Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai
Shiva (as Indradamneshwar Mahadev) temple · Lakhisarai, Bihar, India
Ashok Dham, also called the Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir, is a Shiva temple in Lakhisarai district, Bihar. The Lakhisarai district administration and Bihar Tourism both describe it as a well-known temple of Lord Shiva, and it draws very large crowds in the month of Sawan (Shravan) and at Shivaratri.
The temple takes its popular name from a boy called Ashok who, according to local belief, found a large Shiva linga buried in the ground here. Around the main shrine, Wikipedia and news reports describe smaller temples of Parvati, Nandi and Durga.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai
According to Oneindia, locals call Ashok Dham 'Bihar's second Baba Dham', and local tradition regards the linga as swayambhu (self-manifested). During Sawan and on Maha Shivaratri devotees offer water to Shiva (jalabhishek); Wikipedia says pilgrims bring Ganga water for the offering.
The district administration and Bihar Tourism note that, besides regular worship, the temple is a popular place for the mundan ceremony, the first ritual haircut of a child.
Heritage
History of Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai
The district administration and Bihar Tourism relate the local account of how the temple began. A young cowherd named Ashok, playing gilli-danda while grazing cattle, noticed a large Shiva linga buried in the ground. He tried to dig it out but could not move it. A temple was later built on the spot and named Ashok Dham. The Munger Division administration dates the discovery to 7 April 1977.
Wikipedia links the site to an older past. It says that a temple was built here in the 12th century by a King Indradyumna, from whom the name Indradamneshwar is taken, and that it was later destroyed. The article also mentions a claim that worship here goes back to the Pala period, but flags that claim as lacking a source, so it should be treated as tradition rather than established history.
The Munger Division page records that the Shankaracharya of Jagannath Puri inaugurated the rebuilding of the temple complex on 11 February 1993. According to Wikipedia, construction of the present complex began on 15 November 2002 under the Shree Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir Trust.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Crowds are heaviest on Sawan Mondays and at Maha Shivaratri. On 17 August 2026, the third Monday of Shravan, seven people died and fourteen were injured when barricades gave way in a crush of devotees near the Ashok Dham halt station, according to The Tribune. Pilgrims visiting at peak times should follow police and volunteer instructions, avoid pushing in queues, and keep children and elderly companions close. Confirm current timings and crowd arrangements with the temple trust or the Lakhisarai district administration before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Shree Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir Trust (per Wikipedia) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai
Shravan (Sawan) month and Sawan Mondays
Very large numbers of devotees come to offer water to Shiva, especially on Mondays, according to the district administration and news reports.
Maha Shivaratri
Large crowds gather to worship Shiva; Wikipedia says pilgrims offer Ganga water to the deity.
Location
How to Reach Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai
The Lakhisarai district administration names Ashokdham railway station as the nearest station and Patna as the nearest airport. The Tribune describes the Ashok Dham halt station as a short walk from the temple. Bihar Tourism says auto-rickshaws and buses run from Lakhisarai town, and the district page says the temple is well connected to the town's main road.
Location: Lakhisarai, Bihar, India
Nearest airport: Patna (per the district administration)
Nearest railway station: Ashokdham (Ashok Dham halt)
More in Hindu temples in Bihar · Shiva (as Indradamneshwar Mahadev) temples
Questions
Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the temple called Ashok Dham?
According to local belief recorded by the district administration, a cowherd boy named Ashok found a large Shiva linga buried here while playing gilli-danda. The temple built on the spot was named after him.
When was the Shiva linga at Ashok Dham found?
The Munger Division administration dates the discovery to 7 April 1977.
What is the other name of Ashok Dham?
It is also called the Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir. Wikipedia links the name to a King Indradyumna who is said to have built a temple here in the 12th century.
Which other deities are worshipped at Ashok Dham?
Around the main Shiva shrine there are temples of Parvati, Nandi and Durga.
When is Ashok Dham most crowded?
During the month of Sawan (especially on Mondays) and at Maha Shivaratri. Visitors should follow crowd-control instructions at these times.
How do I reach Ashok Dham?
The nearest railway station is Ashokdham, a short walk from the temple, and the nearest airport is Patna. Auto-rickshaws and buses run from Lakhisarai town.
Sources and attribution
- District Administration, Lakhisarai (Government of Bihar) — Ashok Dham Temple
- Munger Division (Government of Bihar) — Temple AshokDham
- Bihar Tourism, Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar — Ashok Dham, Lakhisarai
- The Tribune — Stampede at Bihar temple (Ashok Dham, Lakhisarai), 17 August 2026
- Oneindia — 7 Killed in Stampede-Like Incident At Ashokdham Temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai Amid Sawan Somvar Rush
- Wikipedia — Ashokdham Temple
Further reading: Ashok Dham (Indradamneshwar Mahadev) Temple, Lakhisarai on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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