Maluti Temples are a sacred cluster of terracotta shrines dedicated to Goddess Mowlakshi, Lord Shiva, and other deities. Situated in the quiet hamlet of Maluti, near Shikaripara, Dumka district, Jharkhand, the temple was built between the 17th and 19th centuries. These temples are famed for their intricate terracotta carvings and Bengal-style architecture. Their rustic charm, set by the Chila River, draws souls seeking heritage and peace.
Notable Fact: Once numbering 108, only 72 terracotta temples remain, adorned with carvings of Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes, earning Maluti the title ‘Gupt Kashi’ and a spot among the world’s 12 most endangered heritage sites by the Global Heritage Fund.
Overview of Maluti Temples
Maluti Temples, in Maluti village, 55 km from Dumka and 16 km from Rampurhat, are a key heritage site for Hindu worship, centered on Mowlakshi, the Baj Basanta dynasty’s deity. Spanning 406 hectares, the 72 extant temples, built in four groups, honor Shiva, Durga, Kali, and Vishnu. Devotees offer flowers, vermilion, and sweets, believing Mowlakshi grants protection. Managed by the Jharkhand Government with restoration efforts since 2015, the site sees 5000 visitors during Kali Puja. A historic gem, it reflects Bengal’s terracotta artistry and Jharkhand’s tribal roots.
History of Maluti Temples
Records trace the temples to 1720–1850, built by the Baj Basanta dynasty, starting with Raja Rakhad Chandra Rai. In the 15th century, Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah gifted land to Basanta Roy for saving his hawk, founding the tax-free Nankar Raj. By 1680, the capital shifted to Maluti, where the dynasty, split into four clans, built 108 temples in competition, per local lore. Only 72 survive, with 36 lost to time. The Mowlakshi Temple, the oldest, is over 1000 years old. Apart from the Shiva temples, there are also eight temples dedicated to Goddess Kali. There is a temple dedicated to a saint known as Bamakhyapa where his trident has been deified. Another important temple is that of Manasa Devi. The family deity of the Baj Basanta dynasty is goddess Mauliskha which is widely worshiped and devotees visit the Mauliskha temple all through the year; the goddess is deified facing west and is said to be the elder sister of goddess Tara. In 1979, A.K. Sinha publicized the site, and in 2010, the Global Heritage Fund listed it as endangered. Restoration, backed by Rs 13.67 crore, began in 2015, spurred by a Republic Day tableau.
Architecture of Maluti Temples
Maluti Temples, spread over 406 hectares near the Chila River, follow Bengal’s Chala and Ratna styles, with sloping roofs and multi-towered spires. Built in five clusters—Sikir Taraf, Rajar Bari, Madhya Bari, Chhoi Taraf, and Mowlakshi complex—the temples use molded bricks and vajralepa glue. The tallest, 60 feet, and smallest, 15 feet, are made of terracotta. The Mowlakshi shrine, 5 meters by 5 meters, houses a 3-foot black stone idol. Smaller shrines, 3 meters by 3 meters, honor Shiva, Kali, and Vishnu. A 10-meter by 8-meter pond lies 200 meters east for rituals. The entrance, a 4-meter-wide arch, bears terracotta floral motifs. The unpaved yard, 5000 square meters, holds 3000 devotees.
Sculptures of Maluti Temples
The temples’ core is the 3-foot Mowlakshi idol, black stone, holding a trident, adorned with red cloth. Shiva lingas, 2 feet tall, and Kali’s 2.5-foot idol, black stone, fill side shrines. Terracotta plaques, stuck with vajralepa, depict Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Durga slaying Mahishasura, each 0.5 meters by 0.3 meters, etched 2 centimeters deep, unpainted. A 2-foot Vishnu idol, black stone, holds a conch. The arch has 0.4-meter floral carvings. Village life scenes, like hunting, adorn some walls. No ancient sculptures predate the 17th century, but the plaques’ artistry reflects Bishnupur’s terracotta craft, surviving time’s wear.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Maluti Temples, Dumka
In Maluti, 55 km from Dumka, 16 km from Rampurhat, near Shikaripara, the temples are reached by train, bus, or taxi, set by forests and the Chila River.
By Air
Deoghar Airport, 100 km away, connects to Delhi (2 hours), Kolkata (1 hour). Taxis to Maluti take 2 hours. Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 260 km, takes 5 hours.
By Train
Rampurhat Station, 16 km away, links to Kolkata (3 hours, e.g., Ganadevta Express), Delhi (15 hours). Autos from Rampurhat to Maluti take 30 minutes. Dumka Station, 55 km, takes 1.5 hours by bus.
By Road
Maluti connects to Dumka (55 km, 1.5 hours), Rampurhat (16 km, 30 minutes), Ranchi (260 km, 5 hours) via NH-114A. State buses cost ₹50–150; private buses run hourly. Taxis cost ₹1000–2500. Autos cost ₹20–50, unpaved paths, no steps.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹50–200. Photography allowed, except during rituals. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees; women wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas or dhotis.
Best Time to Visit
October to March, temperatures 14–25°C, suits visits. Weekdays see 500 visitors; weekends, 2000. Kali Puja (October–November) and Diwali draw 5000, book early. Avoid April–June, 25–40°C.
Nearby Attractions
Nalateshwari Temple, 30 km in Nalhati, Durga shrine.
Maa Tara Temple, 20 km in Tarapith, Kali worship.
Bakreshwar, 60 km, Shiva temple and hot springs.
Shantiniketan, 70 km, Tagore’s cultural hub.
Basukinath Dham, 50 km, Shiva pilgrimage.
Final Thoughts
Maluti Temples in Dumka, Jharkhand, are a sacred and endangered heritage as part of India’s rich history. Goddess Mowlakshi’s ancient grace and terracotta tales touch them who come, making it a place you must see among India’s holy spots for devotees and travelers alike.
