“Famous Temples, Mosques, and Churches of Jharkhand: History, Location & Significance”

Jharkhand, apart from being rich in minerals and forests, is also home to several ancient and culturally significant temples. These temples are not just architectural marvels but also hold immense spiritual value. Here’s a detailed list of some of the most important temples of Jharkhand, often asked in competitive exams and visited by pilgrims across the country.

Baidyanath Temple (Baba Baidyanath Dham / Baijnath Temple) – Deoghar

• Believed to have been established by Ravana himself, according to Hindu scriptures.
• The current temple was constructed between 1514–1515 A.D. by the 10th king of Gidhaur dynasty, Raja Puranmal.
• The golden kalash on the temple’s dome was installed by King Chandramouleshwar Singh of Gidhaur dynasty.
• One of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India.
• It houses the Manokamna Linga, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• The only temple in India where Jyotirlinga and Shaktipeeth coexist.
• The complex has a total of 22 temples.
• Unique feature: A Panchshool (five tridents) is installed on the top instead of the usual Trishul.
• Considered an auspicious place for cremation, as per ancient scriptures.

Tapovan Temple – Deoghar

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Contains multiple caves where Brahmacharis (celibate ascetics) reside.
• It is believed that Goddess Sita performed penance here.

Yugal Mandir (Nau Lakha Temple) – Deoghar

• Also known as the Nau Lakha Mandir because ₹9 lakh was donated for its construction by Queen Charushila.
• Construction initiated in 1936 and completed in 1948.
• Inspired by the design of Ramakrishna Temple of Belur.
• Height of the temple is 146 feet.
• Built by a disciple of Balananda Brahmachari.

Pathrol Kali Mandir – Deoghar

• Built by King Digvijay Singh of Pathrol State.
• Houses an idol of Goddess Kali, also known as Dakshin Kalika.
• A large fair is organized during Diwali.

Basukinath Dham – Jarmundi (Dumka)

• Constructed by Basaki Tanti, from the Harijan community.
• Linked with the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) legend – Vasuki (the snake) was used as a rope and Mount Mandar as the churning rod.
• Estimated to be around 150 years old.
• Grand fair organized during Mahashivratri.
• Known for devotees sitting in dharna to fulfill wishes.

Mauliksha Temple – Dumka

• Built in the 17th century by Nankar Raja Basant Rai.
• Houses an incomplete idol of Goddess Durga (only the head portion – “Mauli”).
• The idol is made from red stone, while a Shivalinga made of black stone is placed in front of the deity.
• Idol of Bhairav is placed on the right side, made of sandstone.
• The temple was built in Bengali architectural style.
• Served as a center for Tantric practices.
• Mauliksha was worshipped as the kuldevi (family deity) of Nankar dynasty.

Jharkhand Dham – Giridih

• Also known as the Harihar Dham.
• Situated near Dhanwar.
• Famous for its 65-feet tall Shiva Linga.
• Located near the Larga River (southwest side of temple).

Maa Yogini Temple – Barakopa Hill (Godda)

• Believed to be the place where Sati’s right thigh fell – a Shaktipeeth.
• Features a stone-shaped relic, which is worshipped like in Kamakhya Temple.
• Devotees offer red garments as part of rituals.
• Built by Charushila Devi.
• Mentioned in the Mahabharata as Gupta Yogini.
• Pandavas are believed to have spent time here during their exile.

Panch Mandir – Pobi (Godda)

• Built by three brothers – Durga Prasad, Maharaj Sahay, and Vishnu Prasad.
• Estimated to be about 300 years old.
• Known for intricate carvings and designs.

Belnigarh Temple – Meharma Block (Godda)

• Associated with memories of Lord Buddha.

Ratneshwarnath Dham – Shivpur (Godda)

• Located on the banks of Kazhiyā River.
• Believed to be established 500 years ago by a group of sages.

