12 must visit temples in Jharkhand
Jharkhand, once part of Bihar, is known for its rich culture and traditions. Many of these temples are very old, dating back to the Mughal era. Jharkhand is home to about 72 major Hindu temples, most of which are dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Displaying splendid architecture, these temples attract tourists from all over the world. The uniqueness of Jharkhand temples is that they are built with laterite clay. Temples in Jharkhand have historical and cultural significance in the country and it is important to add them to your bucket list. Check out the most famous temples in Jharkhand.
The best temples in Jharkhand:
1. Baidyanath Temple in Deogarh:
Located in Deogarh, the Baidyanath Jyothirlinga Temple is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Shiva’s holiest abode. Also known as Baba Dham and Baidyanath Dham, it is a temple complex consisting of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath in the form of Jyothirlinga and 21 other temples. Millions of pilgrims visit the shrine during the Shravan Mela from July to August.
2. Bindum of Bahwala:
Bindudham or Binduswani Mandir in Barhwara is dedicated to Tridevi or Maha Durga or Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati in the form of Shaktipeeth. There is a statue of the sun god Surya at the entrance of the temple, and another part has a 35-foot statue of the monkey god Hanumana, where one can see his sacred footprints. Chetra Navratra Durga Puja is the most well-known festival here.
3. Maluti Temple in Maluti Village:
The Maluti Temple in Maluti Village consists of 78 extant terracotta temples. These temples are said to date from the 17th to 19th centuries. The temple houses gods such as the patron saints Mowlakshi, Shiva and Vishnu, and the goddesses Kali and Durga. There are also temples dedicated to saints Bamakhyapa and Manasa Devi. It has been declared one of the 12 most endangered cultural heritage sites by the Global Heritage Fund.
4. Jagannath Temple in Ranchi:
The Jagannath Temple was built in 1691 on top of a hill in Ranchi. The architecture of this temple is similar to the famous Jagannath temple in Puri, but much smaller. To react to the temple, people either walk to the top or take a car because the road is long. Similar to Puri’s Chariot Festival, the temples here also celebrate the famous RathYatra in the month of Asada.
5. Chinnamasta Temple in Ramgarh District:
The Chinnamasta of Chinnamastika Temple is located in Rajrappa, Ramgarh District, dedicated to the goddess Chinnamasta, the headless deity standing on the body of Kamdeo and Rati on a lotus bed. It is known for its Tantrik style architectural design. Ten temples in the complex are dedicated to gods and goddesses such as Surya, Hanumana and Shiva.
see more: Kanpur’s famous temples
6. Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple in Bokaro:
Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bokaro, built by Aashiyan real estate developer. It is dedicated to Devi Kali, and the town of Kali Kavihar is named after this temple. The temple, a new building completed in 2012, is a two-story building with a tall stupa 90 feet high and 50 feet wide, and the temple is over 160 feet long. The temple complex also has temples dedicated to Lord Hanumana and Sri Ram.
7. Harry Haldam of Giridih:
Harihar Dham Temple in Giridih has the largest Shiva Linga in the world. It is the tallest Shiva Linga in the world at 65 feet long. Surrounded by a river, the temple occupies 25 acres. ShravanPoornima is an important festival celebrated here, during which thousands of pilgrims visit the place. Nag Panchami is also celebrated when the cobra is worshiped.
see more: Famous temples in Hyderabad
8. Jharkhand Dham of Dhanwarh:
Jharkhan Dham or commonly known as Jharkhandi is located in Dhanwarh, Giridih district. The entire structure of this place is roofless, which is its most unique feature. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the place is still crowded during the annual bazaar. Also, Shiva devotees pray here during Maha Shiva Ratri.
9. Duri Temple in Ranchi:
Located on the outskirts of Ranchi, Dewri Mandir is dedicated to Solha Bhuji Goddess, a form of Maa Durga. The temple also has a Shiva statue, and the complex occupies 2 acres. This temple is believed to be the only one where 6 tribal priests, Pahan, perform rituals and prayers with Brahmin priests.
see more: Temples in Kanchipuram
10. Temple of the Sun:
The Sun Temple in Ranchi is one of the most popular temples dedicated to Lord Surya. This is one of the newest temples in Jharkhand, about 40 kilometers from the city of Ranchi. Inside the temple is a cart with eighteen wheels and seven horses. It was built by Sanskrit Vihar, a charitable trust. The best part of this temple is the life element in the chariot that looks like it’s ready to take off.
11. Pahari Temple:
Pahari mandir is located at an altitude of 2140 feet above sea level and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This small temple sits on a hill and offers a picturesque panoramic view of the surroundings. The actual name of the temple is “Richi Buru”. The place is also historically significant as it was where many freedom fighters were hanged.
12. Naulakha Mandir:
This is one of the main tourist attractions in Jharkhand and is located in Deoghar. The temple is similar in architecture to the famous Ramakrishna Belunath Temple in Kolkata. This 146-foot-tall temple houses mesmerizing statues of Radha and Krishna and was built by Queen Pathuria Ghat. It is said that Queen Zaruhira often visited this temple to seek the blessings of Radha and Krishna.
Jharkhand is relatively new and many people don’t know much about it. The state is not a very popular pilgrimage destination, but it is slowly coming to light as many tourists describe their amazing experiences on the internet. Jharkhand is home to some majestic temples and many natural wonders. One can find temples of all forms in this state, from old to new. The next time you plan to visit this beautiful state, it is advisable not to miss these temples mentioned above.