Sun Temple Ranchi : A Chariot-Shaped Temple in Edalhatu, Bundu | Distance | Architecture | History
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The Sun Temple Ranchi is situated on a beautiful hilltop in Edalhatu, about 40 km from Ranchi. Just 5 km before the Bundu subdivision, the temple lies 1 km inside the NH-33 (Ranchi-Jamshedpur road).
The Temple is designed in the shape of a grand chariot (Rath) drawn by seven mighty horses. Devotees who visit Maa Dewri Mandir also come here for darshan of Bhagwan Suryadev.
What do you expect after the visit?
The main attraction is seven magnificent horses and the grand Mandapa inside the temple, which looks truly majestic when you view it. Here is also a scenic view around the temple, where people create beautiful memories.
1. Seven large horses
2. Large, beautiful Mandapa
Photography inside is strictly prohibited, so images are not available.
3. Photo scenic view around the temple
Before you read further, enjoy this cinematic drone view-please watch for 30 seconds! The full video is available on our official YouTube channel: Queryflag Travel.
Location & Setting:
In addition, the surrounding hills and green landscapes create a peaceful atmosphere that feels very pleasant.
Activities for Visitors:
Unlike many other temples, People here usually don’t offer prasad; instead, they go inside, bow (Upasansa) to Lord Surya, and spend some time meditating.
Visitors take photos in front of the temple, and there are also professional photographers available who click pictures on demand.
Total time to explore:
30 minutes to 1 hour.
How to Reach Sun Temple Ranchi
The Temple is located about 40 km from Ranchi, on the Ranchi–Jamshedpur (NH-33) road at Edalhatu, around 1 km inside the highway. A dedicated gate from the main road leads directly to the temple complex.
Travel Route from Ranchi
Ranchi (Kantatoli) (via Ranchi–Tata Jamshedpur NH-33) → Namkum → Edalhatu → (inside from NH33) Sun Temple
Distances from Major Locations
From Ranchi: 40 km
From Namkum: 31 km.
From Bundu: 5.3 km before the town
From Jamshedpur (Tata): 94.7 km
From Chandil: 66.7 km
From Dewri Maa Dewri Mandir: 21 km
From Dassam Fall: 19.5 Km
Suggestion
Since Surya Mandir (Sun Temple) and Dewri Mandir fall on the same travel route, it is recommended to first visit Dewri Mandir from Ranchi. After offering prayers there, on your return time you can visit the Sun Temple. The distance from Dewri Mandir to Sun Temple is 21 km.
Best One-Day Trip Plan
Three visiting places, Dassam Fall, Sun Temple, and Dewri Mandir, are all on the same route, just a little distance apart. So, along with taking blessings of Maa Dewri and darshan of Bhagwan Surya, you can also explore the valley and waterfall altogether in one trip.
From Ranchi, first comes Dassam Fall, then Sun Temple, and last Dewri Temple.
First, visit the 700-year-old Dewri Mandir. On the return, stop at the Sun Temple. Finally, end the trip at Dassam Falls (near Taimara, slightly off the Dewri–Sun Temple route) where the cascading waters from the hills create a mesmerizing sight. You can easily cover all three places in one journey. Along the way, you will find family restaurants where you can stop for lunch before returning to Ranchi.
Trip route
Ranchi→(61km) Dewri Temple→ Returning Time→ (21 Km) Sun Temple→(19.5 km) Dassam Fall→Ranchi
Book a Private car (best for covering three places)
if you have your own car, then good, but don't have then. The best way is to book a Private car for the whole day and cover three places. Generally, taxi drivers charge a fixed amount plus an additional rate per kilometer, and there’s a toll tax just before Dewri temple charges RS 150 one-way and return time 65 on the same day
By Bike (best for an amazing nature experience)
If you want to enjoy the open sky, hills, and lush green surroundings, nothing can be better than going by bike. It’s truly a two-in-one experience — on one side, you’ll be exploring the temples, and on the other, you’ll witness Jharkhand’s amazing green forests and the stunning Taimara Valley.
And the best part is, there’s no toll tax for bikes, so if you’re two people, you can easily travel on a bike without any extra cost.
BY BUS
From Ranchi Kantatoli Bus Stand, you can take any bus going towards Bundu. The bus stand is located near the petrol pump, a short distance from Kantatoli Chowk.
By Train
Ranchi Junction is well connected to major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Kolkata, Dhanbad, Deoghar, and Jamshedpur, making it easy to reach Ranchi by train. Many affordable hotels are available near the station, or you can conveniently book your stay online in advance. From Ranchi Railway Station, you can book a private car for the whole day.
By Airline
If you are coming by flight, land at Birsa Munda International Airport, Ranchi.
Temple Architecture
The Temple has been built in the shape of a chariot. which was drawn by seven horses. On both sides, nine wheels have been carved, but they do not actually bear the load of the temple-they are placed only as a symbolic design.
This Temple, built of marble 108 feet high, 225 feet long, and 60 feet wide, is among the largest Sun Temples in India.
At the main entrance, seven large horses have been crafted and painted in white and golden colours. Behind the horses sits Lord Surya.
Inside the temple, there is a grand spherical hall whose walls are adorned with beautiful carvings. Within the hall, the idol of Lord Surya is installed, along with idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha.
The hall has been designed in such a way that natural light enters inside.
History
The Temple is about 31 years old. It was constructed on 10 July 1994 by the social and religious trust Sanskriti Vihar under the leadership of Shri Sitaram Maroo, A Shyamsevi, and the first man who started the sangh shakha in Ranchi, businessman and founder of Ranchi Express Group.