Kaitha Shiv Temple – Ramgarh

• Built in the 17th century by Dalel Singh of the Ramgarh royal family.
• The architecture features a blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Bengali styles.
• Used for military purposes historically.
• Declared a National Heritage Site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Exam-Relevant Highlights

• Baidyanath Dham is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.
• Yugal Mandir is known as Nau Lakha Mandir.
• Basukinath’s legend is linked to Samudra Manthan.
• Mauliksha Temple is a center for Tantric practices.
• Kaitha Shiv Temple is a national heritage structure.
• Maa Yogini Temple is considered a Shaktipeeth and is connected to the Mahabharata.

Chhinnamastika Temple

• Location: Rajrappa (Ramgarh)
• Significance:
  • Situated at the confluence of the Damodar and Bhairavi (Bhera/Bheda) rivers.
  • Famous for the unique idol of Goddess Kali with a severed head, symbolizing Chhinnamastika (the severed-headed goddess), representing energy and self-sacrifice.
  • To the right and left of the goddess are the attendants Dakini and Shakini, respectively, and beneath her feet lie Rati and Kamdev, symbolizing the suppression of desires.
  • According to legend, a part of Goddess Sati’s body fell here during Lord Shiva’s Tandava dance, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
  • The temple is a revered site for tantric practices.
  • The idol of Goddess Kali here depicts the fierce form of Shakti.
  • Historically known as “Van Durga Mandir” until 1947 due to its location in dense forests.
  • During the Sharad Durga festival, the Santhal tribal community performs the first Navami Puja and animal sacrifice here.
  • The temple’s architecture is influenced by the Kamakhya temple style.
  • The Rajrappa kings provided significant patronage and settled tantric priests near the Dakshineshwar temple in adjacent villages.

Shiva Temple, Badmgaon

• Location: Badmgaon hills, Hazaribagh
• Significance:
  • Contains four cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the late 17th century.

Narsinghsthan Temple

• Location: Kharkhariyawan village, Hazaribagh
• Significance:
  • Dedicated primarily to Lord Vishnu, with a Shiva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum.
  • Hosts a large fair on Kartik Purnima every year.

Chanchala Devi Temple

• Location: Near Koderma on the Koderma-Giridih route, on Chanchala Devi hill
• Significance:
  • Considered a Shakti Peetha, Chanchala Devi is regarded as a form of Goddess Durga.
  • Unique in that the use of sindoor (vermilion) is strictly prohibited here.

Bhadrakali Temple

• Location: Bhaduli village, Itkhori (Chatra)
• Significance:
  • The idol represents the gentle (Saumya) form of Goddess Bhadrakali, one of the three manifestations of Shakti (gentle, fierce, and erotic).
  • The statue depicts the Goddess standing on a lotus, performing the Varada mudra (gesture of boon-giving).
  • Buddhists consider this statue as Tara Devi.
  • An inscription in Pali script indicates that the statue was made by the Bengal ruler Mahendra Pal II during the Pala period (5th-6th century AD).
  • The temple was carved from a single sandstone slab.
  • It features 1008 miniature Shiva Lingams carved into the temple walls.
  • Near the temple is the Kotheshwarnath stupa (Manouti Stupa), which has a carved image of Buddha in Parinirvana pose.
  • The stupa contains a water-filled pit at its upper section that remains perpetually full.

Kauleshwari Temple

• Location: Kolhua Hill (Chatra)
• Significance:
  • A confluence site for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
  • Believed to be the meditation and penance site of Jain Tirthankar Shitalnath and Jain scripture author Jin Sen.
  • Features statues of Buddha in meditation, and Jain Tirthankaras Rishabhdev and Parshvanath.
  • The idol of Goddess Kauleshwari (Durga) is carved from black stone and situated at an elevation of about 1575 feet.

Sahastra Buddha (Kanteshwarnath) Temple

• Location: Chatra

Tanginath Dham Temple

• Location: Gumla, on Mjhgaon hill
• Significance:
  • Houses a large Shiva Lingam and eight other Lingams.
  • Contains idols of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, Bhagwati, Ganesh, Hanuman, etc.
  • Constructed in the early medieval period.

