Goddess Rankini is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti.
She is mainly worshipped in eastern parts of India, especially in Orissa,
Jharkhand and Bengal. From ancient times, the tribes of the region worshiped
her. Her shrines are mainly located in deep jungles. She is also a popular
fertility deity in the region.
There is no reference of Rankini Devi in the Vedas, Puranas
or Epics.
Goddess Rankini is invoked for protection. She was the
guardian deity who helped people who ventured into the forest for various
purposes.
Today, Goddess Rankini is worshipped like other forms of
Mother Goddess. She is worshiped for wish fulfillment and for early cure of
diseases. She is also worshipped by couples for good and healthy children.
The murti of Goddess Rankini is a naturally occurring stone
with marks of her presence.
Even today animals are offered to her as part of sacrifice
ritual.
Important temples dedicated to Rankini Devi are located in
Jamshedhpur and Ghatshila.