In the western district of Purulia stands Lahoria Shiva Temple where natural settings and sacred practices achieve perfect unison. This ancient temple stands at the Ayodhya Hills boundary area maintaining a natural integration with its environment to create both pilgrimage havens and naturalistic relaxation spaces. Since its dedication to Lord Shiva the temple serves as both a religious site for worship alongside a tranquil location to bond with nature. The spiritual atmosphere at this temple extends from Kestobazar Dam and the natural surroundings that create one-of-a-kind moments of spiritual connection.
History has failed to determine when the Lahoria Shiva Temple first appeared; however experts assume it dates back several centuries. Architectural enhancements during the 19th century led to the temple’s present state which has remained in good shape. The temple originated through building efforts by a king or landlord from the area according to popular regional stories. Lord Shiva received prayers from visiting ascetics and saints who used this site for meditation when it first opened. A Shiva Linga at this site supposedly provides devotees with two benefits: wishes fulfilled and inner peace for their entire lives.
The temple receives worship from numerous devotees because they believe spiritual activities here will bring both peace and prosperity. The temple stands as an ancient monument which displays elaborate carvings that show its long-standing historical significance. Devotees regard a 500-year-old peepal tree that stands near the temple as holy because it serves to create a spiritual ambiance while representing timeless peacefulness.
There’s no single perfect time to visit “Mahadev” — each season offers its own unique charm and captivating experience at the temple.
| Location Details | Description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Kestobazar Dam | A beautiful dam located near the Lahoria Temple, enhancing the temple’s scenic beauty. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. | 300 m |
| Marble Lake | A nearby tranquil lake that provides a calm and serene environment for nature lovers. | 8 km |
| Turga Dam | A scenic retreat in Ajodhya Hill, surrounded by lush greenery, hills, and waterfalls. | 4 km |
| Turga Falls | A serene, forest-surrounded waterfall in Ajodhya Hills, popular for photography and nature getaways. | 3.5 km |
| Charida Village | Also known as Mukhosh Gram, this village is famous for its Chhau mask-making artisans. Visitors can witness the traditional craft in open workshops. | 7.7 km |
Purulia Railway Station is well-connected with Kolkata and is about 322 km away, which takes around 5–6 hours by train. You can take trains like: Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (20898), Chakradharpur Express (18011), Purulia SF Express (12827), and Ranchi Intercity Express (18627). From the Purulia station, a private vehicle arranged by Purulia Travels will take you through the scenic Ajodhya Hill Road. After reaching Hilltop Area, the vehicle continues towards Upper Dam More for 3.8 km, then goes straight for 5.2 km to reach the Lower Dam View Point. From there, it drives 4.3 km further to reach Lahoria Shiva Temple.
Purulia is well-connected by road to nearby cities such as Bankura, Asansol, Bokaro, Jamshedpur, and Ranchi. From Kolkata, take a bus from Esplanade or Karunamoyee, where both government and private buses operate, including AC service. These buses will drop you at the Purulia Bus Stand, where a vehicle from Purulia Travels will pick you up and take you through Ajodhya Hill Road. After reaching Hilltop Area, the vehicle continues towards Upper Dam More for 3.8 km, then goes straight for 5.2 km to reach the Lower Dam View Point. From there, it drives 4.3 km further to reach Lahoria Shiva Temple. If you are driving on your own then follow the same route after reaching Purulia Town.
The closest airports are Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is 117 km away. Another option is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur, around 164 km away. From either airport, you can take a train or bus to Purulia Town. Once in Purulia, a private vehicle from Purulia Travels will take you through the scenic Ajodhya Hill Road. After reaching Hilltop Area, the vehicle continues towards Upper Dam More for 3.8 km, then goes straight for 5.2 km to reach the Lower Dam View Point. From there, it drives 4.3 km further to reach Lahoria Shiva Temple.
Find quick answers to all your questions about visiting Lahoria Shiva Temple.
Lahoria Shiva Temple is situated in the Ajodhya Hills region of Purulia district, West Bengal. It lies about 13.4 km from Ajodhya Hilltop and 54.3 km from Purulia Railway Station.
The ideal time to visit is from September to March, during the cooler months. This period includes key festivals like Maha Shivaratri and the bloom of Palash flowers, enhancing both spiritual and scenic experiences.
Yes. The temple is nestled in hilly terrain, surrounded by lush nature, making it ideal for light treks, nature walks, and photography.
While the temple is suitable for all ages, the path includes hilly terrain and inclines, so elderly visitors and children should proceed with caution and wear suitable footwear.
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