Ghodsimar Dham

• Location: Satgawan (Koderma)
• Significance:
  • An important archaeological and religious site.
  • The temple complex includes a circular Shiva Lingam, approximately four feet in diameter.
  • Extends to the foothills along a river.

Ugratara/Nagar Temple

• Location: Chandwa (Latehar)
• Significance:
  • Unique for housing both Ugratara (fierce goddess of the Kali cult) and Lakshmi (from the Shree cult) in one sanctum.
  • Contains some Buddhist statues in the courtyard.
  • Recognized as a significant tantric pilgrimage site.
  • According to the Palamu Gazetteer, the temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar as a memorial of Maratha victories.

Vanshidhar Temple

• Location: Nagar Untari (Garhwa)
• Significance:
  • Built in 1885 AD.
  • Houses a 4-foot tall Radha-Krishna statue made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals) weighing about 32 man (a traditional unit).
  • The Krishna idol is depicted in tribhangi pose standing on a lotus pedestal.

Baba Khohrnath Temple

• Location: Gijna (Garhwa)
• Significance:
  • Being developed by the state government as a tourist destination.

Dashashish Mahadev Temple

• Location: Japla (Palamu)
• Significance:
  • Legend says that Ravana stopped here with a Shiva Lingam he was carrying from the Himalayas but couldn’t lift it later.

Ram-Lakshman Temple

• Location: Bamandigram (Palamu)
• Significance:
  • Houses statues of Lord Ram and Lakshman.

Important Notes:

• Temples marked with an asterisk (*) have been frequently asked in various Jharkhand state examinations.
• Many temples are sites of historic, archaeological, and religious significance, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Jharkhand.
• The influence of tribal customs, tantric practices, Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism are evident across these temples.
• Some temples serve as Shakti Peethas and are important centers of goddess worship and tantric rituals.

Bhadrakali Temple — Itkhori, Bhaduli Village (Chatra)

• Location: Itkhori, Bhaduli Village in Chatra district.
• Historical Era: Constructed during the Pala dynasty, 5th-6th century CE.
• Significance:
  • The idol of Goddess Bhadrakali represents the gentle form (Saumya) among her three manifestations — gentle, fierce, and desire.
  • The statue depicts Goddess Bhadrakali in Varadāyini mudra, standing on a lotus throne.
  • Buddhists regard this idol as that of Tara Devi.
  • Inscription in Pali script states the statue was commissioned by King Mahendra Pal II of Bengal.
  • The temple was carved from a single sandstone block.
  • Inside the temple, 1008 small Shivlings are engraved.
  • Near the temple lies the Kotheshwarnath Stupa (also called Manouti Stupa) with an engraved statue of Buddha in Parinirvana pose.
  • The stupa features a unique water-filled pit on the top, measuring approximately 4 inches in length, width, and depth.

Kauleshwari Temple — Kolhua Hill (Chatra)

• Location: Kolhua Hill, Chatra district.
• Religious Importance: Confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions.
• Details:
  • Kolhua Hill is considered the meditation site of 10th Jain Tirthankar, Shitalnath, and the place of penance for Jainsen, the author of the Jain Mahapurana.
  • Statues of Lord Buddha in meditation and Jain Tirthankars Rishabhdev and Parshvanath are established here.
  • The hill is about 1575 feet high.
  • The idol of Goddess Kauleshwari (Durga), carved out of black stone, is placed here.

Sahastrabuddha (Kanteshwarnath) Temple — Chatra

• Location: Chatra district.
• Details about this temple were briefly mentioned, but it remains a significant religious site.

Tanginath Dham Temple — Gumla

• Location: Maja Gaon Hill, Gumla district.
• Historical Era: Built in the early medieval period.
• Significance:
  • Houses a large Shivling along with eight smaller Shivlings.
  • Statues of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, Bhagwati, Ganesh, and Hanuman are also present.
  • Nearby is an octagonal broken trident about 11 feet high, believed to date back to the 5th-6th century CE.
  • The site is associated with Parshuram, with legends mentioning his footprint and his axe (“Tanginath”) buried here.
  • Connected to the Pashupata sect of Shaivism.

