Rajrappa Temple – Ma Chinnamastika Mandir at Rajrappa Dham near Ramgarh in Jharkhand – Chinnamastika Temple

Ma Chinnamastika Mandir is a very popular Shakti shrine at Rajrappa near Ramgarh in Jharkhand. The Rajrappa Temple is a Siddhapeetha. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Chinnmastika and is located near the confluence of Damodar and Bhairavi rivers.  Rajrappa Dham is around 28 km from Ramgarh.

Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Numerous devotees attained siddhi here by meditating on the Goddess. One such devotee is the ancient king Surath.  The place is also thus known as Siddhastal.

The present murti in the temple was consecrated during the 18th century by a famous upasak of Maa named Rudranarayan Ghoshal.

The temple structure is similar to the famous Kamakhya Temple in Assam.

There is only one door to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and it is from east. The black murti of Ma Chinnamastika faces south.

The first aarti to the goddess is performed in the morning. Along with Aarti bhoga of arwa rice, jaggery and ghee are offered. In the evening there is Aarti and shringar. During Bhoga period, the doors of the temple remain closed.

This is also one of the rare temple in which goats are still sacrificed.

During Makar Sankranti a huge fair is held and people take bath in the confluence of Damodar and Bhairavi rivers.  

The complex has separate temples dedicated to eight goddesses. Shiva is also worshipped in the temple.  There is a tree in the temple complex in which devotees tie red and yellow color thread for wish fulfillment.