Jagannath Temple in Ranchi

                                                     Jagannath Temple in Ranchi

Jagannath Temple in Ranchi was built by Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, king of Barkagarh Jagannathpur, on 25th December 1691. The temple is similar to the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa, although smaller. Similar to the Rath Yatra in Puri, annual fair is held at this temple as well attracting thousands of devotees. The temple collapsed on 6th August 1990. The reconstruction was started on 8th February 1992 and is still continuing.  

History Of Jagannath Temple in Ranchi:-

Jagannath Temple in Ranchi was built by Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, of Barkagarh Jagannathpur principality. The date when construction commenced is not known but the temple was completed on 25th December 1691. The Jagannath Temple is located on top of a small hill somewhere around 10kms from the main town of Ranchi. It is supposed to be a miniature version of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa and is built according to the same architectural design.
 The temple can be reached through a flight of stairs which lead to the main gate of the temple or a if you want go up in your vehicle, take a detour which ends at the courtyard of the temple. The temple is built of bricks which are whitewashed only from the outside but the not the inside. The main deity of this temple is Lord Jagannath, who was one of the manifestations of Lord Vishnu.
 The Jagannath Temple is very sacred to the tribals of the region. Legend has it that the temple was built to offer the tribals a place of worship to keep them from converting to other religions. This temple complex is divided into three parts and has shrines dedicated to each of the gods - Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Another attraction of the temple is a figure of Lord Hanuman inside the temple and one of Garuda outside the temple.
 Tthe main attraction of the temple is the Jagannath Mela and the weeklong Rath Yatra associated with it. Lakhs of devotees flock to the temple as it is believed Lord Jagannath opens his eyes during this time and blesses his devotees.
 The temple since it is located on the top of a hill also offers a striking view of the city.

The presiding deity:-

The Godhead of this temple is Lord Jagannath, who is an important deity for the ardent devotees of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. Great devotional significance and respect are bestowed on the deity. Another reason for the religious significance associated with this temple is its relation to the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He was a fervent devotee of Lord Jagannath and spent a substantial period of his life dedicated to the devotion of Lord Jagannath. The worship of the deity is based on the reverence of Lord Vishnu.

Idols of worship:-

Unlike most temples where idols are made of clay or are stone sculptures, the idol of Lord Jagannath in the Ranchi Jagannath temple is made of wood. As a matter of fact, even the rest of the idols present in the temple are also made of wood. The idols are rather simple in appearance as compared to most of the other temples in India, where the idols are endowed with jewelry and rich clothes.

The other deities worshipped :-

Besides the devotion of Lord Jagannath, the worship of his brother Ballabhadra or Balaram and sister Subhadra also takes place in the temple. Another important shrine present in the temple premises is that of that of the Hindu monkey God Hanuman, which is situated at the main gate of the temple premises.

Architecture Of Jagannath Temple in Ranchi:-

The Jagannath temple at Ranchi was built by Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, the King of Barkagarh Jagannathpur in the 17th century following the architecture of the Puri Jagannath Dham temple. This huge temple at Ranchi was designed following the Kalinga style of temple architecture. The tall sanctum sanctorum is followed by the Jagamohana and the Nata Mandir. Inside garbha griha of the  white temple offered to Shri Jagannath Deva, the Lord is consecrated along with his elder brother Balabhadra or Balaram and Sister Subhadra.

Jagannathpur In Jagannath Temple in Ranchi:-

Jagannathpur is a village 6 miles southwest of Ranchi. Various plants of the Heavy Engineering Corporation are situated in an area round about the old village. The new township that has grown around these plants is known as Jagarnathpur. The area was previously known as Hatia but, after an enquiry into the matter of several rival names that had ben proposed, the name of Jagarnathpur was chosen. The main portion of the original Jagarnathpur village is now in the township of Jagannathpur.There is a high rocky hill at Jagannathpur commanding an extensive view of the surrounding plateau. This hill contains the largest and the most popular temple in the district of Ranchi. This is the temple of Lord Jaganath.