Vasudevaraya Temple — Korambe Village (Lohardaga)

• Location: Korambe village, Lohardaga district.
• Significance:
  • Features a black stone statue of Vasudevaraya.
  • The statue was established by King Pratap Karn in 1463 CE.
  • According to local legend, the statue was discovered by Ghuna Munda, a tribal farmer, while plowing.
  • The site witnessed fierce battles between the Raxel and Nagvanshi clans.
  • Known as the “Haldi Ghati Temple” due to the intense warfare that occurred here.

Mahamaya Temple — Hapamuni Village (Gumla)

• Location: Hapamuni village, Gumla district.
• Historical Era: Constructed by Nagvanshi ruler Gajghant Rai in 908 CE.
• Religious Importance:
  • Dedicated to Goddess Kali, recognized as a Trik Peeth (one of the three main centers of Shakti worship).
  • The first priest was Dvija Harinath, a Maratha Brahmin.
  • Vishnu’s idol was later installed by Siyanath Dev on the order of Shivdas Karn.
  • The temple was damaged during the 1831 Kol rebellion but was rebuilt afterward.
  • The temple hosts the Manda Puja on Chaitra Purnima, a festival where devotees perform a barefoot firewalk called ‘Phool’.

Anjan Dham Temple — Anjan Village (Gumla)

• Location: Anjan village, Gumla district.
• Significance:
  • Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
  • Contains a stone idol of Devi Anjana (Hanuman’s mother).
  • Houses the Chakradhari Temple and Nakati Devi Temple.
  • A heavy stone wheel with a hole in the middle rests on top of the Shivling.
  • Extends towards Netarhat hills and is located near the river flowing southward.

Kapilnath Temple — Doisanagar (Gumla)

• Historical Era: Built in 1710 CE by Nagvanshi king Ram Shah.
• Architectural Importance:
  • The temple is one of the finest examples of stone architecture in the Doisa region.

Chintamani Temple — Palkot (Gumla)

• Location: Palkot, former capital of Nagvanshi dynasty.
• Significance: Built by a Nagvanshi ruler in honor of their family deity Chintamani.

Sati Math — Palkot (Gumla)

• Location: Palkot.
• Significance:
  • Constructed by a Nagvanshi queen who later committed sati.
  • Hence, it is known as Sati Math.

Jagannath Temple — Jagannathpur (Ranchi)

• Location: Jagannathpur, Ranchi district.
• Historical Era: Built on 25 December 1691 CE by Thakur Ani Shah, son of Nagvanshi king Ram Shah.
• Significance:
  • Houses idols of Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balram.
  • Includes metal statues of Vanshidhar, a war trophy won from the Marathas.
  • Architecture resembles the famous Jagannath temple of Puri, Odisha.
  • Hosts a large Rath Yatra festival annually.
  • The temple stands approximately 100 feet tall.
  • The present structure was renovated in 1991 with a budget of 1 crore INR.

Surya Temple — Bundu (Ranchi)

• Location: Situated along Ranchi-Tata highway.
• Architectural Uniqueness:
  • Designed in the shape of the Sun’s chariot.
  • Often described as a “poem written on stone” due to its intricate carvings.
  • Constructed by Sanskriti Vihar, a Ranchi-based organization.
  • Crafted by renowned sculptor S.R.N. Kalia.

Summary and Highlights:

• Bhadrakali Temple at Itkhori is one of the oldest, with 5th-6th century Pala dynasty origins and Buddhist significance.
• Kolhua Hill represents a rare confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions.
• Tanginath Dham links mythology with archaeological relics from 5th-6th century.
• Vasudevaraya Temple holds a history of fierce local clan battles.
• Mahamaya Temple is noted for its annual Manda Puja and barefoot fire-walking ritual (‘Phool’).
• Anjan Dham is believed to be Lord Hanuman’s birthplace, an important pilgrimage.
• The Jagannath Temple of Ranchi closely mirrors the famous temple of Puri and hosts vibrant festivities.
• Surya Temple of Bundu stands out for its unique chariot-shaped design and poetic stone carvings.

