Located in the serene heart of Deoghar city, Jharkhand, the Naulakha Mandir, also known as Sri Sri Naulakha Radha Krishna Temple, is a sacred shrine of worship dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, revered as the divine lovers. Built in recent times, with construction completed in 1952, this temple is famed for its elegant marble structure, costing nine lakhs, and its tranquil courtyard. Its peaceful setting near the Baidyanath Dham draws souls seeking love and devotion.
Notable Fact: The temple, built by Rani Charushila Devi of the Deoghar royal family, cost nine lakhs in 1952, earning its name “Naulakha” (nine lakhs), a rare testament to royal devotion in modern times.
Overview of Naulakha Mandir
Naulakha Mandir, located 1.5 km from Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, is a key Hindu pilgrimage site for Vaishnavism. Known for its 3-foot Radha-Krishna idols, the 1-acre complex includes shrines for Hanuman, Shiva, and Parvati. Devotees offer tulsi leaves, ghee laddus, and milk, believing Krishna grants peace and love. Built by Rani Charushila Devi and Balananda Brahmachari, it is managed by a trust since 1952, hosting 3000–5000 daily visitors. A spiritual gem, it complements Deoghar’s Shaivite legacy with its Vaishnava charm.
History of Naulakha Mandir
Records show the temple was constructed in 1952 by Rani Charushila Devi, a queen of the Deoghar royal family, with guidance from saint Balananda Brahmachari. Charushila lost her husband, Akshay Ghosh and son, Jatindra Ghosh prematurely. This devastated her, causing her to leave her home in search of peace. Later, while in Deoghar, Charushila came across the saint Balananda Brahmachari, at whose ashram she stayed awhile. Upon his advice, she decided to build the Naulakha temple, sanctioning an amount of nine lakh rupees for its construction—thereby earning it the name, Naulakha.Built to honor Radha-Krishna, it cost nine lakhs, a grand sum then, hence the name Naulakha. The temple’s marble was sourced from Rajasthan, per media reports. In 1980, the trust added a Hanuman shrine.
Architecture of Naulakha Mandir
Naulakha Mandir, set on a 1-acre plot in Deoghar’s heart, follows a North Indian style with a 30-foot spire topped by a golden kalash. The main shrine, 10 meters by 10 meters, is built of white marble, housing 3-foot Radha-Krishna idols on a silver throne. Three smaller shrines, each 3 meters by 3 meters, honor Hanuman, Shiva, and Parvati, with low domes. A 5-meter by 5-meter courtyard garden, with tulsi plants, lies east, used for rituals. The entrance, a 5-meter-wide marble arch, bears “Naulakha Mandir” in Hindi. At its entrance sits a sculpture of Rani Charushila. The tiled yard, 1000 square meters, holds 2000 devotees, accessible without steps, ideal for elderly pilgrims.
Sculptures of Naulakha Mandir
The temple’s heart is the 3-foot Radha-Krishna idols, white marble, with Krishna playing a flute and Radha holding a lotus, draped in silk. Hanuman’s 3-foot idol, red sandstone, carries a mace. Shiva’s 2-foot linga, black stone, is unadorned. Parvati’s 2.5-foot idol, white marble, holds a trident. The main shrine’s walls bear 15 carved panels, 0.8 meters by 0.4 meters, depicting Krishna’s leelas and Ramayana scenes, etched 2 centimeters deep, painted in blue and gold. The arch has two 0.5-meter floral motifs, unpainted. No ancient sculptures exist, but the 1952 marble carvings, crafted by Rajasthan artisans, shine with devotion.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Naulakha Mandir, Deoghar
In Deoghar city, 1.5 km from Baidyanath Temple, the temple is reached by auto, taxi, or rickshaw, set near Tower Chowk.
By Air
Deoghar Airport, 8 km away, connects to Delhi (2 hours), Kolkata (1 hour). Taxis to the temple take 15 minutes. Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 170 km, takes 4 hours.
By Train
Deoghar Junction, 3 km away, or Jasidih Junction, 7 km, link to Kolkata (5 hours), Delhi (12 hours). Autos from Deoghar Junction to the temple take 10 minutes.
By Road
Deoghar connects to Dumka (65 km, 1.5 hours), Ranchi (170 km, 4 hours), Dhanbad (120 km, 3 hours) via NH-114A. State buses cost ₹20–100; private buses run hourly. Taxis cost ₹500–1500. Rickshaws cost ₹20–50, flat terrain, no steps.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 5:00 AM–12:00 PM, 4:00 PM–9:00 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹50–300. No photography in the sanctum. 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 3000 visitors; weekends, 6000. Janmashtami (August) and Durga Puja (October) draw 50,000, book early. Avoid April–June, 25–40°C.
Nearby Attractions
Baba Baidyanath Dham, 1.5 km, Jyotirlinga temple.
Trikut Pahar, 15 km, Shiva temple with trekking.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev, 8 km, cave shrine.
Satsang Ashram, 3 km, spiritual center.
Shivganga Pond, 1 km, ritual bathing spot.
Final Thoughts
Naulakha Mandir in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is a revered heritage site where Radha-Krishna’s divine love and the temple’s serene glow touch them who come, making it a place you must see among India’s holy spots for devotees and travelers alike.
