath Temple brings in millions of pilgrims from all over the country. Some of them, clad in saffron, walk on foot for more than 100 kilometres from Sultanganj in Bihar. Rituals, cultural performances, and a collective sense of spirituality mark the mela.

3. Explore The Temple Complex

View of outside the temple, the courtyards to explore and spent time in peace

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The group of temples that comprise the Basukinath Temple complex is quite large and is also characterised by a number of smaller temples to a variety of gods and goddesses. These temples are arranged in a manner that reflects the divinity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati being placed right next to one another, symbolic of their eternal union. One can take a slow walk around the temple and enjoy the ancient architecture and carvings.

Places To Visit Near Basukinath Temple

Here is a list of some places to visit near the Basukinath temple adding to the charm of your spiritual expedition:

1. Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar)

Clear waters of the sacred pond inside the Baidyanath Dham

Photo: Shivsh0336 / Wikimedia Commons

Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, located 43 kilometres from Basukinath, is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Baidyanath Dham is a major pilgrimage destination and also houses the ancient architecture of Baba Baidyanath Temple, built with numerous towering spires and sculptures.

Things To Do: Participate in the Shravani Mela, visit the Rikhia Yogashram, explore Deoghar’s markets

2. Trikut Pahar

Distant view of Trikut Pahar, one of the famous attractions near Basukinath Temple

Photo: Sushree Mahapatra / Wikimedia Commons

About 40 kilometres from Basukinath, the spot for those seeking more than just spirituality, is the site of Trikut Pahar—a group of three hills collectively called Trikut. The view of the countryside is magnificent. Nearby is the Trikut ropeway, the longest ropeway in Jharkhand. It takes you through the hills and valleys of Trikut, offering a bird’s eye. There are small temples of Hindu gods here, and the hills are considered to be sacred.

Things To Do: Ropeway ride, explore the natural beauty, meditation

3. Naulakha Mandir

Main entrance to the red and white Naulakha Mandir, near the Basukinath Temple

Photo: Vivekobey / Wikimedia Commons

Naulakha Mandir is located 45 kilometres from Basukinath Temple and can be found in the district of Deoghar. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, featuring traditional Hindu and Rajputana architecture. A simple shrine by the main statue is where a widow once used her wealth for charity work. In case you want to meditate and have some quiet time for thought, you can visit this temple.

Things To Do: Admire the architectural design, participate in prayers, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings

4. Hathi Pahar

One of the close-up shots of Hathi Pahad in Jharkhand, surrounded by greenery

Photo: Ajay kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hathi Pahar, about 35 kilometres from Basukinath, is a natural stopping point on the way to the temple complex. Unlike the religious places, it is a quiet and isolated place compared to the crowded tourist destinations of India. On clear days, one can see the green valleys below from the summit. It is a beautiful place to unwind, forget the monotonous city life, and enjoy a little isolation with the company of nature.

Things To Do: Trekking, bird watching, and picnicking

5. Kundeshwar Temple

The outdoor area of the Kundeshwar Temple, with its indoor area main entrance

Photo: Pnkjkushwaha / Wikimedia Commons

Kundeshwar Temple, about 30 kilometres to the south of Basukinath in the Dumka district, is another famous temple dedicated to the Goddess Kundeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is a well-known pilgrimage site, in which people come to worship for their personal and professional problems. People believe that worshipping here would solve their problems. The temple premises are adorned with several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.

Things To Do: Admire the intricate temple architecture, participate in the daily aarti ceremonies, and explore the serene gardens

Where To Stay

Main entry of one of the hotels in Jharkhand, located near the temple

Photo: Neelabh2007 / Wikimedia Commons

Near the Basukinath Temple, there are plenty of places to stay, from budget to mid-range. These include Hotel Basukinath Inn, Hotel Grand Basukinath, Deoghar Tourist Complex, and Panchavati Residency. They provide comfortable accommodation at reasonable rates and are located close to the temple so the devotees can wake up early in the morning and attend the prayers and aarti.

Where To Eat

Litti chokha served in restaurants near Basukinath Temple

Photo: RASHMITHAKURSHARMA / Wikimedia Commons

Most of the restaurants near the temple serve traditional Bhojpuri and Jharkhandi cuisine. Some of the local eateries are: Annapurna Bhojnalaya, known for its simple and delicious vegetarian thalis. Satyam Restaurant, popular for regional dishes like litti chokha, dal puri, and chana ghugni. Panchavati Bhojanalaya, offers clean, home-style food with a focus on local ingredients.

Other Factors To Consider

Close up view of one of the most famous and vibrant temples in Jharkhand

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The trip

A visit to Basukinath, including stay, food, and travel from Dumka or Deoghar, costs at least ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 per head for 2-3 days.

With its religious significance, Basukinath temple attracts devotees from all across India. offers a serene retreat away from the bustling city life for people seeking blessings and solace. Its serene halls, rich history, and majestic architecture makes this a must stop for pilgrims. The temple offers an enriching experience, connecting visitors to the sacred traditions of India’s spiritual heritage. So plan your trip to the temple with Trip XL!

Cover Photo: GR8DESIGNS / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is allowed outside of the temple premises, but you cannot take Basukinath temple’s photos inside where the main deity resides. You can always ask the staff or priests for a confirmation.
No, there is absolutely no cost to go inside Basukinath Temple. Anyone can come and visit for free.
The nearest railway station is Dumka Railway Station, about 25 kilometres away. A local bus stand connects the temple with some major cities in Jharkhand.
Basukinath Temple is one of the most sanctified Shiva temples. It is closely related to Baidyanath Dham and is an important resting place for the pilgrims visiting this monastery, during the Shravani Mela.
Basukinath temple timings are from 3 AM to 4 PM. The night timings for the temple are from sunset till 8 PM.

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