Visit Pahari Mandir: The Hidden Gem of Ranchi (2024)
India is one of the few countries in the world where religion and devotion is one of the main passions of people. That is why so many temples of different significance can be seen in a myriad of places in the country. Ranchi is such a place in Jharkhand in India that is not only famous for being the state’s capital but also for being home to a large number of Hindu temples. The Pahari mandir is among the many famous temples in the region that is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The Pahari mandir is located at the top of Ranchi hill at the height of 2140 feet. That is why the entire city can be easily seen from there. As the site is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is sacred for many Hindu pilgrims. People from Jharkhand and adjacent states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha visit there to seek blessings from the deity. On Shivaratri, the temple becomes overly crowded with pilgrims every year. Many pilgrims also visit there during the month of Shravan to offer holy water to Lord Shiva.
One of the unique and difficult things about the Pahari mandir is that to reach there one has to climb around 480 steps. For the people, who are not physically fit, climbing that many stairs can be pretty tiresome. According to pilgrims, the temple has immense power and everybody’s wishes are granted by worshipping Lord Shiva over there. 
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Apart from the religious aspect, the temple is quite famous for its scenic beauty. As we have mentioned earlier, Pahari temple is located on the Ranchi hills and that is why you will be able to get a panoramic view of the entire city. That is why even if the tourists are not that spiritually inclined, they visit this temple for its surrounding view. Moreover, the site is surrounded by a wide variety of trees. People go there to achieve a sense of calmness.
The History Behind Ranchi Pahari Temple
You will be surprised to know that the Pahari temple is the only religious site in India where the tricolor flag of India is hoisted every year during independence-day on 15 August and during republic-day on 26 January. Now, there are some interesting facts behind this ritual. Before being an independent Hindu temple, this site was possessed by the British government before India’s independence. The British officers used to hang Indian freedom fighters and criminals in this temple. That is why this temple was then known as Phansi Tongri or Fansi Hills. Phansi Tongri in English translates to “A hill where people are hanged”. It was also known as ‘Hanging Garry’ during the time of British rule in India. When India got independence, a renowned freedom fighter of Ranchi named Krishna Chandra Das hoisted India’s flag for the first time in Ranchi over there.
The flag was hoisted to pay tribute and respect to the martyred freedom fighters of India. That is why even now, the tricolor flag is being hoisted every year during independence day and republic day. If you explore the temple closely, you will be able to see the stone where the message of India’s freedom has been carved on 15 August 1947.
Must-See Places Near Pahari Temple
As the temple is situated in Ranchi, you will get the opportunity to see a lot of different interesting places while visiting there. In the following section of the blog, we are including some of the popular sightseeing spots in Ranchi that are located quite close to the temple.
A. State Museum Hotwar
State Museum Hotwar is the most well-known museum in Jharkhand. Its original name was Ranchi museum, and it is mostly famous for being home to a wide variety of breathtakingly beautiful sculptures. If you visit there, you will not only get to see gorgeous sculptures by different famous artists but also, will you get to see a myriad of paintings. There are ten galleries for displaying paintings. You will get to see the work of talented artists from West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. If you are a lover of history, archaeology, and art, you will find the State Museum Hotwar worthwhile.
The distance between Pahari Mandir and State Museum Hotwar: 10 km.
B. Nakshatra Van
Among all the sightseeing spots of Ranchi, the Nakshatra Van is one of the most interesting ones. This urban park is one of the most popular places among the younger generation and is pretty crowded almost every weekend. Now, the concept of this site is quite unique. The entire park is divided into a wide range of sections. Each section represents a celestial body and Zodiac sign. It is suggested, that while exploring the park visit the section depending on your astrological sign first. The theme of the sections varies a lot. Even the entertainment provided in each section varies according to the star sign. It will be a lot more enjoyable for you if you visit the park after sunset. You must remember that the park closes at 6.30 pm and it is completely closed every Monday.
The distance between Pahari Mandir and Nakshatra Van: 1.5 km.
C. Birsa Zoological Park
Birsa Zoological Park is the pride of Jharkhand. It is located a little far from the heart of the city, and that is why it is pretty peaceful. In case you are traveling with kids, the Birsa Zoological garden is even more exciting for you. When you will enter the premises of the park, you will see a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some of the wild animals that you will witness in the park are tigers, lions, deer, and others. As the zoo has a canteen, you will not have to worry about bringing snacks with you.
The distance between Pahari Mandir and Birsa Zoological Park: 30 km.
