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
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Just 40 km from Ranchi, nestled in the heart of Bundu town, lies a temple wrapped in myth, devotion, and timeless tradition โ 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 Jharkhandโs most revered cultural celebrations.
๐ 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:
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A humble man named Bhola Ghasi, from the Harijan community, once witnessed a divine sight in the forest โ Lord Krishna and Radha Rani swinging together.
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Moved by devotion and curiosity, he approached them, but Radha Rani vanished and Krishna turned into a stone idol.
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That very night, Bhola dreamt of building a temple for them.
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With land donated by a kind villager and funds raised from across the town, the temple was built โ enshrining the original Krishna stone idol and a newly cast brass Radha idol.
๐ Navratri Celebrations and Rituals
๐ช Akshay Tritiya Initiation
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The celebrations begin with Kalash Sthapana (sacred pot installation) on Akshay Tritiya.
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From the next day onwards, nine full days of Hari Naam Sankirtan (devotional chanting) take place, continuing late into the nights.
๐ถ Akhand Sankirtan & Community Devotion
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People from nearby villages gather in the templeโs vast courtyard to sing praises of Radha-Krishna.
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The atmosphere becomes intensely spiritual with continuous bhajans and drums.
๐๏ธ Grand Fair (Mela)
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A vibrant fair is organised in the temple vicinity:
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Stalls of toys, sweets, bangles, and local crafts.
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Folk music, dance, and food stalls serving traditional vegetarian dishes.
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๐ Temple Rituals
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Daily three-time worship and bhog (food offering) are performed.
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Radha-Krishna are adorned in different dresses every day, symbolizing divine playfulness.
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Krishna Janmashtami sees a special Jhulan Utsav (Swing Festival).
๐ณ Natural and Spiritual Ambience
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The templeโs charm is amplified by a giant Banyan tree that gently sways in the breeze.
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Locals believe Mahaprabhu Chaitanya rested under this tree during his journey to Vrindavan.
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Itโs also said that if you gaze long enough at Krishnaโs idol, it appears to change color to deep blue โ a reflection of his divine form.
โจ Unique Social Discipline During the Fair
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No meat or alcohol is consumed during these nine days โ even by the wider Bundu community.
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Fishermen abstain from fishing, beggars stop seeking alms, and all focus turns toward devotion and discipline.
๐ Travel Guide
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Location: Bundu, Ranchi-Tata Road, Jharkhand
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Nearest Railway Station: Ranchi (approx. 40 km)
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Facilities: Parking, food stalls, and accommodation in nearby towns
Also Read :ย ๐พ Millet Cafeterias in Jharkhand ๐พ
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Highlights of the Navratri Fair
1. Nine Days of Continuous Devotion
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Akhand Harikirtan (non-stop devotional singing) takes place day and night.
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Bhajan groups from nearby districts participate in rounds of soulful music.
2. Grand Community Participation
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Devotees from Ranchi, Tamar, Silli, and surrounding areas gather in huge numbers.
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Families observe fasting, pujas, and cultural activities.
3. Massive Processions
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On selected evenings, cultural processions include:
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Traditional drums (nagada)
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Folk dance performances
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Decorated deities
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4. Strict Social Discipline
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Throughout the fair:
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No meat, fish, or liquor is consumed in nearby villages.
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Even beggars refrain from seeking alms as a mark of respect.
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Fishermen avoid fishing during the nine days.
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5. Colorful Bazaar and Festive Setup
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A temporary marketplace comes alive:
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Toys, sweets, religious items
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Decorative stalls lit with fairy lights
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Traditional food stalls serve local snacks to visitors.
๐ง Quiz Section (MCQs)
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Where is Shri Shri Radha Rani Temple located?
A) Deoghar
B) Bundu
C) Dhanbad
D) Hazaribagh
โ Answer: B) Bundu -
Which festival marks the beginning of the Navratri rituals?
A) Ram Navami
B) Mahashivratri
C) Akshay Tritiya
D) Krishna Janmashtami
โ Answer: C) Akshay Tritiya -
What unique experience is believed to occur when gazing at Krishnaโs idol?
A) Idol floats
B) Idol glows
C) Idol sings
D) Idol appears to turn blue
โ 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
โ Answer: B) Bhola Ghasi -
What material is the idol of Radha made of?
A) Marble
B) Stone
C) Brass
D) Silver
โ Answer: C) Brass
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