Itkhori Temple, or Ma Bhadrakali Mandir, is located on the
confluence of Mahane and Baksha River at Itkhori near Chatra in Jharkhand. It
is widely believed that Sri Ram, Lakshman and Mata Sita resided in the area
during their exile period in the Ramayana. The shrine is located around 38 km
northeast of Chatra.
It is also believed that Pandavas performed puja here during
their exile period.
The murti of Goddess Bhadrakali is installed on a raised
platform. Only priests are allowed to perform puja. Devotees are not allowed to
touch the murti.
To the right of the Bhadrakali murti there are murtis of
Vishnu and Shiva in the form of Gaurishankar. To the left there are again two murtis
of Vishnu. Below the main murti one can see Ridhi and Siddhi.
Chaturbhuj Devi, Surya and Gaurishankar are also worshipped
near the sanctum.
Murtis of Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, Bhairav, Buddha, Saraswati
Devi and Vishnu are installed on the walls of the shrine.
Nandi, Panchamukhi Hanuman and a huge Shivling having 1008
figurines can be found in the temple complex. Remains of old temple and broken
murtis can be seen in the temple complex.
There is a garden in from of the temple, which is spread
over 10 acres. Hundreds of belpatra and peepal trees can be found in the
garden.
Navratri, Kali Puja and Shivratri are the most important
festivals observed here.