The Perfect Time To Visit Pahari Mandir
As Ranchi is a warm state, it is always advisable to visit there during the winter season. By visiting any part of Jharkhand in the winter months, you will be able to enjoy the sites quite comfortably. On the other hand, Pahari Mandir can be appreciated to the fullest if you visit there in August and September or March. As the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there is a Shiva Lingam located inside its premises, people gather there during the time of Shivratri and Shravan Utsav. Shivratri usually takes place in March every year and the month of Shravan usually falls between August to September. If you visit the site during the said times, you will get to witness the celebrations that happen there. Pilgrims from different parts of India go there to worship Lord Shiva.
In case you are not that religiously inclined but want to explore the surrounding scenic view and the history of the temple, then it will be better for you if you avoid the aforementioned months. Not only will the site be too crowded for you, but also, you will not be able to enjoy the temple peacefully.
Best Ways To Reach Ranchi Pahari Temple
Pahari temple is located only a few km from the heart of Ranchi. Now, if you live in Jharkhand, Bihar, or West Bengal, you can visit Ranchi by renting a car or getting on a bus. The connectivity from Ranchi to all the said states is pretty good. Although the time taken to reach Ranchi will be a lot more if you travel by road. For example, the distance between Ranchi and Kolkata is around 400 km, so the journey would take you around 8 hours.
If you visit Ranchi by flight, you will have no problem. As the Ranchi airport or Birsa Munda airport is well connected to the major cities in India. Ranchi railway station is also very well connected to most Indian towns and cities.
Top Hotels To Stay Near Ranchi Pahari Temple
Pahari Temple is located right at the heart of Ranchi, and that is why finding high-quality hotels over there is not a big deal. In the following section of the blog, we are providing detailed information on the best and affordable hotels located in Ranchi.
1. Le Lac Sarovar Portico
Located only 250 m from Ranchi’s main city center, Le Lac Sarovar Portico is one of the most luxurious yet affordable hotels located over there. The establishment not only has highly luxurious rooms with all modern amenities but also is accompanied by three restaurants, a fitness center, and a salon. Moreover, as the property has a bar and lounge, you will be able to relax while staying over there. The best part about this hotel is that it is located quite close to Pahari temple and Ranchi lake. So, you will be able to enjoy the city quite comfortably.
Address: Line Tank Rd, Deputy Para, Ahirtoli, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834001.
Phone Number: 0651 661 9511.
Price of a room per night: INR 3600.
2. The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is one of the most affordable and highly luxurious hotels located in Ranchi. As the hotel is located only 2.5 km from the Ranchi bus stand, it is comparatively easy to locate. Moreover, this establishment is quite close to the famous sightseeing spots in Ranchi like Rock Garden, Pahari Temple, Ranchi Lake, and others. With a multi-cuisine restaurant, open-terrace, and well-maintained rooms, this hotel is a great place to spend some days while exploring Ranchi.
Address: Kutchery Road, near Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834001.
Phone Number: 070424 24242.
Price of a room per night: INR 2600.
3. Jade Square
Among all the luxury hotels in Ranchi, Jade Square is one of the most famous ones. All the rooms in this hotel are accompanied with all modern amenities. Moreover, the hotel offers buffet breakfasts to its guests staying over there. As the property is located pretty close to Ranchi airport, you will have no problem in reaching there. The establishment has an in-house restaurant as well, where you can enjoy hearty meals.
Address: Kilburn Colony, Shivpuri Colony, Hinoo, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834002.
Phone Number: Not available.
Website: http://jadesquare.in/
Price of a room per night: INR 4000.
4. The Royal Retreat
The Royal Retreat is one of the most luxurious hotels located in Ranchi. As the property is situated right at the heart of the city, exploring the sightseeing sites over there will be relatively easy. Some of the amenities provided by the hotel include luxurious rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness center, an in-house restaurant, and others. The hotel also has a lounge bar that is quite popular among tourists.
Address: Ranchi – Ramgarh Rd, behind reliance fresh, Krishna Nagar, Sainik Colony, Ohdar Village, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835217.
Phone Number: 081029 18108.
Website: http://www.theroyalretreat.co.in/
Price of a room per night: INR 4200.
Pahari Mandir in Ranchi might not be extravagant like other renowned Indian temples but it has such a story at its core that it emotionally moves every Indian who visits there. In this blog, we have tried to include every possible information regarding the site. We hope, by studying this article, you will be excited enough to plan a trip to Ranchi Pahari Mandir.
