Ashokdham Temple
{{short description|Hindu temple in India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
|name = Ashokdham Mandir, Lakhisarai
|image = Ashokdham Temple.jpg
|caption = View of Ashokdham Temple at Lakhisarai.
|location = Balgudar Village
|district = Lakhisarai
|state = Bihar
|country = {{flag|India}}
|map_type = India Bihar#India#Asia
|map_size = 200
|coordinates = {{coord|25|11|35.7|N|86|04|23.9|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| deity = Shiva
| festivals = Maha Shivaratri
| architecture = Hindu Architecture
| temple_quantity = 4
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions =
| established = 12th century
| creator = King Indradyumna
| temple_board = Shree Indradamneshwar Mahadev Trust
}}
Ashokdham Mandir also known as Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir is located at ASHOK DHAM RAJAUNA CHOUKI in Lakhisarai district, Bihar. It is a temple complex having Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir in the center dedicated to the primary deity lord Shiva surrounded by three more temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the mount of the Shiva Nandi and Goddess Durga. On 11 February 1993, the Shankaracharya of Jagannathpuri inaugurated the reconstruction of the temple complex.{{Cite web |date=29 June 2023 |title=लखीसराय के जिस अशोक धाम मंदिर में आज अमित शाह करेंगे पूजा-अर्चना, जानिए उस मंदिर का इतिहास - mobile |url=https://bihar.punjabkesari.in/bihar/news/amit-shah-will-worship-in-lakhisarai-s-ashok-dham-1845788 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=punjabkesari}}
History
It is said{{by whom|date=October 2019}} that this place has been a center of worship since the 8th century. Narayan Pal, the 6th emperor of Pala Empire initiated the regular worship of the Shivlingam in the 8th century. In the 12th century, a temple was built on this place by King Indradyumna. It is said that the temple was demolished and for many years there were no remains above ground.
On 7 April 1977, two boys named Ashok and Gajanand were discovered the Giant Shivlingam beneath the ground while playing a traditional Gilli-danda game. On 11 February 1993, the Shankaracharya of Jagannathpuri inaugurated the restructure of the temple complex. The current temple complex building started on 15 November 2002 under Shree Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir Trust.{{cite web |url=http://lakhisaraibihar1.blogspot.in/2012/09/about-ashok-dhaam-temple.html| title= Ashokdham Temple - Lakhisarai| date= 11 September 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/BIH-PAT-bihar-news-ashok-dham-here-auspicious-hour-work-without-any-ascendant-4685218-PHO.html| title= Shivlingam unearthed by Ashok}}
Maha Shivrati
Every year on the day of Maha Shivratri millions of pilgrims from various parts of India visit this shrine and offer sacred water of Ganges to the deity. For stay here a dharmshala (guesthouse) is built where pilgrims stays after the long journey.
Gallery
File:Lord Vishnu Ashok Dham.jpg|Lord Vishnu, Ashokdham (found in a pond during a minor digging work in June 2018)
File:Ashok dham, Mahashivratri celebration .jpg|Mahashivratri celebration, Ashokdham
File:Lord Shiva, Ashokdham .jpg|Lord Shiva, Ashokdham