Frequently Asked Questions about Sultanganj

Sultanganj is famous for the ancient Ajgaibinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and as the starting point of the world-famous Shravani Kanwar Yatra. Every year, millions of devotees collect holy water from the Ganga at Sultanganj and carry it on foot to the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Sultanganj is a city situated in the Bhagalpur region of the India territory of Bihar. It is arranged on the south bank of Ganga stream, 25 km west of Bhagalpur city at 25°14′23″N 86°43′48″E / 25.239722°N 86.730000°E.

The postal PIN code of Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, Bihar is 813213.

The Sultanganj Buddha is a famous copper statue dating from the Gupta–Pala transitional period (approximately 500–700 AD). It stands about 2.3 metres tall, weighs over 500 kg, and is one of the largest surviving copper Buddha statues from ancient India.

As per the Census 2011, the literacy rate of Sultanganj is 70%. Thus Sultanganj has a higher literacy rate compared to 63.1% of Bhagalpur district. The male literacy rate is 65.4% and the female literacy rate is 52.2% in Sultanganj.

Sultanganj is one of the few places where the River Ganga flows northward (Uttarvahini). Devotees consider this highly auspicious, making Sultanganj an important pilgrimage destination for taking holy water during the Kanwar Yatra.

Ajgaibinath Temple is an ancient Shiva temple situated on a rocky island in the River Ganga at Sultanganj. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a self-manifested Shivling, making it one of the most sacred temples in Bihar.

The distance from Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar is approximately 105 kilometers. Pilgrims traditionally walk this route while carrying holy Ganga water during the Kanwar Yatra.

Most devotees complete the pilgrimage from Sultanganj to Deoghar in 3 to 5 days, depending on their walking speed and rest stops.

Sultanganj can be visited throughout the year. However, the most popular time is during the Shravani Mela (July–August), when millions of devotees gather for the Kanwar Yatra. For sightseeing and a quieter experience, the winter months from October to February are ideal.

Sultanganj is well connected by rail and road. It has its own railway station with regular trains from major cities, while Bhagalpur, Patna, and Munger offer convenient road connectivity.

Some of the major attractions include: Ajgaibinath Temple, Shravani Kanwar Yatra, River Ganga Ghats, Murli Hill.

Devotees collect holy Ganga water from Sultanganj because it is believed to be especially sacred due to the northward flow of the Ganga. The water is carried without being placed on the ground until it is offered to Lord Shiva at Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar.

Yes. Sultanganj is a family-friendly spiritual destination offering temples, riverfront views, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Visitors should expect large crowds during the Shravani Mela season but can enjoy a peaceful visit during the rest of the year.