Sureshwar Dham Mahadev Temple — Chutiya, Ranchi

• Location: Situated on the banks of the Swarnrekha River in Chutiya, Ranchi.
• Key Features:
  • The temple houses a Shivalinga that is shaped uniquely and stands at a height of 108 feet.
  • Inside the temple, there is a statue of the Shiva family.
  • It holds the distinction of having Jharkhand’s first and India’s second tallest Shivalinga.
• Importance: The temple is a significant religious site attracting numerous devotees.

Shiva Temple — Bedo, Ranchi

• Location: Bedo, Ranchi.
• Architectural Style: Constructed approximately 800-900 years ago, modeled after the temples of Odisha.
• Key Features:
  • Built in the Rekha style using red sandstone blocks.
  • Exterior walls are rough-textured, while the interior is smooth.
  • Red laterite stones, typical of Odisha temples, have been used.
• Significance: A remarkable example of ancient temple architecture blending Jharkhand and Odisha styles.

Hilltop Shiva Temple — Ranchi (Tungri Hill)

• Location: On Tungri Hill (also called Ranchi Guru Hill), Ranchi.
• Historical Facts:
  • Built around 1905, possibly by the king of Palkot.
  • Near this temple is a Nag Devta (snake god) temple, who is also the city deity of Ranchi.
• Devotional Practices:
  • During Shravan month and Mahashivaratri, the temple sees heavy crowds.
  • Devotees carry holy water from the Swarnrekha River, 12 km away, every Monday during Shravan to offer at the temple.
• Additional Facts:
  • The hill was used by the British as a gallows site before independence.
  • Since Independence Day 1947, the national flag is hoisted here every Independence and Republic Day.
  • The hill is about 300 feet high and has 468 steps leading to the temple.
• Geological Significance: The rocks of this hill belong to the Proterozoic era, around 4500 million years old, predating many mountain ranges.
• The hill’s rock formation is known as Garnetiferous Sillimanite Schist or locally called Khodalite.

Deuri Temple — Tapad, Ranchi

• Special Feature:
  • Houses a unique 16-armed Durga statue carved on black stone.
  • Unlike typical depictions, Durga here is seated on a lotus (Kamalaasan) instead of a lion.
  • Above Durga’s statue is Shiva’s figure, topped further by a Betal statue.
  • Nearby, statues of Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik, and Ganesha are also installed.
• Religious Practices:
  • Worship is traditionally conducted by both tribal priests (Pahan) for six days and Brahmin priests for one day, signifying a blend of tribal and Brahminical worship.
  • Animal sacrifice during Dussehra is part of the ritual.
• Historical Origin:
  • Built by a tribal chief from the Kera region of Singhbhum.
  • Constructed using stone blocks in a quadrilateral shape.

Ram-Sita (Radhavallabh) Temple — Chutiya, Ranchi

• Construction:
  • Built by Nagvanshi King Raghunath Shah in 1685.
  • The priest was a Brahmin from the Maratha community named Brahmachari Harinath.
• Architecture:
  • Made with intricately carved stone.
  • Formerly called Radhavallabh Temple, confirmed by the Krishna’s Rasleela depiction on the upper floor.
• Historical Significance:
  • On January 28, 1898, during the Munda Ulgulan (rebellion), Birsa Munda and his followers visited this temple.

Shiva Temple — Harin, Ranchi

• Historical Importance:
  • Dating from the medieval period.
  • Witnessed the Kol rebellion (1831-32), during which British soldiers fired bullets at the temple. These bullet marks are still visible today.