Jagannath Temple, Ranchi Timings:-

The temple can be visited throughout the year. Tourists are suggested to visit the temple at dawn or dusk, as the surroundings look heavenly during sunrise and sunset. Summer is considered as the best time to visit the temple as the largest festival of the temple, Rath Yatra takes place at this time.
•The Jagannath Temple of Ranchi is open on all the days.
•It is open from 5 am to 12 pm and again from 3 pm to 6 pm.
•The temple is closed at afternoon, from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm.

 Jagannath Temple, Ranchi Food Timings:-

After worship of the deity, prasadam is served to the devotees. The prasadam is also delivered online by the temple committee, which you can receive 15- 45 days
Darsan Dresscode:-

 There is no such restrictions made in dress code. But as this is a Hindu shrine, people are expected to be in modest attire. It is better to avoid revealing clothes such as shorts and sleeveless dresses for both men and women. Carrying a bottle of water, shades, and umbrella will be better for those who are visiting the shrine in June or July to attend the Ratha Yatra Festival.

Culture:-

The century-old enriched history, music, art, religion, food and people exhibit the true essence of Jharkhand's culture. This new Indian state that has been dissected mostly from Bihar held its capital at Ranchi. There are multiple pilgrimages in this eastern state of India. Devotees from across the country and abroad come to this beautiful state to explore the shrines of their concerned sects. Besides, the temples, churches and mosques, the state of Jharkhand has many beautiful places to explore such as Netarhat, Deoghar, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Sahebganj, Maithon, Masanjore and more. Rajrappa, Jaganathpur Temple, Bhadra Kali Temple, Angrabari, Trikuti, Basukinath, Mahadev Sal, Maa Giri Rajeswari and Kulbonga Mahadev are some of the most important Hindu Shrines at Jharkhand.

Language Spoken:-

 Hindi, Bhojpuri, English, Bengali

Special occasions and festivals:-

Many festival and religious events take place in the lord jagannath temple in Ranchi. People from many parts of India come to the temple during these festivities. The most significant festival is the Jagannath Rath Yatra that takes place in the Hindu calendar month of Asadha that falls in the months of June and July. This is the only occasion when the idols of Lord Jagannath, Ballabhadra and Subharda are taken out from the sanctum of the temple. The idols are carried in massive chariots called Rath. The devotees pull and push the chariots since it is considered that Lord Jagannath blesses those who are involved in the movement of the chariots.
Krishna Janmasthami is yet another big religious occasion in the Jagannath temple of Ranchi. This festival is held in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana. Devotees fast for the whole day till the completion of the worship procedings. Krishna Janmasthami is celebrated with great fervor since Lord Jagannath is considered to be an avatar Lord Krishna.

Significant pilgrimage site:-

The Jagannath temple of Ranchi is a revered place for thousands of pilgrims from every part of India. The hordes of devotees increase even more during the Rath Yatra festival. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Ranchi temple daily, which increases during the festivals of Jagannath Rath Yatra and Krishna Janmasthami.

Places Around Ranchi:-

 Tagore Hill:-

 About 3 km. from the main Road Ranchi, the Tagore Hill is about 300 ft. high. As the hill is associated with a history pertaining to Tagore family, it is known as Tagore Hill. A number of books are supposed to have been written by Rabindra Nath Tagore on the top of the hill. At the foot of the hill are situated the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram and it's office and centre of Divyayan and Agrarian Vocational Institute.

 Hundru Falls:-

 Ranchi is nature's bounty to mother India which has specially been adorned with falls and streams. Hundru falls is about 28 km. aways from Ranchi town. The Swarnarekha river falls from a height of 320 feet making a wonderful scene known as Hundru falls. During rainy season it takes a formidable form but in summer it turns into an exciting picnic spot .

 Dasham Falls:-

 About 40 km. away from Ranchi on Tata Road falls a village named Taimara near which flows the Kanchi river, Falling from a height of about 144 feet Kanchi river makes a pretty fall called Dassam falls known as Dassam Ghagh also encircled with charming scences. The tourists are warned not to take bath in the falls or at least be careful while bathing in the stream.

 Jonha Falls:-

 Jonha is about 40 km. away from Ranchi . The road leading to Jonha is a bit narrow but so adventuerus as well as and arduous as that of Hundru. There is also a hospice Tourists rest house which accommodates Lord Gautam Budha's temple. This falls is named after Gautam as Gautamdhara too, it is approachable by road. The tourists can go upto Gautamdhara station by train also.

