The month of Shravan, or Sawan, is one of the holiest times in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is the month when Kanwariyas, dressed in saffron, take to the roads on foot, carrying water from the Ganga to offer it at sacred Shiva temples. While most people know about the famous Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar and Ajgaivinath Temple in Sultanganj, there are many other equally powerful and peaceful Shiva temples scattered across Bihar and Jharkhand. These lesser-known temples are full of devotion, history, and the spirit of Shravan.
If you're planning a spiritual road trip this Sawan, this article brings you a unique circuit covering three temples in Jharkhand and two in Bihar that deserve your footsteps.
Jharkhand Circuit: Spiritual Serenity in Nature
1. Pahari Mandir, Ranchi
Located on top of a hill right in the heart of Ranchi city, Pahari Mandir offers a divine blend of spirituality and adventure. You have to climb 468 steps to reach the temple, which feels like a pilgrimage in itself. During Sawan, the temple is decorated with flowers and the echo of Har Har Mahadev fills the air. From the top, you get a breathtaking view of Ranchi, adding to the sense of peace. The temple is also special because it was used as a freedom fighter execution site by the British, giving it a place in both religious and national history.
2. Shiv Mandir, Jamtara
A quiet, forest-surrounded temple in Jamtara district, Shiv Mandir is not on most tourist maps, but for locals, it is deeply spiritual. It is believed to be more than 300 years old. Devotees gather here in large numbers during Sawan to offer Ganga water and seek blessings in silence. It’s perfect for those who wish to avoid large crowds and experience the month in peaceful prayer.
3. Harihar Dham, Giridih
Known for having one of the tallest Shivlings in India, Harihar Dham is a sight to behold. The towering 65-feet Shiva lingam is surrounded by calm water and lush greenery. Pilgrims, especially during Shravan, arrive here with heartfelt devotion. The temple compound is clean and well-maintained, making it ideal for families and elderly devotees. The spiritual vibe of the place is strong, yet calming.
Bihar Circuit: Temples Rooted in Myth and Culture
1. Chaurasan Temple, Rohtas
Located near the town of Sasaram, this temple gets its name from its 84 intricately carved pillars — "Chaurasan" in Hindi. Believed to date back to the Gupta era, the temple is an architectural gem as well as a spiritual one. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple sees a surge of devotees during Sawan Mondays. Local legends say that the temple was once a center of learning for sages and priests.
2. Shiv Shakti Mahadev Temple, Buxar
Situated near the banks of the Ganga, this lesser-known temple in Buxar holds deep mythological significance. Many believe that Lord Shiva once appeared here during the Treta Yuga. It is said that even Rishi Vishwamitra meditated here. During the Shravan month, the temple becomes a spiritual hub for nearby villages, with evening aarti, bhajans, and community feasts. It is especially important for people who cannot make the longer trip to Deoghar but still want to celebrate the Sawan spirit close to home.
3. Mandar Hill, Banka (Bihar)
Next, you can visit Mandar Hill, a site that holds religious significance in both Hinduism and Jainism. At the foothills lies a Shiva temple known as Mandar Mahadev. Mythology says that this hill was used during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), and Lord Shiva consumed the poison here to save the universe.
The temple here is a great spot to pause and reflect. Surrounded by greenery and linked with ancient legends, it reminds pilgrims of the stories behind their devotion.
Why This Circuit Matters
Shravan is not just about rituals, it is also about reconnecting with the roots. These temples offer a chance to explore places filled with stories, nature, and devotion. For many, visiting these temples means retracing their ancestors’ steps, reviving traditions that are slowly fading from the mainstream.
In today's fast-moving world, the idea of a Sawan pilgrimage, even if just for a weekend, can become a journey inward. Each temple has something different to offer: the silence of a forest, the climb of a hill, the sound of temple bells, or the comfort of a local meal shared among strangers.
Plan Your Trip
Most of these temples are well connected by road and can be covered over several weekends in Sawan. While Deoghar will always be the heart of the Kanwar Yatra, expanding your spiritual path to include these temples can make the experience more personal and rich.
If you start in Patna or Ranchi, you can plan a loop covering both Bihar and Jharkhand in 4 to 5 days. Take it slow, stop at small dhabas, speak with the locals, and soak in the devotion that fills the air during Sawan.
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