Sultanganj: 1.A Serene Haven

Preface to Sultanganj

Sultanganj is a famous city, this city Located in Bhagalpur district of Bihar state. Sultanganj also has its own railway station which is named after Sultanganj. It is on the loop line of Eastern Railway running from Kolkata to Patna. The main road here is National Highway No. 80 which connects Bhagalpur to Patna. According to the 2011 census, the total population here is 52892. It is a prosperous business place. There are many schools and colleges here.

literal and Mythological Significance

Sultanganj has existed since ancient times. This place is associated with sage Jahanvi Muni. In ancient times, there used to be an ashram of Jahanvi Muni here which was a center of education and culture. His ashram was situated on a rock emerging from the bed of river Ganga. It is believed that when Munivar was in meditation, the river Ganga, moving towards the ocean, interrupted his meditation with the speed of its currents. Then in anger Munivar swallowed the river inside himself in one gulp. On the request of Bhagiratha Muni, Jahanvi Muni again cut his thigh and made the river Ganga flow like before. That is why river Ganga is also called Jahanvi Ganga.

Story and mystery of Ajgaivinath temple

The origin of Ajgaivinath temple is mysterious. According to a legend, the bow named Ajagava was given to Lord Shiva here. The temple is named Ajagavi Nath Temple after the name of this Ajagava bow. The ancient name of this place was Jahangira which was in the name of Jahanvi Muni. Now Jahangira is a small village in Sultanganj.

There is a small hill located near Ajgaivinath temple which is the temple of Goddess Parvati.

Some Data of Mahabharata period

Sultanganj was a part of Anga state. Anga was the sensation area of Karna. The capital of Anga was Champa which is now Champanagar. Champa’s palace Karnagarh is now a part of Bhagalpur. Karnagarh area of Sultanganj is now Krishnagarh in the name of landlord Kumar Krishnanad Singh of Rajbanelli branch where he constructed a big residential building.

Importance of different eras

Sultanganj was also very famous during the reign of Pal and Sen dynasty kings (730 AD – 1199 AD). At this time Sultanganj was famous for art and architecture. Many ancient remains like stupas, seals, gold coins, terracotta and paintings have been found in Sultanganj. The most famous relic is a bronze statue of Lord Buddha which is now in the Museum of Birmingham.

History of Murali Pahad

Murali Pahad situated on the banks of Ganga is an ancient place. It also contains a secret inscription and many Hindu and Buddhist images. The large rocks and other remains here show that there was a temple here too. Now there is a mosque on the top of the hill. The credit for this mosque is given to Muhammad Khilzi.

 Holy pilgrimage

People from all over the country come to worship in Sultanganj throughout the year. Here one takes bath in Ganga and offers worship at Baba Ajgai Nath. Here, after taking a vow from Pandaji to drink Ganga water, they go to Babadham Deoghar. The Pandajis here are helpful to the pilgrims.

In the month of Shravani, lakhs of people come here every day and take water to Deoghar. Some people go on foot and some by ride. In this month the entire city resonates with the slogan of “Bol-Bem”.

Shravani mela Sultanganj