Every year, the Shri Shri Radha Rani Temple in Bundu, Jharkhand, becomes the centre of spiritual devotion and community celebration during the nine-day Navratri Fair, one of the most vibrant and deeply rooted religious events in the Panch Pargana region.
Historical Significance of the Shri Shri Radha Rani Temple
-
Just 40 km from Ranchi, nestled in the heart of Bundu town, lies a temple wrapped in myth, devotion, and timeless tradition β Shri Shri Radha Rani Temple, also known locally as the Navratri Temple. This spiritual destination draws thousands during the annual nine-day Navratri Fair, making it one of Jharkhandβs most revered cultural celebrations.
π Temple Origin: A Divine Revelation
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani, sits peacefully on nearly an acre of land. Its origins are rooted in a miraculous legend:
-
A humble man named Bhola Ghasi, from the Harijan community, once witnessed a divine sight in the forest β Lord Krishna and Radha Rani swinging together.
-
Moved by devotion and curiosity, he approached them, but Radha Rani vanished and Krishna turned into a stone idol.
-
That very night, Bhola dreamt of building a temple for them.
-
With land donated by a kind villager and funds raised from across the town, the temple was built β enshrining the original Krishna stone idol and a newly cast brass Radha idol.
π Navratri Celebrations and Rituals
πͺ Akshay Tritiya Initiation
-
The celebrations begin with Kalash Sthapana (sacred pot installation) on Akshay Tritiya.
-
From the next day onwards, nine full days of Hari Naam Sankirtan (devotional chanting) take place, continuing late into the nights.
πΆ Akhand Sankirtan & Community Devotion
-
People from nearby villages gather in the templeβs vast courtyard to sing praises of Radha-Krishna.
-
The atmosphere becomes intensely spiritual with continuous bhajans and drums.
ποΈ Grand Fair (Mela)
-
A vibrant fair is organised in the temple vicinity:
-
Stalls of toys, sweets, bangles, and local crafts.
-
Folk music, dance, and food stalls serving traditional vegetarian dishes.
-
π Temple Rituals
-
Daily three-time worship and bhog (food offering) are performed.
-
Radha-Krishna are adorned in different dresses every day, symbolizing divine playfulness.
-
Krishna Janmashtami sees a special Jhulan Utsav (Swing Festival).
π³ Natural and Spiritual Ambience
-
The templeβs charm is amplified by a giant Banyan tree that gently sways in the breeze.
-
Locals believe Mahaprabhu Chaitanya rested under this tree during his journey to Vrindavan.
-
Itβs also said that if you gaze long enough at Krishnaβs idol, it appears to change color to deep blue β a reflection of his divine form.
β¨ Unique Social Discipline During the Fair
-
No meat or alcohol is consumed during these nine days β even by the wider Bundu community.
-
Fishermen abstain from fishing, beggars stop seeking alms, and all focus turns toward devotion and discipline.
π Travel Guide
-
Location: Bundu, Ranchi-Tata Road, Jharkhand
-
Nearest Railway Station: Ranchi (approx. 40 km)
-
Facilities: Parking, food stalls, and accommodation in nearby towns
Also Read :Β πΎ Millet Cafeterias in Jharkhand πΎ
-
Highlights of the Navratri Fair
1. Nine Days of Continuous Devotion
-
Akhand Harikirtan (non-stop devotional singing) takes place day and night.
-
Bhajan groups from nearby districts participate in rounds of soulful music.
2. Grand Community Participation
-
Devotees from Ranchi, Tamar, Silli, and surrounding areas gather in huge numbers.
-
Families observe fasting, pujas, and cultural activities.
3. Massive Processions
-
On selected evenings, cultural processions include:
-
Traditional drums (nagada)
-
Folk dance performances
-
Decorated deities
-
4. Strict Social Discipline
-
Throughout the fair:
-
No meat, fish, or liquor is consumed in nearby villages.
-
Even beggars refrain from seeking alms as a mark of respect.
-
Fishermen avoid fishing during the nine days.
-
5. Colorful Bazaar and Festive Setup
-
A temporary marketplace comes alive:
-
Toys, sweets, religious items
-
Decorative stalls lit with fairy lights
-
-
Traditional food stalls serve local snacks to visitors.
π§ Quiz Section (MCQs)
-
-
Where is Shri Shri Radha Rani Temple located?
A) Deoghar
B) Bundu
C) Dhanbad
D) Hazaribagh
β Answer: B) Bundu -
Which festival marks the beginning of the Navratri rituals?
A) Ram Navami
B) Mahashivratri
C) Akshay Tritiya
D) Krishna Janmashtami
β Answer: C) Akshay Tritiya -
What unique experience is believed to occur when gazing at Krishnaβs idol?
A) Idol floats
B) Idol glows
C) Idol sings
D) Idol appears to turn blue
β Answer: D) Idol appears to turn blue -
Who is believed to have first had a divine vision of Krishna-Radha at Bundu?
A) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
B) Bhola Ghasi
C) Birsa Munda
D) Valmiki
β Answer: B) Bhola Ghasi -
What material is the idol of Radha made of?
A) Marble
B) Stone
C) Brass
D) Silver
β Answer: C) Brass
-
