Prachin Shiv Mandir is a historical heritage of Lohardaga District of Jharkhand State. The origin story of the unique Shiva lingam and its unparalleled craftsmanship are a major center of faith and devotion for the devotees.
Introduction
The Prachin Shiv Mandir is situated on a hill in a village named Khakparata, about 12 km from the district headquarters of Lohardagga in Jharkhand state. This temple is about 7 to 8 km from Lohardagga railway station.
This temple has been declared of national importance by the Archaeological Department of India. it temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A total of 8 small Shivlingas are installed on the mountain side here. There is another temple among them.
The height of each temple is said to be 3 meters. Which is sunken inside the ground. The idol of Lord Ganesha, Sun God and Nandi Lord in front of the temple on the mountain is very ancient. The height of this temple is 4 meters.
Its main gate is one meter high and has a narrow entrance. A Shivling has been installed in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. Only one person can enter this temple at a time. For the worship method here, one has to stand in a queue and worship in a line.
It is said that archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2000 AD revealed that this temple was built around the 9th – 10th century. This temple was declared as a central protected monument in the year 1939.
Which is shown in the Archaeological Survey of India Ranchi Division. This Prachin Shiv Mandir is similar to the Deol type temples of Odisha, which were built during the medieval period. There is no priest in this temple. The devotees who come here to worship, worship on their own.
This temple has been declared as a national importance. Due to which the guards guard here all the time. So if you want to visit here, then definitely carry your identity card with you. Entry without it is prohibited.
Damaging any ancient things in this Prachin Shiv Mandir can result in a fine of Rs 1 lakh and 2 years of imprisonment. This is clearly marked on the temple entrance.
A cultural heritage
Local people say that this temple is the heritage of Lohardagga district. This place is open to all, but there are some rules and conditions, which everyone has to follow. This is the oldest temple of Lohardagga district. Where many devotees are not seen every day.
People from local and other places of the district come to worship only on some special festival or celebration. Crowds are seen here mainly during Shravan month and Shivratri. On other days, fewer people come here. This temple is adjacent to Rampur village.
Which is also known as Khakparata village. There are two villages adjacent to the temple premises, which are on both sides of the mountain. A boundary wall has been built around this mountain. So that no one can come inside.
Only one main gate has been built to enter this temple. Where security guards are deployed. While entering here, name, address, mobile number etc. are entered in the register. Which is done for protection.
Historical importance of the temple
The Prachin Shiv Mandir of Lohardagga district is very old. It is said that this temple must have been built around 9th – 10th century. This thing came to light when archaeological excavation work was started in 2000 AD.
This temple is built in the local style. It is built on a big rock on top of the mountain by joining the shells on the rock itself without digging the bottom. When archaeological excavation was done in the ruins in 2000 AD, a total of 8 ancient temples were discovered here. Out of which 7 Shivlingas are installed.
This temple, an Prachin Shiv Mandir of 1939, was declared a central protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The architecture of this temple is said to be similar to the Rekha Deul style of Odisha.
Since this temple is on top of the mountain, its natural beauty is famous. Keeping this in mind, thisPrachin Shiv Mandir has been developed very well. The lower part of the mountain has been decorated in the form of a garden. Another Shivlinga can be seen there.
Importance of historical sites and heritage
This Prachin Shiv Mandir of Lohardaga district is really very old. It has been declared as a heritage of the whole nation. Here the devotees have the freedom to worship selflessly. But it is also necessary to follow some rules here. The village adjacent to this place is made of tiled roofs.
Most of the people have never forgotten their religious culture in the spirit of devotion. The people here take special care of their culture. That can be seen even today in any social or religious festival of Lohardaga district.
This Prachin Shiv Mandir here shows that this religious importance is not from today, but has been adopted by the tribes here since ancient times. Which this temple proves in a visible form.
Geographical location of Prachin Shiv Mandir
The entire area of Prachin Shiv Mandir is spread over about 6 acres of land. Which includes gardens, rest houses, pure drinking water houses, where ROs have been installed.
8 small temples sunken in the ground, more than 200 stairs to climb the mountain, a pond, and a village adjacent to the temple make the geographical situation here beautiful. The height of the temple is 4 meters.
The main entrance of the temple is 1 meter, through which only one person can enter at a time. There is an ancient Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Outside the temple, in front of the temple, there are ancient idols of Lord Ganesha, Sun God and Nandi ji.
When you look around from the top of the mountain, a very beautiful view is visible. All around, green fields, barns, villages, ponds, many big trees, roads here and gardens in the temple premises decorate this place with beauty.
The mind gets peace. The mind gets peace. At the same time, on top of the mountain, one feels happy as soon as the light cool breeze touches the body.
Ways to reach the temple
The easiest way to reach Prajchi Shiv Mandir near Lohardagga district is by road. This temple is about 7 to 8 kms from Lohardagga railway station. From where many small vehicles are available. Apart from this, it is about 12 kms from Lohardagga district headquarters.
From there also one can easily reach by road by bus, tempo, bike etc. Lohardagga district can be reached by both rail and road. To reach by air, the nearest airport is Ranchi. From there one can come by road or rail.
Story of the origin of Shivling
According to the story of the local people, the Shivling of thePrachin Shiv Mandir of Lohardagga district has not been established by anyone. According to the religious and mythological story related to the origin of Shivling, it is said that this Shivling is self-created, that is, no one established it.
It is said that in ancient times, a monk used to come to this mountain every day to do penance of his Lord Shiva in a peaceful environment. Pleased with his rigorous penance and meditation, Lord Shiva appeared before him.
