Baba Garib Nath Temple

Baba Garib Nath Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Purani Bazar, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Often called the Deoghar of Bihar, it enshrines a Shiva Lingam believed to have been discovered under a peepal tree. The temple is a major pilgrimage center in North Bihar, especially revered during Maha Shivratri and the Shravani Mela when thousands of Kanwariyas offer holy water.

Visitors can expect a compact temple complex centered around the main sanctum housing the Shiva Lingam. The premises includes a small courtyard, shrines, and shops selling flowers, belpatra and offerings outside the gate. The atmosphere is devotional with regular aarti, chanting and queues for darshan, which become very long during Mondays, Maha Shivratri and the month of Shravan. The temple is located in a busy urban market area of Muzaffarpur.

According to local tradition, the Shiva Lingam was discovered under a peepal tree where seven peepal trees had grown together. The site was developed into a temple and has since been regarded as an ancient Shiva shrine of the region. Over time it has been renovated and expanded by devotees and local patrons, becoming one of the most revered Shiva temples in North Bihar.

The temple is a major center of Shaivism in Bihar and is culturally referred to as the second Deoghar. It draws large numbers of devotees during Shravan month when Kanwariyas carry holy water from the Gandak River to offer to the deity, and during Maha Shivratri. It plays a central role in the religious life of Muzaffarpur and surrounding districts.