Welcome to the Naulakha Temple, the pride of Deoghar district in the Indian state of Jharkhand!
This temple is a must-visit if you’re in the area, not just because of its impressive height of 146 feet, but because of its fascinating history and breathtaking architecture.
Legend has it that the temple was built by Rani Charushila of the Pathuria Ghat Royal Family in Kolkata after she lost her husband and son. Seeking healing and solace, she met a wandering ascetic who advised her to construct the temple in honor of Radha-Krishna. The construction cost a whopping nine lakh rupees, which is why it is called the Naulakha (Nine-Lakh) Temple. Talk about an expensive therapy session!
The temple is dedicated to Radha-Krishna, and it is said that the shrine houses a statue of the Krishna and his consort Princess Radha. The architecture of the temple is modeled after the Ramakrishna Mission in Belur, Kolkata, making it a visual delight for both pilgrims and architectural enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the temple’s founder, Rani Charushila, whose statue stands at the entrance.
The temple is also known as Jugal Mandir, as there are two idols present inside – Lord Krishna and Saint Balananda Brahmachari. And speaking of Brahmachari, it is said that he was the one who advised Rani Charushila to build the temple in the first place.
If you’re planning to visit the Naulakha Temple, make sure to check out the daily darshan time. The temple remains open from 7 am to 12 pm, and 2 pm to 7 pm every day, with morning Aarti starting at 7 am. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the festivals related to Shree Krishna, which are mainly celebrated here, including Janmashtami, Holi, Guru Purnima, and more.