Chinnamastika Temple or Rajrappa Mandir is situated 80 km from Ranchi
on Ramgarh Chitarpur Road, at the confluence of two rivers Damodar and
Bhairavi (Bhera) in Rajrappa. The place Rajrappa derives its name
from this ancient temple also known as 'Shakti Pith'. The main deity of
this temple is Chinnamasta (means one with severed head) or Goddess Kali
(also known as Prachanda Chaandi) and its main attraction is the headless
statue of Goddess Chinnamastika which stands upon the bodies of Kamdeo
and Rati on a lotus bed, holding her head in her hand and one can see
a gush of blood flowing out of her neck. Similar to that of other temples
of Tantrik importance, Chinnamastika Temple is famous for its architectural
beauty. This is one of the famous Hindu pilgrimage centers visited by
large number of devotees from the nearby states of Bihar and West Bengal.
Rajrappa Temple is surrounded by a series of small and big temples of
ten Mahavidyas such as Tara, Shodashi, Bhubneswari, Bhairavi, Baglamukhi,
Kamla, Matangi, Dhumavati, Kali etc.
The main rituals held at this temple during Kalipuja are marriage ceremonies,
Children's Mundan rituals, animal sacrifices on Tuesdays and Saturdays
and the blessing of new vehicles. The temple is famous for its religious
fairs, one held on Makar Sankranti (14th of January) and the other on
Vijayadashmi. Large number of people visit the temple to attend these
festivals. There are bathing and boating facilities in the river near
the temple. The temple set amidst picturesque surroundings has hills,
forests and even a waterfall in its environs.
Rajrappa has one of the biggest coal-fields in the region. Attractions
other than this temple include Raj Kund; the Hot Spring, Tilaiva Dam,
Konar Dam, Crocodile Farm, Tiger Reserve Palamau, Fort of the Chero King
Medini Roy, Betla Forest etc which makes this place not only a pilgrimage
but also a tourist spot.
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