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Sultanganj is where pilgrims collect holy water from the Ganges at Ajgaibinath Temple before beginning the 105 km walk to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar - it's the traditional starting point of the entire pilgrimage.
The temple sits on a rocky island in the Ganges where the river uniquely flows northward (Uttarvahini Ganga), considered especially sacred. It's one of only three major Shiva temples in the Bihar-Jharkhand region, alongside Baidyanath and Basukinath.
Sultanganj has its own railway station (also called Ajgaibinath Dham station) about 1.5 km from the temple, with direct trains from Bhagalpur, Patna, Howrah, Deoghar and Ranchi. It's also well connected by road, about 24 km from Bhagalpur.
Many pilgrims prefer to stay overnight in Sultanganj before starting their walk, especially during Shravani Mela when an early morning start helps avoid the worst of the daytime crowds and heat.
The town is busiest during Shravan (July-August) for Kanwar Yatra season. For a quieter visit, September to April offers more comfortable weather.