The origin of Deoghar and the builder of the Baidyanath temple remain shrouded in mystery, with no concrete historical evidence. However, it is believed that Raja Puran Mal, an ancestor of the Maharaja of Giddhour, rebuilt certain parts of the front portion of the temple in 1596.
Deoghar was under the rule of the Kings of Gidhaur, who held a deep attachment to the Deoghar temple. Raja Bir Vikram Singh founded this princely state in 1266.
While the original inhabitants of Deoghar were Panari and Adivasis, various religious groups migrated and settled here later. Historical records suggest that Maithil Brahmans arrived here from the Mithila Kingdom, also known as Darbhanga, at the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. Radhi Brahmans migrated from Central Bengal during the 16th century, and Kanyakubja from Central India during the same period.
After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the East India Company took over the administration of Deoghar and the temple. Mr. Keating, an East India Company officer and the first English collector of Birbhum, was sent to oversee the temple’s administration. In 1788, under Mr. Keating’s orders, his assistant Mr. Hesilrigg, likely the first Englishman to visit the holy city, personally supervised the collection of pilgrim offerings and dues.
However, Mr. Keating’s direct interference was met with resistance when he visited the Deoghar temple. He eventually abandoned his policy and handed over full control of the temple to the head priest, known as the Sevayat, who is a Maithil Brahman. Since then, the temple administration has been under the supervision of a Trust, whose members are from the local priest (Panda) community, along with representatives from the king of Giddhor and the Deputy Commissioner of Deoghar.
The priest group comprises of Brahmans who have deep religious connections with the temple. They not only perform priestly duties but also provide assistance to Shiva’s worshippers, pilgrims, and devotees by offering shelter and other forms of help. Their unwavering dedication can be seen in maintaining the sanctity of the temple.
