Situated in the serene hills of Bundu, Ranchi district, Jharkhand, the Sun Temple, also known as Surya Mandir, is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to the solar deity, Lord Surya. Constructed in 1991, this temple is famed for its chariot-shaped design, adorned with eighteen wheels and seven lifelike horses. Its hilltop perch and divine atmosphere draw many seeking blessings and peace.
Notable Fact: The temple’s chariot-shaped structure, with eighteen wheels and seven horses, mirrors the mythical chariot of Surya, a rare architectural marvel in Jharkhand, inspired by the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Overview of Sun Temple
Sun Temple located near Bundu, 40 km from Ranchi, along the Ranchi-Tata Highway (NH-33, now NH-43), a key Hindu pilgrimage site for Surya worship. Famous for its 2.5-foot Surya idol, the temple spans 10 acres and includes shrines for Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Hanuman. Devotees offer water, flowers, and red cloth, believing Surya grants health and prosperity. Built by the Sanskrit Vihar Charitable Trust under Shri Ram Maroo, it supports 5000–7000 daily visitors with a dharamshala and pond. A Dharmashala for pilgrims has been constructed. There is also a pond where devotees can bathe during Chhath Puja for worshiping the Sun God. It is a sacred stop for Hindus, tied to Jharkhand’s Chhota Nagpur Plateau heritage.
History of Sun Temple
The construction of the temple began on October 24, 1991, under the Sanskrit Vihar Charitable Trust, led by Shri Ram Maroo, Managing Director of Ranchi Express. The foundation stone was laid by Swami Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati, with Prana Pratishtha (idol consecration) by Swami Shri Vamdev Ji Maharaj on July 10, 1994. The temple was built to honor Chhathavratis (Chhath Puja devotees). Local tales claim a vision of Surya appeared to a priest in the 1980s, prompting the site’s selection. In 2015, the trust added a dharamshala for pilgrims.
Architecture of Sun Temple
Set on a 10-acre hilltop plot, Sun Temple follows a modern North Indian style, designed as a giant chariot. The main structure, 20 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 15 meters tall, is built of white marble and red sandstone, with a 5-meter lotus-shaped dome. The sanctum houses a 2.5-foot black stone Surya idol, seated on a chariot with Aruna as charioteer. The chariot has eighteen wheels (nine per side), each 1 meter wide, and seven 3-meter-tall horse statues, carved from granite. Four shrines, each 4 meters by 4 meters, honor Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Hanuman. A 15-meter by 10-meter pond, 100 meters east, serves Chhath rituals. The entrance, a 6-meter-wide arch, bears floral carvings. The tiled yard, 3000 square meters, holds 8000 devotees.
Sculptures of Sun Temple
The 2.5-foot Surya idol, housed in the main sanctum of the temple, made up of black stone, holding lotuses, is seated on a chariot with Aruna. Shiva’s 2-foot linga, Parvati’s 2-foot idol, Ganesha’s 1.5-foot idol, and Hanuman’s 3-foot idol, all black stone, fill side shrines. The chariot’s wheels, carved with 0.5-meter floral motifs, and horse statues, unpainted, reflect Odisha-style craftsmanship. The main shrine’s walls bear 15 carved panels, 1 meter by 0.5 meters, depicting Surya’s journey and Shiva’s Tandava, etched 3 centimeters deep, painted gold. The arch has two 0.5-meter sun motifs. No ancient sculptures exist, as the temple is new, but its chariot design draws eyes, crafted skillfully in the 1990s.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Sun Temple, Ranchi
In Bundu, 40 km from Ranchi on NH-43, the temple is reached by bus, taxi, or auto, set on a hill.
By Air
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 45 km away, connects to Delhi (2.5 hours), Kolkata (1.5 hours), Mumbai (2 hours), Bangalore (2.5 hours).
By Train
Ranchi Junction, 40 km away, links to Kolkata (6 hours), Delhi (12 hours), Patna (5 hours). Autos from Ranchi to Bundu take 1 hour.
By Road
Bundu connects to Ranchi (40 km, 1 hour), Jamshedpur (90 km, 2 hours), Dhanbad (130 km, 3 hours) via NH-43. State buses cost ₹50–150; private buses run hourly. Taxis cost ₹1000–2000. Autos to the temple cost ₹20–50, 3 km from NH, 50 steps to the shrine.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹100–300. Photography allowed, except in the sanctum. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees; women wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas or dhotis.
Best Time to Visit
October to March, temperatures 14–25°C, suits visits. Weekdays see 5000 visitors; weekends, 10,000. Chhath Puja (October–November) draws 100,000, book early. Avoid April–June, 25–40°C.
Nearby Attractions
Ranchi Lake, 40 km, 1842-built lake, boating costs ₹50.
Tagore Hill, 43 km, 300-foot hill, scenic views.
Rock Garden, 45 km, waterfalls, sculptures.
Hundru Falls, 65 km, 320-foot waterfall.
Jagannath Temple, 50 km, 1691-built shrine.
Final Thoughts
Sun Temple in Bundu, Ranchi, Jharkhand, is a sacred heritage in India’s heart. Lord Surya’s radiant grace touches them who come, making it a place you must see among India’s holy spots for devotees and visitors alike.