 Hirni Falls:-

 About 70 km. From Ranchi on way to Chakradharpur is located Hirni Falls . Having situated amidst dense forest Hirni has been favoured by nature for scenic beauties. The tourists are carried away by emotions and flight of imagination while observing Hirni.

 Ranchi Hill:-

 Ranchi, being situated at an altitude of 2140 feet, from sea level, is a popular health and holiday resort and is a place of sacred pilgrimage. Some comely sights in the town include Ranchi Hill, Tagore Hill, Ranchi Lake etc. A panoramic view of the town can be behold from the hill top. The Shiva temple situated on top of the hill, is an added attraction for devotees for whom it assumes the place of reverence during Shravan mas similar to that of Baijnath Dham (Deoghar).

Jagannathpur Temple :-

 About 10 km. From Ranchi G.P.O. is another sight seeing place where the tourists can rejoice and worship. The old temple of lord Jagannath ,built in 1691 in the architectural style of Puri Temple stands like a fort on the top of the in the hill. Its car/chariot festival held light part on Ashadhmas draws a big crowd comprising of tribals and non-tribals. HEC township nearby is an added attraction.

 Nakshatra Van :-

 Nakshatra Van is situated near Raj Bhawan. It is constructed in the year 2003 by State Government. It is a Designed Project in which 27 plants been planted according to the 27 planets of Astrology Science. Here the tourist attractions are Musical Fountain, Medicinal Plants & Natural Beauty of Plants.

Gonda Hill & Rock Garden:-

 About 4 km. from G.P.O., Ranchi on Kanke Road,just in fornt of the CMPDIL Hq. Is situated the Gonda Hill with a water reservoir at its top. At the foot of the hill is a big lake known as Kanke Dam and a lucrative place for tourists.

 Sun Temple:-

 About 39 km. From Ranchi on Tata Road near Bundu stands on the desolate bush green the elegant Sun temple fashioned in the form of huge chariot with richly decorated 18 wheels and seven life like horses ready to take of. Built by Sanskrit Vihar headed by Shri Ram Maroo, the managing director of Ranchi Express, the sun temple deserves the title "a poem in stone".

 Amreshwar Dham :-

 Amreshwar Dham is, actually, a temple complex in Khunti which accommodates the temples of Lord Ganpati, Ram-Sita, Hanuman and Shiva. The Shankracharya Swami Swarupanand Saraswati, having been captivated by serene, placid and celestial beauty of Angrabadi rechristened it as Amreshwar Dham.

 Ranchi Lake:-

 Excavated by Col. Onsely, a British Agent in 1842, Ranchi Lake is centrally situated. It is a few minutes walk from GPO and is adjacent to Ranchi Telephone Exchange. The lake taken for beautification is yet to be beautified conforming to the original concept envisaged by the Deputy Commissioner, Madan Mohan Jha. However, the lake has an added attraction of boating for the visitors.

 Birsa Jaivik Udyan:-

 Birsa Jaivik Udyan, This Zoological garden is located about 16km from Ranchi on the Ranchi-Patna National Highway near Ormanjhi. The collection of mammalian faunas is the main attraction here.

 Panch Gagh Falls:-

 Panch Gagh falls: is on Ranchi- Chakradharpur Road about 6 kms from Khunti. This fall consists of five streams which falls from a good height.

How To Reach:-

By Air:-

Airways facilities are also available in the city of Ranchi. Birsa Munda Airport is the major airport of the city that avails flights to all the major states and cities. It is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach Ranchi.

By Rail:-

The city of Ranchi is very well connected to all the major states and cities through railways. Ranchi railway station is the major and the closest railway station to Ranchi, apart from the Ranchi railway station there are few other local railway station in the city.

By road:-

There is no problem of connectivity within the city and with other states and cities. The city of Ranchi is well connected through roadways. NH 23 and NH 33 passes through Ranchi.
Travelling by Ranchi roads is a pleasurable experience. Local transports are easily available within the city like auto, buses, etc.