...

Tanginath Dham

Gumla, Jharkhand, India
Tanginath Dham is a site of immense historical, archaeological, and religious importance, shrouded in mystery and ancient legends. Located on a hilltop about 300 feet high, Tanginath is a veritable open-air museum of ancient artifacts and religious remnants. The name 'Tanginath' is derived from a ma ssive, ancient, rust-proof iron trident (trishul) that stands majestically planted in the ground, believed to be the 'tangi' (axe) of Lord Parashurama. According to local legend, after Parashurama completed his mission, he buried his axe here, and the spot became a pilgrimage site. The site is a treasure trove for archaeologists, with countless stone idols, Shiva Lingams, and other artifacts lying scattered across the premises, exposed to the elements for centuries. These idols are believed to belong to various Hindu deities, including Lord Vishnu, Surya, Lakshmi, and Bhavani, dating back to the ancient and medieval eras. Some of the images are yet to be identified, with some scholars even suggesting they might belong to the Buddhist or Jain periods, hinting at a multi-religious history of the site. Despite its significance, the place has remained largely unexplored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), adding to its mystique. The climb to the hilltop, though challenging, is spiritually rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment and a panoramic view of the surrounding forested landscape. The dense vegetation and a number of small brooks and streams make the journey a rustic adventure, especially during the post-monsoon season. Tanginath is more than just a collection of ruins; it is a 'Shivsthali,' or a sacred abode of Lord Shiva, a place where the air itself feels charged with spirituality. The sheer number of Shiva Lingams scattered around the site, sometimes in clusters, makes one wonder about the scale of worship that must have taken place here in ancient times. The site is a living testament to the rich spiritual heritage of the Chota Nagpur region, a place where history, mythology, and nature converge to create a powerful and unforgettable experience.

General information

  • ...
    Ideal Duration:
    4-5 hours.
  • ...
    Place Type:
    Religious, Archaeological Site.
  • ...
    Entry Fees:
    Free. ...
    Free.
  • ...
    Timing:
    Open from sunrise to sunset. ...
    Open from sunrise to sunset.
  • ...
    Special Events:
    The site attracts a large number of devotees, particularly during Maha Shivaratri. The local community organizes a special fair, and pilgrims from nearby villages make the trek to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. ...
    The site attracts a large number of devotees, particularly during Maha Shivaratri. The local community organizes a special fair, and pilgrims from nearby villages make the trek to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
  • ...
    Best Photo Spots:
    The rust-proof iron trishul is the most iconic photo spot. The innumerable ancient idols scattered across the hilltop, with the forest as a backdrop, offer unique and artistic opportunities. The panoramic view of the landscape from the top is also breathtaking. ...
    The rust-proof iron trishul is the most iconic photo spot. The innumerable ancient idols scattered across the hilltop, with the forest as a backdrop, offer unique and artistic opportunities. The panoramic view of the landscape from the top is also breathtaking.

Photo Gallery

...
Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

  • ...
    Visitors can trek to the hilltop, explore the scattered ancient idols and Shiva Lingams, and pay their respects at the main Shiva temple. The site is a paradise for history enthusiasts and photographers. The serene environment is also perfect for meditation and spiritual reflection. ...

Resturants

Show All

Information

  • ...
    Why Famous:
    Tanginath Dham is famous for its ancient, rust-proof iron trishul, believed to be the axe of Lord Parashurama. It is also renowned as a significant archaeological site with hundreds of ancient idols and Shiva Lingams, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of the region. ...
    Tanginath Dham is famous for its ancient, rust-proof iron trishul, believed to be the axe of Lord Parashurama. It is also renowned as a significant archaeological site with hundreds of ancient idols and Shiva Lingams, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of the region.
  • ...
    Architecture:
    Tanginath DhamRs.s architecture is not a single, coherent style but rather a collection of ancient remnants. The site is spread over an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. The main features are the countless stone idols and Shiva Lingams, some of which are still intact, while others are worn...
    Tanginath DhamRs.s architecture is not a single, coherent style but rather a collection of ancient remnants. The site is spread over an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. The main features are the countless stone idols and Shiva Lingams, some of which are still intact, while others are worn down by time. The most prominent architectural element is the massive iron trishul, a testament to the advanced metalworking skills of the ancient people. The main temple of Lord Shiva is a small, traditional structure built over the ruins of an older shrine, and its design is simple and functional. The Surya Kund, a rectangular pond dedicated to the Sun God, is another notable feature. The entire site is on a natural hill, with no man-made fortification, suggesting it was a pilgrimage center rather than a fortress. The layout is organic, with the artifacts scattered across the hill, seemingly placed by the ebb and flow of time itself.
  • ...
    How To Reach:
    Tanginath is located in the Dumri block, about 50 km from Gumla city. The journey is best undertaken by a private vehicle or a hired jeep. The road to Dumri is relatively good, but the final 8 km to Tanginath is a rough, muddy path, especially during the rainy season. It is advisable to hire a lo...

Tourism Tips

  • ...
    Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for trekking and walking on uneven surfaces. Carry a sufficient amount of water and some snacks, as there are no shops nearby. It's a remote location, so it's safer to visit in a group. Respect the ancient artifacts and do not try to move or damage them. ...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

Near Places
...
Anjan Dham

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Baghmunda Caves

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Baghmunda Waterfall

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Bansdih Hill

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Basia Block Attractions

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Dhardariya Waterfall

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Fr. Constant Lievens Statue

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Ghaghra Waterfall

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Ghorlata Cave Palkot

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Hapamuni Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
in Other Cities