10 Temples In Ranchi And Around For A Sacred Memorable Trip

The capital of Jharkhand, Ranchi, is a city of vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and spiritual heritage. The temples in Ranchi have stories hidden within, speaking of the heritage and history of the place. The city has many temples, each associated with the rich culture that the place has lived through. From famous temples like Jagannath temple to the Pahari temple, this city is soaked in the spiritual beliefs and faith of the devotees. The temples here make the city a must-visit destination for your religious getaway.

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6 Temples In Ranchi

The rich culture of Ranchi’s temples is what sets it apart. Here are the most popular temples in Ranchi.

1. Pahari Temple

Staircase inside the Pahari Mandir with people entering and exiting the temple.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

Pahari Temple, as the name suggests, is a temple situated on a hilltop west of Ranchi city known as Richi Buru. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is flocked by devotees from all across in the month of Shravana. The hill is a major landmark of the city and provides a beautiful panoramic view of Ranchi. To reach this temple in Ranchi, the devotees climb a flight of more than 450 steps. During the months of Shravana and on the occasion of Shivratri, a huge crowd comes to the temple with prayers and offerings to the deity.

Location: West of Ranchi, Richi Buru Hill
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Shravana month (July–August), Shivratri

2. Tapovan Temple

One of the oldest temples in Ranchi, Tapovan Temple, surrounded by trees and bushes.

Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This temple in Ranchi was built about 286 years ago as the temple for Shri Ram and Janaki. During the holy occasion of Rama Navami, the temple welcomes a congregation of devotees from all over the country. This Tapovan temple is one of the major stops of the Shobha Yatra, which was conducted by several Akharas during Ram Navami. This temple in Ranchi also has other deities placed with the mandir, such as the idol of Hanuman from the fort of Ratu Maharaj. In 1929, the Mahaveer flag was first worshipped in this temple from the Hanuman Temple of Mahaveer Chawk.

Location: Near Mahavir Chowk, Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Rama Navami (April)

3. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh is an important religious place.

Photo: Baatcheet Films / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple is one of the most beautiful and popular temples in Ranchi. The temple is dedicated to the lord of bravery, devotion and protection, Lord Hanuman. The main attraction of the temple is the five-faced idol of Lord Hanuman, which indicates his strength and protection towards the devotees from all directions. The temple remains crowded mostly on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the worshippers offer flowers, sweets and oil. The temple is the hub of many celebrations and spiritual programs on Hanuman Jayanti. People also visit the temple and seek blessings from the holy deity for health, wealth and prosperity.

Location: Near Kishoreganj Chowk, Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Tuesdays and Saturdays for special offerings

4. Jagannath Mandir

Front view of the Jagannath Mandir, with people in the temple and greenery around.

Photo: Tarun Paul Kachhap / Wikimedia Commons

In the year 1691, the Nagvanshi King of Barkagarh district, Ani Nath Shahdeo, built this Jagannath temple in Ranchi, which was completed on December 25th. The temple is situated on a hillock 10 kilometres away from the city. The temple shares similar architecture to the Jagannath Temple in Puri but in a smaller dimension. This temple witnesses a huge crowd of devotees from within and outside Ranchi devoted to the Rath Yatra festival. The temple infrastructure has undergone several attacks and deconstruction, such as being vandalised by Aurangazeb, the Mughal emperor.

Location: Jagannathpur Chowk Khataal, Sector 1 Jagannathpur, hec, Jagannathpur, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834004
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: During the Rath Yatra festival (June or July)

5. Yogoda Satsanga Society Of India

Main entrance of one of the temples in Ranchi, with crowds entering through the main gate.

Photo: Sarwateashwin / Wikimedia Commons

In the year 1917, Paramhansa Yogananda started his work of teaching the ways of Kriya Yoga in Ranchi. Paramhansa Yogananda is a celebrated monk who is known to be the Father of Yoga. He found this society to help the people with spiritual guidance and perform humanitarian work towards the society. The ashram provides tranquillity and calmness within the premises to find inner and outer peace. The ashram conducts Satsang every Sunday and meditations every day, which are open to everyone. The sanyasis of the ashram also helps people with the spiritual teachings of the monk.

Location: Near Sri Krishna Puri, Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Anytime, daily meditation sessions available

6. Maa Dewri Mandir

View from a distance of one of the most famous temples in Ranchi, Maa Dewri Mandir.

Photo: TribhuwanKumar / Wikimedia Commons

Maa Dewri Mandir is situated in the Diuri village in Ranchi. This part of Ranchi experiences a blend of tribal and Hindu cultures. This temple in Ranchi is famous for the 700-year-old idol of Goddess Durga with 16 arms, which is a very unique form. The devotees visit the temple and tie yellow and red threads on bamboo with their wishes and return to untie the same upon fulfilment of the wish. This temple is unique in its ritual performances as well. The temple also has an idol of Lord Shiva.

Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand 834001
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Navratri (October)

4 Temples Around Ranchi

1. Sun Temple

A backside view of the chariot-like Sun Temple in Bundu, near Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Photo: SUDEEP PRAMANIK / Wikimedia Commons

The Sun Temple is one of the most beautiful temples near Ranchi, and it was built in the shape of a huge wheel Chariot. Its 18 wheels and seven horses symbolise the glory and power of the Sun God. The Sun God is the only God believed to be the giver of life and light to the world. A peaceful surrounding gives an apt spiritual environment. There is a holy pond near the temple. During the festival of Chhath Puja, devotees come here and offer their prayers to the setting sun. The beauty of the temple in its natural surroundings and peaceful environment gives you a spiritual rejuvenation.

Location: Bundu, 39 km from Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to February

2. Rajrappa Temple

Devotees at the Maa Chhinnamasta or Rajrappa Temple in Ramgarh District, Jharkhand.

Photo: Kumaar003 / Wikimedia Commons

Rajrappa Temple is a pilgrimage site dedicated to the fierce and powerful goddess Chhinnamasta. Shakti worshippers revere the temple as a place of worship. It has become an important place for the practice of tantrics. The confluence of the Bhairavi and Damodar rivers creates a picturesque view, further elevating the mystic aura of the place. Pilgrims flock to it from far and wide, especially during the Chhath Puja festival to make an offering to the goddess. Rajrappa was also a place for the practice of various rituals.

Location: Rajrappa, 65 km from Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: January to March, and during Chhath Puja

3. Angrabari Temple (Amreshwar Dham)

Side view of a beautifully carved ancient temple surrounded by lush green gardens.

Photo: Globaldesi007 / Wikimedia Commons

Angrabari Temple, also known as Amreshwar Dham, is a beautiful temple located in the forests of Khunti. The place is about 40 km from Ranchi. It is a temple of Lord Shiva and is considered a very holy place. This temple is known for the Shravana celebration when a large number of devotees offer water and pray to Shivling. The forests surrounding the temple also look very beautiful and provide perfect surroundings for a spiritual experience.

Location: Khunti, 40 km from Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: August (Shravana month)

4. Kali Mandir

Two artists are working on beautiful sculptures of Goddess Kali at a workshop.

Photo: petr sidorov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kali Mandir in Harmu in Ranchi is perhaps the most famous place in the city. It becomes a sea of devotees during Durga Puja. The idol of the goddess is decorated with jewellery and clothes. The temple attracts devotees from almost all parts of the city, who come to worship the goddess so that she can protect them and their family. Religious rituals, dance and cultural performances are held in the temple complex. The temple wall is decorated with lights and patterns, creating a festive experience for the devotees.

Location: Harmu, Ranchi
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: During Durga Puja (October)

The temples in Ranchi are not just a place for worship but a dive into the rich culture and legacy of the city. Here the beliefs, faith, and spiritual stories are intertwined. The temples here provide an opportunity to experience the diversity in culture and faith of people from tribal and Hindu cultures. Book your next trip to Ranchi with tripXL and give your family a journey through the sacred allies of Ranchi.

Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are some of the must-visit temples in Ranchi?

Jagannath Temple, Pahari Temple, and Maa Dewri Temple are some of the city's most significant temples. However, every temple has a rich history associated with it, which provides insight into the beliefs and faith of the people here.

What are some of the unique festivals celebrated in the temples in Ranchi?

Several festivals are celebrated here in the temples in Ranchi. Rath Yatra in Jagannath Temple is celebrated by so many devotees here in Ranchi. Ram Navami is celebrated in the Tapovan Temple. Mahashivratri in Pahari Mandir witnesses huge groups of devotees visiting and celebrating.

Are guided tours available for the temples in Ranchi?

Yes, there are guided tours available specifically to the major temples of Ranchi, such as the Jagannath temple. The guides provide history and information on the temples and all associated beliefs. It will help you learn about the journey of the temple and its heritage.

Are people from religions other than Hinduism allowed within the temples in Ranchi?

Yes, people from all religions, faiths, and beliefs are welcome to the temple without any discrimination. Everyone can perform activities such as daily puja and aarti.

Are the temples in Ranchi accessible to the elderly?

The accessibility varies from temple to temple. However, some temples, such as the Pahari Mandir, require climbing a huge number of steps, which can be inaccessible by the elderly. However, with proper support, they can visit the temple.