Madan Mohan Temple — Bodeya, Kanke, Ranchi

• Construction Timeline:
  • Construction began in 1665 (Vikram Samvat 1722).
  • Completed in 1668, but further work like walls and platforms took 14 more years, finally finished in 1682.
• Architecture:
  • Granite stones were used, initially giving the temple a reddish hue.
  • Later the temple was painted white.
  • The roof has a 40 feet high round spire topped with an iron wheel and a trident.
• Builder: Constructed by Laxminarayan Tiwari under the presence of King Raghunath Shah.
• Religious Importance:
  • Houses an Ashtadhatu (eight-metal) idol of Radha-Krishna on the throne.
  • Also has statues of Ram-Sita and Lakshman.
• Festivals:
  • Special events during Krishna Janmashtami.
  • Satyanarayan Puja is held on every full moon.
  • The southern gate has a large platform where the Fadgol folk game is played during Holi, with the Krishna idol adorned with colors by devotees.
• Temple Rules: Only priests can enter the sanctum sanctorum.

Haradih Temple — Tamard

• Status: Declared a national heritage and archaeological site by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Location: Situated on the banks of the Kanchi River.
• Discovery: First explored by A. Ghosh, former Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Statues:
  • Houses a black stone statue of 16-armed Mahishasuramardini (Durga).
  • The southwest corner contains two small shrines built in the Rekha-Deul style.
• Material: Constructed primarily from granite stones.

Important Notes for Jharkhand Exams and General Knowledge

• Temples like Sureshwar Dham Mahadev are important due to their unique religious significance and size of the Shivalinga.
• The hilltop Shiva temple on Tungri Hill combines religious and historical importance, connected with the independence movement.
• The Deuri Temple’s dual priest system (tribal and Brahmin) represents Jharkhand’s cultural synthesis.
• Historical connections with tribal uprisings like the Munda Ulgulan (Ram-Sita temple) and Kol rebellion (Harin Shiva temple) are critical facts.
• Architectural styles like Rekha Deul and influences from Odisha show Jharkhand’s historical art links.
• The Madan Mohan temple’s history, construction timeline, and festival customs are vital for understanding Jharkhand’s religious traditions.
• Sites like Haradih temple reflect Jharkhand’s archaeological and cultural heritage, protected at the national level.

Important Temples of Jharkhand

• Bhufor Temple, Dhanbad
  • Dedicated to the tribal deity of land and earth.
  • This temple holds immense local religious significance.
• Vishnu Temple, Dalmi (Dhanbad)
  • Constructed in the 17th century.
  • An example of historical temple architecture from that period.
• Parvati Temple, Dhanbad
  • Located on the banks of the Kansai river.
  • Features an idol of Goddess Parvati with four arms.
• Shiva Temple, Chechgaon (Dhanbad)
  • Houses a deity of Lord Shiva.
• Shiva Temple, Telkuppi (Dhanbad)
  • Built in the 16th century.
  • Situated on the banks of the Damodar river.
• Benisagar Shiva Temple, West Singhbhum
  • Believed to have been built between 602-625 AD, possibly by the Gauda ruler Shashanka.
  • Contains 33 small and large statues, including those of Hanuman and Durga.
  • Has inscriptions along with the Shiva Lingam.
• Mahadevsala Temple, West Singhbhum
  • Located between Manoharpur and Goilkera stations.
  • Famous for fairs during the month of Sawan and on Maha Shivaratri.
• Rankini Temple, Ghatsila (East Singhbhum)
  • Dedicated to goddess Rankini.
  • A major cultural and religious site with special fairs.
• Mahadani Baba Temple, Bedo (Ranchi)
  • Constructed in the 9th century.
  • Modeled after the Bhuvaneshwar’s Lingaraj Temple.
  • Shows a blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.
  • The priest of the temple is traditionally the village Pahan (tribal priest).
  • Devotees offer rice cakes (Pitha) to the deities Goyanda and Goyandi (Shiva-Parvati).
• Amreshwar Dham, Khunti District
  • Also known as Angrabari Temple.
  • Named by Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati.
  • Main Shiva idol is installed under a Banyan tree.
  • Other idols include Ram-Sita, Hanuman, and Ganesh.
• Shakti Temple, Dhanbad
  • Houses an eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti) brought from Jwalamukhi Temple in Himachal Pradesh.
• Lillori Temple, Dhanbad
  • The idol of Goddess Kali was installed about 800 years ago by King Sujan Singh of Katrasgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Animal sacrifices are performed daily, with the first worship conducted by the royal family members.
• Sureshwar Dham Mahadev Temple, Chutia, Ranchi
  • Located on the banks of the Swarnarekha river.
  • Features a 108 feet tall Shiva Lingam — the tallest in Jharkhand and the second tallest in India.
  • Contains idols of the Shiva family.
• Shiva Temple, Bedo (Ranchi)
  • Built 800-900 years ago in the Odisha temple style (Rekha style).
  • Made with red and white sandstone.
• Pahadi Temple, Ranchi
  • Situated on Tungri Hill (Ranchi Guru Hill).
  • Built around 1905, likely by the King of Palkot.
  • Near the temple, there is a Nag Devata temple for the worship of the serpent deity.
  • Popular during Shravan month and Maha Shivaratri; devotees bring water from Swarnarekha river for rituals.
  • The hill was used by Britishers for executions before independence.
  • A flag hoisting ceremony is held here every Independence and Republic Day.
  • Hill height: 300 feet with 468 steps.
  • The hill’s rock formation dates back approximately 4500 million years (Proterozoic era), older than many mountains.
• Rankini Temple on Mahulia Hill
  • Originally located on a hill where human sacrifice was practiced.
  • The temple was relocated to Mahulia Police Station premises to stop the practice.
  • Dedicated to goddess Rankini, worshipped by the rulers of Dhalbhum Raj.