On 10 July 1994, the consecration (Pran-Pratishtha) of Lord Bhuvan Bhaskar was performed by Swami Shri Vamdev Ji Maharaj.
Inauguration date in the above photo is 20th July, which is incorrect, it is 10th July
Sanskriti Vihar was founded by social worker Shri Ganga Prasad Budhiya. The purpose of this institution was to promote education, healthcare, service to the poor and underprivileged, and religious activities in Ranchi and its surrounding areas. In 1986, Shri Budhiya ji gave the responsibility of this institution to Shri Sitaram Maroo, a renowned industrialist and social worker of Ranchi. Shri Maroo was actively involved in social upliftment and also managed his family business of electrical equipment. He was the founder of the Ranchi Express newspaper group and had close relations with several national-level BJP leaders.
During the programs of Sanskriti Vihar, Shri Sitaram Maroo met Shri Pradhan Munda, who owned a piece of land in the Edalhatu area. At that time, a crusher plant of Shri Rajendra Prasad Agarwal was operating there. The unique feature of this hill was that the first rays of the sun would fall on this very spot. Considering this fact, Shri Sitaram Maroo discussed with Shri Pradhan Munda and Shri Agarwal and decided to build a Sun Worship Temple (Surya Upasana Bhavan) at this location.
Soon after, on 24 October 1991, the foundation stone of the Sun Worship Temple was laid by the Acharya of Jyotishpeethadheeshwar, Badrinath Dham. Under the supervision of architect Shri Kalia Ji and Shri Sitaram Maroo, the construction work began. Finally, on 10 July 1994, the consecration (Pran-Pratishtha) of Lord Bhuvan Bhaskar was performed by Swami Shri Vamdev Ji Maharaj.
At present, the temple is maintained by Sanskriti Vihar, whose current president is former Rajya Sabha member Shri Ajay Maroo, son of Shri Sitaram Maroo.
The temple premises have been named Shri Pradhan Munda Nagar in memory of Shri Pradhan Munda, the pradhan of Edalhatu village, who donated the land for the construction of the temple. After his demise, his sons, Shri Chandi Kumar Singh Munda and Shri Ram Durlabh Singh Munda, have continued to extend their support.
On 11 October 2007, a grand program was organized in the premises of the Sun Temple, where the statue of the founder, Shri Sitaram Maroo, was unveiled by Shri Yashwant Sinha. The event was graced by the then RSS Sarsanghchalak, Shri K.C. Sudarshan, along with thousands of devotees and guests.
Worship and Festival
Tusu Parv Fairs at Sun Temple
On 25th January, during the Tusu Parv, a grand fair is organized at the Sun Temple which attracts large crowds. The fair features toys for children, various traditional delicacies, and everyday household items.
The most special aspect of this fair is its rural atmosphere, which offers a glimpse of local art and culture. For people who live in cities, this experience feels truly unique and refreshing.
Drone view of Tusu Fair, Sun temple Edalhatu, Bundu, Ranchi
Tusu Fair crowd along the road, Sun Temple Edalhatu Bundu Ranchi
Chhath Puja Celebration
Behind the temple, there is a pond where local people perform Chhath Puja. A path next to the temple leads directly to this pond. The festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm and devotion, creating a spectacular sight.
Thus, the Sun Temple is not only a place of Sun worship, but also a living symbol of local identity and culture.
Prominent Visitors
In 2007, during a special program at the temple, 5th RSS Sarsanghchalak (Chief) Shri K.C. Sudarshan Ji visited. Current and 6th RSS (Chief) is Sri Mohan Bhagwat
In 2024, famous Bollywood actor Shri Govinda Ji also came here as a visitor. he stay here for half hour.
Travel Tips
On sunny days, do not remove your footwear at the base of the temple.
The stairs and marble flooring inside the temple complex become extremely hot during the day, making it very difficult to walk barefoot. Although many devotees leave their footwear at the bottom of the stairs out of faith, you are allowed to wear them while climbing up and can remove them before offering prayers inside the sanctum.
Visitor FAQs
What are the temple timings?
The temple remains open throughout the day. It is closed only from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM for offering bhog to Lord Surya.
When is the best time to visit the temple?
The best time is during the winter season. october to Febraury
When should one avoid visiting?
It is better to avoid the summer season when the surroundings become very hot.
Is there any parking charge?
No, there is no parking charge. The parking area is right next to the temple.
What food options are available nearby?
You can find local snacks such as chana masala, bhunja thuska, peanuts, and pani puri.
Is photography allowed here?
Yes, photography is allowed outside the temple, but it is not allowed inside.
Is drone video shooting allowed?
Yes, drone video shooting is permitted here.
What other attractions are nearby?
Nearby attractions include Dassam Falls and Dewri Mandir.
How far is Dassam Falls from the Sun Temple Ranchi?
Approximately 40 km.
How far is Dewri Mandir from Sun Temple?
Approximately 21 km.
What is Sanskriti Vihar Trust?
Sanskriti Vihar is a religious trust established to promote education and healthcare services. It was founded by Shri Gungaram Budhiya and later handed over to Shri Sitaram Maroo, founder of Ranchi Express. Currently, it is managed by Shri Ajay Maroo, son of Sitaram Maroo.
When and by whom was the Sun Temple Ranchi established?
It was established in 1994 by Sanskriti Vihar under the leadership of Shri Sitaram Maroo.
– Jai Surya Dev
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