Bhim Chulha is a historical and natural site located in Palamu district, Jharkhand, where you can experience the stories of the Mahabharata period and amazing natural beauty. With religious importance and cultural heritage, it is a major tourist attraction.
General introduction of Bhim Chulha
Bhim Chulha is situated near Mohammad Ganj Barrage in Hussainabad subdivision at a distance of about 95 km from Palamu district headquarters of Jharkhand state. This Chulha is said to be about 5000 years old.
Bhim Chulha is a historical heritage located on the southern border of Mohammad Ganj Panchayat. Its distance from the subdivisional headquarters Hussainabad is about 30 km. Every year the maximum crowd is seen here on 14 January.
Every year a fair and many types of religious and cultural programs are organized here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. There are many places worth seeing around this Bhim Chulha Mandir Park.
The main attractions of Bhim Chulha Mandir are the tallest Bhim Chulha, Shiva temple, the five Pandavas and their mother, stone elephant, watch tower, picnic spot, boating in the river etc. It is a center of many attractions. One can easily reach here by rail and road. The nearest railway station is located at a distance of 3 km from Mohammad Railway Station.
Historical importance of Bhim Chulha
The Palamu region of Jharkhand province, surrounded by forests and mountains, is full of natural beauty and historical-mythological sites. Mohammadganj of Hussainabad subdivision is also included in this region. The mythological Bhim Chulha is located here.
According to legends, this is the same 5 thousand year old stove on which Bhim used to cook food during the exile of the Pandavas. This stove made of boulders on the banks of the Koel River is the main evidence of the stay of the Pandavas in this area.
The famous Bhim Chulha is located near the Mohammad Ganj Barrage. As a tourist destination, tourists enjoy visiting both the places together. A stone elephant has been built near the hill next to Bhim Chulha. People also worship it according to their faith. The Barwadi to Dehri Indian Railway line also passes near Bhim Chulha.
Mahabharata period
Bhim Chulha of Mohammadganj is very important from the point of view of religious tourism in Palamu. This place is said to be connected to the Mahabharata period. Its remains are still present at this place.
It is said that there is a stove made by Bhim near the Koel river in Mohammadganj. Bhim had made this stove from three rocks. Every year thousands of people come to see it on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Remains of the Mahabharata period are present in Mohammadganj. It is said that when the Pandavas were in exile, they reached Mohammadganj in Palamu. Here, Bhim had made a stove to cook food on the banks of the Koel river.
The stove is made by joining three big rocks. There is a mountain range at a distance of about 500 meters from the place where this stove is located.
Makar Sankranti Fair
It is believed that Bhim brought three big rocks from the same mountains and made a stove. For this reason, this area is known as Bhim Chulha. Every year hundreds of tourists come to visit Bhim Chulha. Barrage has been constructed near Bhim Chulha under North Koel Project. A fair is held here every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
This Bhim Chulha of Palamu district organizes fair and many religious and cultural programs on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Local people say that it is a big center of faith. Bhim Barrage is about 95 kilometers away from Palamu district headquarters Medininagar while its distance from sub-divisional headquarters Hussainabad is about 30 kilometers. One can reach Bhim Chulha by road and rail.
In the revenue fair held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at Bhim Chulha of Mohammadganj, the stone elephant becomes the center of attraction as well as the faith of the people. The fair is held every year. After the construction of Bhim Barrage at this place, the fair site has shrunk. Even after that, people around Koel and Son rivers participate in this fair.
After bathing in the river, people perform Jalabhishek in the ancient Shiva temple and enjoy the fair. They spend time in the mountain range. Only after that they return to their homes. This fair has been held for about 75 years. The demand to give this place the status of a tourist spot is still unheard. Food and household items are sold in abundance in the fair.
About the elephant
Pandit ji says that the elephant present here came to this place with the Pandavas in the Dwapar era. It was mainly Bhim ji’s vehicle. When Bhim started leaving from this place, this elephant refused to leave from here.
During this time, Bhim killed this elephant. From that time onwards, this elephant remained here in the form of a stone. Later, when the local people came to know about it, this stone statue was again made into a statue of an elephant.
What is Bhim Chulha? Its importance?
Bhim Chulha is a historical and mythological place, which is associated with the Mahabharata period. This place is very popular among tourists and local people, because it is not only a natural attraction, but many religious and cultural significances are also associated with it.
It is believed that food was cooked on this stove during the time of the Pandavas, which makes it important from a religious point of view.
Interesting story behind the name
Bhim Chulha is named after the main character of Mahabharata, Bhima. According to legends, during his exile, Bhima built a huge stove at this place, from where it is called “Bhim Chulha”.
The story behind this is very popular among the local people and this place is associated with mythological times. People say that the Pandavas lived here during their 14 years of exile and Bhima used this stove to cook food.
Geographical location and how to reach?
Palamu district is easily accessible by rail and road. This Bhim Chulha is located on the southern border of Mohammad Ganj Panchayat near Mohammad Ganj Barrage of Hussainabad subdivision, about 95 km from Palamu district. The nearest railway station to reach here is Mohammad Railway Station located at a distance of 3 km. The railway track here passes near the temple. One can easily reach here by road transport.
Natural beauty
Talking about natural beauty, the natural beauty around Bhim Chulha is quite attractive and beautiful. The premises of Bhim Chulha temple have been developed as a park. There are many tourist attractions to see here like Bhim Chulha, stone elephants, watch towers, natural valleys, hills and forests, railway tunnel, huge river adjacent to the temple, boating on the river etc.
All this makes this Bhim Chulha temple a major attraction. The statue of the five Pandavas and their mother has been built outside the Shiva temple in the temple premises here. This statue has been installed during the lockdown of India.