Prominent Mosques and Mausoleums in Jharkhand

• Daud Khan’s Mosque, Palamu Fort, Latehar
  • Built in the 16th century by Daud Khan, Mughal governor of Bihar.
  • Sher Shah Suri prayed here after conquering Bengal.
• Madar Shah’s Mausoleum, Mandargiri Hill, Latehar
  • Associated with Sufi saint Madar Shah.
• Jama Masjid, Doranda, Ranchi (1804-05)
  • Important mosque in Ranchi.
• Handa Masjid, Upper Bazaar, Ranchi (1852)
  • Another significant mosque built in the mid-19th century.
• Upper Bazaar Jama Masjid, Ranchi (1867)
  • A major mosque in Ranchi.
• Hindihi Big Mosque, Ranchi (1886-87)
  • Known as one of the largest mosques in the area.
• Jami Masjid, Rajmahal (16th century)
  • Built by Raja Man Singh.
  • An important historical mosque.
• Miran’s Tomb, near Rajmahal

Notable Churches in Jharkhand

Church Name	Location	Year Established	Associated Mission
G.E.L. Church / Christ Church	Ranchi	1855	G.E.L. Mission
Stevenson Memorial Church	Khunti	1869	S.P.G. Mission
Church at Chaibasa	Chaibasa	1869	Roman Catholic Mission
Santhal Mission Church, Pachamba	Giridih	1871	Santhal Mission
Saint Cathedral Church	Ranchi	1870-73	General Roullet
Saint Paul Church	Ranchi	1873	S.P.G. Mission
Roman Catholic Church	Khunti	1898	Roman Catholic Mission
Roman Catholic Church	Khatkahi	1899	Roman Catholic Mission
Roman Catholic Church	Nawatoli	1901	Roman Catholic Mission
Saint Mary Church	Purulia Road, Ranchi	1909	Roman Catholic Mission
Roman Catholic Church	Nawadih	1911	Roman Catholic Mission
Roman Catholic Church	Didhisya	1914	Roman Catholic Mission

Important Notes

• Many of these temples and religious sites have been frequently asked in Jharkhand state-level competitive exams, so facts marked with an asterisk (*) are particularly important for exam preparation.
• The rich blend of architectural styles (Dravidian, Nagara, Odisha Rekha style) found in Jharkhand temples reflects the region’s historical and cultural diversity.
• The ancient history of the region is evident in many structures dating back to the 6th century or even earlier.
• Several temples are closely tied to tribal traditions and deities, showcasing Jharkhand’s tribal heritage.
• Some hills and temples, like the one on Tungri Hill, hold not only religious but also historical and geological significance, marking Jharkhand’s unique identity.