Temples, Shrines And Spiritual Places Across Jharkhand
Jharkhand is the spiritual abode where the nature merges with divinity. Jharkhand is well known for its forest reserve, tribal population, waterfalls, hills and holy places. Ranchi is the capital city whereas Jamshedpur is the largest city in Jharkhand.
The name Jharkhand is derived from the two words ‘Jhar’ (Forest) and ‘khand’ (segment). Very often known as the ‘Land of Forest’, Jharkhand attracts a large number of tourists every year for an experience of the freshness of air and piousness of spirit. Temples like Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple located in Deoghar has legends and myths attached to them which draws thousands of pilgrims, seeking their blessings. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and considered as one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Temples of historical importance like the Maluti Temple, located in the Dumka district hosts a complex of 72 terracotta temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple foretells the glorious ancient tales. Yet another focal point for the pilgrims is the Harihar Dham in the Giridih district, which is believed to be the ground to the largest Shivlinga in the world.
What makes this haven even more fascinating is the impressive architectural efficiency. A large number of devotees of Jagannath horde at the Jagannathpur Temple, located in Ranchi. Just as the name suggests, this temple is the replica of the famous Jagganath Temple at Puri. This 17th-century architectural divinity is positioned at the top of a small hillock, daunted with greenery and peace. One of the oldest temples of Jharkhand is the Maa Dewri Temple in Ranchi, pilgrims come here to seek the blessings of Goddess Maa Durga. It is believed to be the only pivot where two cultures mingle, both the Tribal priest known as pahans and the Brahmin priest worship together. Legends say that whoever tries to alter the structure of this temple would be vehemently cursed by the Goddess.
Located at the Parasnath Hills is the famous Shikharji Temple, where twenty Jain Tirthankaras attained ‘Moksha”. The serenity of spirit creeps in the mind with the positioning in the topmost region of the Parasnath Range. The 2000 years old temple in Madhuban is a holy relic of the past among the Jain devotees. Buddhists experience the sanctity of spirit at Itkhori, which is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimages. 104 Bodhisattvas, along with four dominating Buddha structures is sculptured on every side of the Stupa.
Fairs and Festivals
Jharkhand celebrates festivals with great gaiety and enthusiasm. Diwali, Durga Puja, Holi are celebrated with great splendour, but there are few cultural-specific festivals of Jharkhand, marking the rich heritage. Sarhul is a festival, celebrated every spring, signifies the importance of the Shaal tree and leaves. The natives of the region or the Santhal tribe celebrate the same festival with the name, ‘Baha’, emphasizing the importance of the Mahua tree and flowers. Festivals like Karma is associated with worshipping nature. Devoted to Karam Devta, this festival marks the celebration of youth and youthfulness.
At the beginning of winter every year, Hal Punya is celebrated, glorifying the auspicious morning to start ploughing the winter crop. Social gatherings among the people of Jharkhand are celebrated with great excitement. Joshua Mela is celebrated twice a year, on the occasion of Magh Basant Panchami and Chait Ramnaumi. The occasion of Makar Sankranti unveils the grand Bhadi Mela, bringing in joyousness in the air. Chhath Puja is an important festival celebrated across Jharkhand, and dedicated to Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for bestowing life on earth. Started from 1882, Kundri Mela of Chatra district is big cattle trading fair, to mark the jubilance of the Durga Puja. With serenity in mind and the greenery of nature, Jharkhand stands as an emblem of peace and happiness.