This place is fast developing into a religious tourist site as
this is the best place to have a bird’s eye view of the city of
Ranchi and also attain some salvation by paying ones obsequies
to the Lord. A huge crowd of Shiva devotees gather here between
the months of February and October, during Shivaratri and other
important days earmarked to pray to the Lord. The Lord also
known as Pahari Baba is worshipped in the form of a linga. The
hillock also known as Richi Buru is famous for its breathtaking
views of the city and some spectacular sunsets and sunrises.
At the foot of this hill is the beautiful Ranchi Lake. The lake
was dug by a Britisher; Colonel Onsely in 1842 is frequented by
all visitors for its beauty. The lake is flanked by two temples
and a pillared bathing ghat where tourists heading to the Pahari
temple take a dip before proceeding to climb the steps of the
hillock.
The people of Ranchi have a unique way of remembering the heroes
who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle. It is
said many freedom fighters were sent to the gallows atop this
hill. When the country won freedom, the residents of Ranchi,
decided to pay respect to those martyrs by hoisting the tricolor
on the hill. And the tradition continues with people hosting the
tricolor during Independence and Republic Day atop the temple as
a mark of respect towards those who sacrificed their lives. This
is a unique gesture found at a temple, which is rare and special.
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The temple also has the relation to some freedom fighters of
Ranchi. The real name of this beautiful embedded old shiv mandir
which is about 300 ft. high is 'Richi Buru'. The temple built on
top of Ranchi or Fansi hill can be reached by climbing a flight
of steps, numbering a few hundreds. From there the devotees can
have spectacular views of the city and the Ranchi Lake which is
flowing through the bottom of the hill. It is a very charming and imposing temple of Lord Shankara which
is another name of Lord Shiva. Ranch hill was earlier being
known as Phansi Tongri and it was the place where freedom
fighters were hanged to death. To remember the importance of
this important hill in the freedom movement, tricolor flag is
unfurled on the Independence Days and Republic days.
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The surroundings of temple have well maintained picturesque
surroundings and to reach the temple at the top of the mountain
requires tapping up of more than 300 steps. Most of the devotees
visit this place to make their wishes and also make the
opportunity to thank Lord Shiva for the blessings. One can have
a bird’s view of the whole Ranchi city from the temple premises
and the view is really an enchanting eye- pleasing experience.
The trees of different species add to the beauty of the hill
especially during the rainy season. During Shravan time, the
devotees offer Jal (Dhara) to Lord Shiva and the Shravan season
is a major draw of visitors. |
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