Where Gods make way for martyrs

This R-Day, see the Tricolour fly high on a Ranchi temple

 Travel to Ranchi to catch a glimpse  of the famous Pahari Temple where locals unfurl the National Flag on Republic Day — something that they have been doing for years — with fanfare, as the temple stands testimony to the sacrifice by martyrs of the India national movement. “Here the Tricolour is revered and prayed parallel to the Goddess and deities,” Ranchi Pahari Mandir Vikas Samiti founder member Daya Shankar told Deccan Herald. Claiming to be an isolated temple of its kind in the entire nation where the National Flag is unfurled, Daya said the tradition dates back to the midnight of August 14, 1947.

“As the news spread about India gaining Independence, hundreds of people thronged to the hilltop — known for the execution of freedom fighters — and  as a mark of respect to those who laid down their lives for the nation, they hoisted the National Flag. Continuing this tradition, the Tricolour is hoisted atop the temple every year with pomp and gaiety,” said Daya Shankar.

Buttressing Daya Shankar’s claim is a marble plaque at the entrance of the main temple which reads: “When the country became independent on August 14, 1947 midnight, the residents of Ranchi hoisted the National Flag here.”

Located at an altitude of 383 feet and otherwise known as “Fansi Tungi (hill of capital punishment) among the older residents, the hill has religious and historical significance attached to it. Locals say it was this hilltop where several freedom fighters were executed by the British during the Independence movement.
“Then the hilltop happened to be a secluded place surrounded by thick vegetation. Though they are at a loss to point out the exact number of those hung here, they put the death toll not less than a dozen during different times of the movement. They again pointed out that the British installed anti-aircraft guns on the hilltop during the Second World War,” said Bipin Singh, another member of Pahari Mandir Vikas Samit, on the basis of his interactions with older residents.

Scores of people visit the temple everyday to pray and offer holy water to the presiding deity Lord Shiv. But Independence Day and Republic Day acquire a special significance for them.

Given that the National Flag is unfurled here virtually right on the stroke of midnight, this temple naturally comes to hold some special significance.