The Chinnamastika Temple, Jharkhand

The Chinnamastika Temple, Jharkhand

The Chinnamastika Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Rajrappa, Jharkhand, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Chinnamastika, also known as Chinnamasta or Chinnamasta Devi. The temple is situated on the banks of the river Damodar, surrounded by lush green hills.

Chinnamastika is a fierce form of the Hindu goddess Durga, and she is depicted as a self-decapitated goddess holding her own severed head in one hand while drinking the blood flowing from her neck. She is often depicted standing on the bodies of Kamdeva (the god of desire) and his consort Rati (the goddess of love). Despite her fierce appearance, Chinnamastika is considered a powerful and benevolent deity who grants boons to her devotees.

The Chinnamastika Temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year. The main festival celebrated at the temple is Chinnamastika Jayanti, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the goddess. During this festival, devotees gather to offer prayers and perform various rituals.

The temple complex also houses other deities such as Kali, Saraswati, and Bhairava. The serene surroundings and natural beauty of the Rajrappa region add to the spiritual experience for visitors.

Visitors to the Chinnamastika Temple can also explore the nearby attractions, including the Rajrappa Waterfalls, which are located a short distance away. The waterfalls are a popular picnic spot and offer breathtaking views.

Address:

Chinnamastika Temple,

Rajrappa, Ramgarh District,

 Jharkhand, India.

Connectivity: 

Rajrappa, where the Chinnamastika Temple is located, is well connected by various modes of transportation. Here are the connectivity options:

1. By Road: Rajrappa is easily accessible by road. It is connected to major cities and towns in Jharkhand and neighboring states through a network of national and state highways. Regular bus services operate from nearby cities like Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Ramgarh to Rajrappa.

2. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Rajrappa is the Ramgarh Cantonment Railway Station, which is approximately 15 kilometers away. Trains from cities like Ranchi, Patna, and Kolkata connect to Ramgarh Cantonment. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the Chinnamastika Temple.

3. By Air: The nearest airport to Rajrappa is the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. It is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rajrappa.

4. Local Transportation: Once you reach Rajrappa, you can easily find auto-rickshaws, and taxis for local transportation within the town. These can be used to reach the Chinnamastika Temple and explore the nearby attractions.

Legend of Chinnamastika Temple:

The legend revolves around the goddess Chinnamastika herself. Here is a summary of the legend:

Once, the gods and goddesses were engaged in a fierce battle against the demon forces led by two powerful demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha. The gods, overwhelmed by the demons' strength, sought the help of the goddess Durga.

In response to their plea, the divine energy of Durga took the form of Chinnamastika. She emerged as a fierce and awe-inspiring goddess, with her severed head in one hand and a sword in the other.

Chinnamastika set out to confront the demons. In the midst of the battle, she decapitated herself with her sword, causing her head to fly into the air. At that moment, three streams of blood spurted from her neck. One stream was consumed by Chinnamastika herself, while the other two streams were drunk by her two companions, Varahi and Dakini.

The sacrifice of Chinnamastika in severing her own head was symbolic of her transcending the limitations of the physical body and embracing the divine consciousness. This act of self-sacrifice is considered a supreme demonstration of her power and detachment from the material world.

The Chinnamastika Temple in Rajrappa is believed to have been established at the spot where Chinnamastika performed this divine act. It is considered a sacred place where devotees come to seek the blessings of the goddess and witness her divine energy.

The legend of Chinnamastika represents the triumph of good over evil, the power of self-sacrifice, and the transcendence of worldly limitations. It serves as an inspiration for devotees to overcome obstacles, attain spiritual enlightenment, and embrace the divine within themselves.

In the month of January a special fair is held here on the festival of Makar Sankranti and attended by lakhs of people. A fair is also organized during the festival of Vijayadashmi, and attended by large number of people. Visitors can take a holy bath in the river.