About Chhinnamasta Temple
The Chhinnamasta Temple, also called Maa Chhinnamastika Mandir, stands at Rajrappa in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, about 70 km from Ranchi, on a rocky bank where the Bhairavi (Bhera) river falls into the Damodar. The goddess Chhinnamasta, one of the ten Mahavidyas, is worshipped here, and the shrine is the best-known Devi temple in Jharkhand. Devotees from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha come here to fulfil vows and seek the goddess's protection.
Chhinnamasta, the goddess who cuts off her own head, is a powerful symbol in Tantric tradition of self-sacrifice, control over life force and the giving of nourishment to others. Rajrappa is revered as a Siddha Peetha and an important centre of Tantric practice, and some local traditions also count it among the Shakti Peethas, but it does not appear in the classical lists of the 51 peethas, so accounts differ. The age of the original shrine is not known; tradition regards it as very old, and the temple has been rebuilt and enlarged in modern times.
The image of the goddess is carved on a rock in the sanctum. Following the traditional form, she is shown standing over a couple, holding her severed head in one hand and a sword in the other, with streams of blood flowing to her own mouth and to two attendants. The image is usually covered with cloth and ornaments, and devotees see mainly the decorated form. Around the main temple are smaller shrines, including temples of the ten Mahavidyas, and a Shiva temple. The rocky confluence below, with its small waterfall, is a popular spot for a holy dip.
Chhinnamasta Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chhinnamasta Temple
By air
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, is about 70 km away.
By train
Ramgarh Cantt railway station is about 28 km away.
By road
Rajrappa is reached by road from Ramgarh, Ranchi and Bokaro. Taxis and local buses run from Ramgarh.
Festivals at Chhinnamasta Temple
- Makar Sankranti fairJan
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad Navratri and Durga PujaSep/Oct
- Kali PujaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Take care near the river during the monsoon, when the current at the confluence is strong.
- Tuesdays, Saturdays and festival days are crowded; weekday mornings are calmer.
- Animal offerings take place in a separate area as part of local tradition; families may wish to note this.
- Keep your belongings secure in the busy market leading to the temple.
Places to visit near Chhinnamasta Temple
- Damodar–Bhairavi confluenceSacred meeting of the rivers with a small waterfall, beside the temple
- RamgarhDistrict town with old temples and a cantonment, about 28 km away
- Pahari Mandir, RanchiHilltop Shiva temple in Ranchi, about 70 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Rajrappa a Shakti Peetha?
Rajrappa is revered as a Siddha Peetha and a major Tantric centre, and some local traditions count it as a Shakti Peetha. It does not appear in the classical lists of the 51 peethas.
Who is Goddess Chhinnamasta?
Chhinnamasta is one of the ten Mahavidyas, shown holding her own severed head. She symbolises self-sacrifice and the giving of life force to others.
How to reach Rajrappa temple from Ranchi?
Rajrappa is about 70 km from Ranchi by road. The nearest railway station is Ramgarh Cantt, about 28 km away.
What are the Chhinnamasta Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon. Check locally before visiting.
What is the aarti time at Chhinnamasta Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Chhinnamasta Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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