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Bhadrakali Temple, Itkhori
Goddess Bhadrakali · Itkhori, Jharkhand
॥ ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः ॥
The Bhadrakali Temple at Itkhori in the Chatra district of Jharkhand is an ancient goddess shrine standing on a site sacred to three faiths, where the carved remains of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worship lie side by side. The many-armed image of Maa Bhadrakali is the heart of the complex, on the bank of the Mahane river, drawing pilgrims through Navaratri and the year.
A goddess of great antiquity
The presiding deity is Maa Bhadrakali, worshipped in an old stone image of many arms, regarded as one of the more powerful goddess shrines of the region. The very name Itkhori is linked in local telling to a phrase of the Buddha’s aunt — “iti khoyi,” here she lost — weaving the place into older layers of story.
Where three faiths meet
Around the temple lie sculpted stones of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain origin — images of the Buddha, Jain tirthankaras and Hindu deities, and a remarkable carved votive stupa covered with hundreds of small figures. Itkhori is thus a meeting-ground of the great Indian traditions, a single site holding centuries of layered devotion.
On the bank of the Mahane
The complex stands beside the Mahane river, a quiet setting of water and old stone in the Chatra countryside. Navaratri brings the largest gatherings, when the goddess is worshipped through nine nights, and the temple has grown into a regional pilgrimage centre.
How to reach Itkhori
- By road: Itkhori is about 35 km from Chatra and roughly 60 km from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand.
- By train: Hazaribagh and Koderma are among the nearer railheads.
- By air: Ranchi is the nearest major airport, about 130 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Itkhori temple?
Besides the ancient image of Maa Bhadrakali, the site holds carved remains of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worship side by side, making it a rare meeting-ground of three faiths.
Where does the name Itkhori come from?
Local tradition links the name to a phrase associated with the Buddha’s aunt — “iti khoyi,” here she lost — connecting the place to older Buddhist story.
Who is the presiding deity?
The presiding deity is Maa Bhadrakali, worshipped in an old many-armed stone image regarded as one of the powerful goddess shrines of the region.
What are the carved remains around the temple?
They include images of the Buddha, Jain tirthankaras and Hindu deities, and a notable carved votive stupa covered with hundreds of small figures.
How do I reach Itkhori?
Itkhori is about 35 km from Chatra and 60 km from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand. Hazaribagh and Koderma are nearer railheads, and Ranchi airport is about 130 km away.
When is the temple busiest?
Navaratri draws the largest crowds, with nine nights of worship of the goddess on the bank of the Mahane river.
॥ जय माता दी ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Maa Bhadrakali (ancient many-armed image) |
| Special | Site sacred to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions |
| Feature | Carved votive stupa with hundreds of figures |
| River | Mahane |
| Region | Chatra, Jharkhand |
| Main Festival | Navaratri |