Stories related to the Mahabharata period
It is said that the Pandavas lived here during their 14 years of exile and Bhima used this stove to cook food. According to the stories of the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas passed through this area during their exile. Bhima, who was the strongest of the Pandavas, built a huge stove to cook food at this place.
This stove was so big that the whole family could easily cook food here. Due to this story, this place was named ‘Bhim Chulha’. Many other events in this area are believed to be related to the Mahabharata period.
Tourists and devotees coming here consider this place important from religious and historical point of view. The folklore and ancient beliefs here further increase the importance of this place, due to which this place has become a major center of religious tourism.
Religious significance
The temples around Bhim Chulha include Shiva temple and Hanuman temple, where devotees come to worship. These temples are surrounded by natural beauty, which makes the visit here even more spiritual. Apart from these temples, many other small religious places are also located here, where local people go to worship regularly.
This place is not only associated with a mythological story, but it is also a symbol of religious faith. Bhim, who is considered a symbol of strength and courage, cooked food for his family here. This place is considered a place of power and faith, where devotees come and wish for strength and prosperity in their lives. Special religious events are organized here every year, where people come to express their devotion.
Favourable time for tourism
The best season to visit Bhim Chulha is the picnic starts from December, which lasts till February-March. People go for picnics with family and friends. Every year, the maximum crowd is seen in the premises of Bhim Chulha on 14 January. Every year a grand fair is organized here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
In which many types of religious and cultural programs are organized. It can be best to visit here at that time. In fact, devotees come here every month to worship. Bhim Chulha is a special attraction during the rainy and winter seasons. During the rainy season, the river here is completely filled with water. The cold increases here during the winter season.
Attraction for tourists
Many places in the Bhim Chulha complex are good for photography. Due to its beauty, it attracts tourists here. The things worth seeing here are Bhim Chulha, the statue of the five Pandavas and their mother, their footprints, which are imprinted in stone. Stone elephants, a huge river next to the temple.
Watch tower, railway tunnel, temple park, Shiva temple, hilly area and other attractions can be seen. Camping, trekking and other activities can be done here. It is considered the best place for picnics. Local people celebrate picnics here from December to February.
Other tourist places in Palamu district
Batane Dam
Malay Dam Palamu
Kund Waterfalls Palamu
Betla National Park
Mirchiya Waterfalls
Suga Bandh Waterfalls
Bhim Chulha
Koyal and Amanadi Milan Sthan – Singra
Koyal River Fronts Tourist Spots
Shahpur Fort Palamu
Kusumdaha Temple Complex
Kechki Sangam Place
Chiyanki Hill and Park
Local food and catering
There are no shops of any kind in the premises of Bhim Chulha. There is a railway station nearby, there is a small market and bazaar where all the food items are available. The main dishes here are Dhuska, Chokha, Pitha, Litti-Chokha, Dal-Bhat, Sel Roti, Madua Roti, Rainy season tubers, Ghughni Puri etc. Apart from this, many types of dishes are made during festivals.
Accommodation and lodging facilities
A small hotel is available near the nearest railway station. Where you can stay for the night. Apart from this, many big and small hotels are available in Palamu district. Dharamshala is present in the premises of Bhim Chulha temple.
Suggestions for travelling with family
This is a religious place. Tourists as well as devotees come here. There is boating facility here. You can come to this place with family and friends. The best time to visit here is Makar Shankranti when a grand fair is organized.
At that time the maximum crowd of devotees is seen here. The trip here can be very auspicious for children and the elderly. Road and rail facilities are also available to come here.
Future prospects
Local people keep coming to Bheem Chulha Mandir all the time. But the temple here has been developed as a park by the government. Therefore, along with devotees, people of other religions and castes also come here for peace of mind.
It is said that for the development of this place, the government has been developing this Bhim Chulha Mandir from time to time. And in the coming times, its possibility can be seen even more.
Safety and responsible tourism
This place is considered safe for tourists. There is a Dharamshala in the temple premises for overnight stay. This place can be considered safe from the security point of view. Because devotees are seen performing Puja here every day.
Many people come here from other states to see the Bhil Chulha. During the fair or religious, cultural program, a huge crowd of local devotees gathers. The government here takes care of this Bheem temple to protect the local environment and culture.
Some questions related to Bhim Chulha Temple
1. What is Bhim Chulha and what is its religious significance?
Bhim Chulha is a historical and religious site, which is associated with the Mahabharata period. It is believed that Bhim cooked food here during his stay, and hence it is considered important from a religious point of view.
2. Where is Bhim Chulha Temple located?
Bhim Chulha Temple is located near Mohammad Ganj Barrage in Hussainabad subdivision, about 95 km from Palamu district headquarters of Jharkhand.
3. How to reach Bhim Chulha Temple?
Palamu district can be easily reached by road and rail. Bhim Chulha can be reached from the main cities nearby through taxi or local transport.
4. What is the best time to visit the temple?
The best time to visit Bhim Chulha is during the winter months of October to February. Apart from this, Makar Shankranti Mela is favorable for travel.
5. Are there any religious events held at Bhim Chulha Temple?
Yes, religious rituals and special pujas are held at the temple from time to time, especially on festivals and Mahashivratri.
6. What are the other religious places near Bhim Chulha Temple?
There are many other religious places around Bhim Chulha Temple, such as Shiva Temple and Surya Temple, which are important for religious devotees.
7. Is there any fee for entry to Bhim Chulha?
No, there is no fee charged for entry to Bhim Chulha Temple. It is free for all devotees and tourists.