The same monk prayed to God to remain seated at this place forever, so that people can worship him. So that devotion towards God can arise in the minds of people. At that time, Lord Shiva registered his presence in the form of Shivling at this place.
Later, this news spread in many nearby areas and the devotees here established other Shivlings under this mountain to worship Lord Shiva. Later, time passed and all the sadhus here went to different places to beg for alms. After not being visited for a long time, this place got buried in the soil over time.
After many years, when the government came to know about this place, the archaeological department got it excavated. During this excavation, this place was declared as an ancient heritage in the whole nation.
Archaeological research and discovery
The Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture is a leading organization dedicated to archaeological research and protection of cultural heritage of the country.
The main work of this organization is the maintenance and care of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and ruins of national importance.
Stone inscription about the Prachin Shiv Mandir of Khekparata by Archaeological Survey of India, Ranchi Zone:
Made of local stones, this Shiva temple is situated on a small hill near Khekparata village. This temple has been constructed directly on the upper surface of the hill without digging the foundation. The temple has a narrow door of one meter height, which faces east.
A Shiva Linga is installed inside the sanctum sanctorum. There is an amalaka on the top of the temple. The height of the entire temple is about four meters. Based on the construction style, this temple is similar to the Deul temples of Orissa.
Which were built in the medieval period. Recently the Archaeological Survey of India has brought to light a group of temples at the foot of the hill through scientific cleaning/excavation, in which all the temples (except one) are dedicated to Lord Shiva, as Shivalinga is installed in all of them.
Faith and belief of devotees
This Prachin Shiv Mandir attracts the devotees of Lohpadaga district. A large number of devotees are seen here during the month of Shravan. Apart from this, a huge crowd of devotees is seen in this temple on Shivaratri.
Apart from this, tourists from far and wide come to see this Prachin Shiv Mandir on other days as well. It is believed here that whoever worships this ancient temple with devotion, his wish is definitely fulfilled. Special attention is paid to cleanliness here to maintain the beauty of this place.
Centre of religious and social activities
After the Prachin Shiv Mandir was declared of national importance by the Archaeological Department, its recognition has increased even more. This is the reason that people from other places come here to see this temple.
This place is going to be good for tourists, but you can visit it without harming any religious heritage here. You can click photos. Many people come here to worship, while many people come here to see the view.
For the protection of this temple, a fence has been made here. Which has been fenced including the mountain. Many development works can be seen here. This temple has not been rebuilt. It is very ancient. People come here to see this.
Procedures of Shiva worship in the temple
To worship in this Prachin Shiv Mandir, devotees are advised to take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes before starting the worship. While worshiping Shiva, it is necessary to keep in mind the proper direction at the place of worship.
While worshiping, one should face the east direction, in the evening the face is kept towards the west direction and at night towards the north direction. Ganga water is used first for the Abhishek of Shivling. After this, devotees perform Abhishek with other things like milk, curd, ghee, and henna.
Mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” are chanted during Abhishek. Bel leaves, dhatura, fruits, sweets, and special offerings are offered.
At the end of the puja, devotees perform aarti of Lord Shiva and take a vow to fulfill their wishes. In the vow process, devotees mention the day, date, and their wishes, which they put before the Lord.
Other tourist attractions of Lohardaga district
- Ajay Park – city near Bharwa toli
- Birsa Upvan Biodiversity Park
- Khakparta Mandir –
- Nandani Dam lohardaga- Bhandra place
- Kekrang Waterfalls – Bagru hill place
- Dhardharia Waterfalls -Senha Block
- 27 no. pool
- Akhileshwar Dham
- Prachin Shiv Mandir, Khakparta
- Lavapani Waterfall, Lohardaga
- Banpur dam – Banpur place
- Bagru Hill – kisko block
Which is the oldest temple of Shiva in Jharkhand?
The oldest temple of Shiva in Jharkhand is located at Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar), which is also known as Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and its religious significance is very high. This temple was built in 1516 AD.
What is famous in Lohardaga?
Today, there are many famous places in Lohardaga district, such as Akhileshwar Dham, Prachin Shiv Mandir, Lavapani Waterfall, Banpur dam, Bagru Hill, Ajay Park, Birsa Upvan Biodiversity Park, Khakparta Mandir, Nandani Dam, Kekrang Waterfalls, Dhardharia Waterfalls and 27 no. pool. All these places can be visited as a tourist destination in today’s time.
Which temple is famous as the temple of Shiva in Jharkhand?
Baidyanath Temple (Deoghar), it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and along with this it is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. This is the reason why the Shivlinga of this Mahadev is called Kamana Linga, because here both Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together.
FAQ’s for Prachin Shiv Mandir
1. Where is the Prachin Shiv Mandir located?
The Prachin Shiv Mandir is the oldest ancient Shiva temple located on a mountain in a village called Khakparata in Lohardaga district of Jharkhand, India.
2. What is the historical significance of the Prachin Shiv Mandir?
This temple is one of the oldest temples in the region, which has a very old historical and religious significance. It is an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. What is the specialty of the Shivalinga in the temple?
The Shivalinga in the Prachin Shiv Mandir is considered to be self-manifested, and has been worshiped for centuries, making it spiritually and historically important.
4. Who built the Prachin Shiv Mandir?
It is not known who built it, but it is believed that it was built by the ancient sage Shiva devotee of this region, who was deeply connected with the local traditions and culture.
5. How old is the Prachin Shiv Mandir?
Although its exact age is not clear, it is said that this temple was built around the 9th – 10th century. But it is considered to be the oldest temple in Lohardaga district, whose history may be several centuries old.