Located in the rugged green lap of Chanchal Hill, Markacho block, Koderma district, Jharkhand, the Maa Chanchala Devi Temple, also known as Chanchalini Dham, is a sacred shrine of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga, revered as Chanchala Devi, the restless divine mother. Perched 400 feet above the earth, with roots over 200 years old, this temple is famed for its narrow cave housing ancient petroglyphs and a grand fair during Durga Puja.
Notable Fact: The temple’s cave, with rock paintings of four Durga forms, is a rare Shakti Peeth where vermilion is forbidden, and devotees must bathe before entry, or face insect bites, a unique tribal belief tied to purity.
Overview of Maa Chanchala Devi Temple
Maa Chanchala Devi Temple, 33 km from Koderma city on the Koderma-Giridih highway, is a key Hindu pilgrimage site for Shaktism, blending tribal and Hindu rites. Known for its 4-foot Durga idol in a cave, the 3-acre complex includes a Shiva shrine and a sacred pond. Devotees offer arwa rice and mishri, believing Chanchala Devi blesses childless couples and eases life’s troubles. Managed by a local trust since 2000, it hosts 10,000–15,000 visitors during festivals.
History of Maa Chanchala Devi Temple
Records are few, but local legend claims the temple, over 200 years old, began when a tribal priest found a Durga idol in a cave on Chanchal Hill. No written texts but oral tradition. Some link it to the 18th century, when devotees worshipped here to end droughts, tying it to tribal Sarna traditions. In 2000, the trust built a staircase, easing the steep climb. The temple draws 50,000 during Durga Puja, its fame rooted in stories of fulfilled vows, especially for childless couples.
Architecture of Maa Chanchala Devi Temple
Maa Chanchala Devi Temple, set on a 3-acre plot at 400 feet on Chanchal Hill, follows a simple tribal-North Indian style with no spire. The main shrine, a 5-meter by 5-meter cave, carved in sandstone, houses a 4-foot Durga idol. A Shiva shrine, 3 meters by 3 meters, 10 meters west, holds a 2-foot linga. A pond, 8 meters by 6 meters, 20 meters north, serves ritual baths. The cave, 10 meters deep, has a narrow 1-meter-wide entrance, with petroglyphs of four Durga forms. The entrance, a 3-meter-wide path with 200 steps, is unmarked, lined by forests. The rocky yard, 1500 square meters, holds 2000 devotees.
Sculptures of Maa Chanchala Devi Temple
The temple’s houses a 4-foot Durga idol, black stone, eight-armed, holding a trident and lotus, draped in red in the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Shiva linga, 2 feet tall, black stone, is plain. The cave’s walls bear ancient petroglyphs, 1 meter by 0.5 meters, showing four Durga forms—Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Chanchala which are etched 3 centimeters deep, unpainted. No other idols or panels exist. The petroglyphs, possibly pre-18th century, reflect tribal artistry, per Bharat Temples. A sacred tree near the pond holds red threads for vows. The cave’s raw carvings draw awe, pure and sacredness.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Maa Chanchala Devi Temple, Koderma
In Markacho block, 33 km from Koderma city on the Koderma-Giridih highway, the temple is reached by car, auto, or bus, set on Chanchal Hill.
By Air
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna, 165 km away, connects to Delhi (2 hours), Kolkata (1 hour), Mumbai (2 hours). Taxis to the temple take 3.5 hours. Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 178 km, takes 4 hours.
By Train
Koderma Junction, 33 km away, on the Grand Chord line, links to Kolkata (6 hours), Delhi (12 hours). Autos or taxis take 55 minutes via Ranchi-Patna Road.
By Road
Chanchalini Dham connects to Koderma (33 km, 55 minutes), Ranchi (165 km, 4 hours), Giridih (50 km, 1.5 hours) via NH-20. State buses cost ₹50–150; private buses run hourly. Taxis cost ₹1000–2000. Autos cost ₹30–70, followed by 200 steep steps.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹50–200. No photography in the cave. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees; women wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas or dhotis. Vermilion is banned; bathe before entry to avoid insect bites.
Best Time to Visit
October to March, temperatures 14–25°C, suits climbing. Weekdays see 1000 visitors; weekends, 3000. Durga Puja (October) and Ram Navmi (April) draw 50,000; visit at dawn. Avoid April–June, 25–40°C, or monsoons for slippery steps.
Nearby Attractions
Tilaiya Dam, 20 km away, picnic spot with boating.
Dhwajadhari Pahar, 15 km, Shiva temple on a hill.
Sonbhandar Caves, 25 km, ancient rock-cut caves.
Petro Falls, 30 km, waterfall in Satgawan forests.
Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 km, open 10 AM–5 PM.
Final Thoughts
Maa Chanchala Devi Temple in Koderma, Jharkhand, is a tribal sacred heritage site in India’s heart. Goddess Durga’s fierce grace touches everyone who comes. Surrounded by natural beauty and nearby attractions, the temple is a peaceful and powerful pilgrimage spot, making it a place you must see among India’s holy spots for devotees and visitors alike.
