Situated in the urban expanse of Chira Chas, Bokaro district, Jharkhand, the Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple is a sacred shrine of worship dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce destroyer of evil. Built in recent times, with construction starting in 2010, this temple is famed for its lotus-shaped design and towering 90-foot stupa.
Notable Fact: The temple’s lotus-shaped structure, with five petal-like entrances, is a unique architectural feat, housing a 10-foot black stone Kali idol, a rare modern marvel in Jharkhand.
Overview of Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple
Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple stands in Kalika Vihar, Aashiyan Garden, 12 kilometers from Bokaro Steel City center, a key Hindu pilgrimage site for Shaktism. Known for its 10-foot black stone Kali idol, the temple spans half an acre and includes shrines for Lord Hanuman and Sri Ram. Devotees offer vermilion, flowers, and sweets, believing Kali grants protection. The temple, built by Aashiyaan Estate Developers, is managed by a trust formed in 2012, maintaining its facilities for 2000–3000 daily visitors. It is a sacred stop for Hindus, tied to Bokaro’s growing spiritual landscape.
History of Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple
Records show construction began in July 2010, completed in less than three years, and opened to the public on July 14, 2012. Initiated by Aashiyaan Estate Developers, the temple’s foundation followed a nine-day Ramayana recital and a religious yagna, marking its sanctity. During excavation, laborers found an Indian cobra, seen as a good omen symbolizing Lord Shiva, per local tales. No ancient roots or Puranic references exist, as the temple is modern, built to serve the Kalika Vihar township, named after it. In 2015, the trust added a yagna kshala in the basement. The temple’s opening was covered by major Jharkhand newspapers, and it now sees 50,000 visitors during Navratri, reflecting its rapid rise as a pilgrimage hub.
Architecture of Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple
Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple, set on a 0.5-acre plot, follows a modern lotus-shaped design with traditional elements. The two-story structure, 160 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 90 feet tall, features a 30-foot stupa topped with a golden kalash. The main shrine, 10 meters by 10 meters, is built of white marble and granite, with five petal-shaped entrances, each 3 meters wide. The sanctum houses a 10-foot black stone Kali idol, four-armed, holding a sword and skull. Two smaller shrines, each 3 meters by 3 meters, honor Hanuman (5 feet tall) and Sri Ram (4 feet tall). The basement yagna kshala, 15 meters by 10 meters, has a 2-meter-wide fire pit. The complex includes a tiled yard, and a 5-meter-wide entrance arch with floral carvings.
Sculptures of Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple
The temple’s heart is the 10-foot Kali idol, black stone, four-armed, adorned with a garland of skulls, standing on Shiva’s chest. The Hanuman idol, red sandstone, holds a mace, facing the entrance. The Sri Ram idol, 4 feet tall, white marble, holds a bow, flanked by Lakshman and Sita. The main shrine’s walls bear 20 carved panels, depicting Kali slaying demons and Ramayana scenes, painted red and gold. The entrance arch, 5 meters wide, has two floral carvings. A Bhairava idol and a Ganesh idol, both black stone, stand near the yagna kshala. No ancient sculptures exist, as the temple is new, but its carvings reflect skilled craftsmanship from 2010.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple, Bokaro
In Chira Chas, 12 km from Bokaro Steel City, the temple is reached by auto, taxi, or bus, set in Kalika Vihar.
By Air
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 120 km away, connects to Delhi (2.5 hours), Kolkata (1.5 hours), Mumbai (2 hours), Bangalore (2.5 hours).
By Train
Bokaro Steel City Station, 12 km away, links to Ranchi (2 hours), Kolkata (6 hours), Delhi (12 hours). Autos from the station to Chira Chas take 20 minutes.
By Road
Chira Chas connects to Bokaro (12 km, 20 minutes), Ranchi (120 km, 2.5 hours), Dhanbad (60 km, 1.5 hours) via NH-18.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 6:00 AM–9:00 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹100–300. 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. Navratri (October) and Kali Puja (November) draw 50,000, book early. Avoid April–June, 25–40°C.
Nearby Attractions
Jagannath Temple, 10 km away, marble shrine.
Gayatri Mandir, 8 km, Sector 9, wedding venue.
Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, 15 km, wildlife sanctuary.
City Park, 10 km, artificial lake, boating costs ₹50.
Bokaro Steel Plant, 12 km, Asia’s largest, guided tours ₹100.
Final Thoughts
Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple in Chira Chas, Bokaro, Jharkhand, is a sacred heritage in India’s heart. Goddess Kali’s motherly grace touches them who come, making it a place you must see among India’s holy spots for devotees and visitors alike.
