Nestled in nature’s embrace, Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth comes alive with devotion during Navratri. Despite the challenging path, devotees flock here, driven by faith, to seek blessings during the nine auspicious nights of Navratri. In this article, we explore this spiritual journey, the heartfelt prayers, and the unwavering devotion that mark this sacred celebration. Join us in discovering the simplicity and power of faith at Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth during Navratri.
Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth is a sacred site located approximately 33 kilometers from the district headquarters on the Koderma-Giridih road. This unique temple, perched at an elevation of nearly 400 feet on a steep hill, is dedicated to Goddess Chanchala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is nestled within a cave, and accessing it can be quite challenging due to the narrow passage leading to it.
Every week, devotees gather in large numbers, particularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, to seek the blessings of Chanchala Devi. Here, as a form of prasad (offering), arwa rice and mishri (rock sugar) are provided, and the use of sindoor (vermilion) is strictly prohibited.
Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth is not just a place of worship; it is also the venue for various life events. Many weddings and mundan ceremonies (a ritualistic head-shaving ceremony) take place here. Devotees are required to bathe before visiting the temple, and those who violate this practice are subjected to a penalty, including being bitten by ants.
Situated amidst dense forests, Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth is a place where thousands of devotees visit daily to seek blessings. In recent times, it has become a center of faith and devotion, particularly during the Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri festivals.
During the Chaitra Navratri, devotees face particularly challenging conditions. Although a staircase has been constructed with the help of public support from the base of the hill to the middle, reaching the temple still requires covering approximately 500 meters on foot. The path is not for the faint of heart.
Despite these difficulties, devotees flock to this sacred place, hoping for prosperity and fulfillment. Especially during Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri, the area witnesses an influx of worshippers. Devotees offer prayers and rituals with extreme devotion, and sindoor is conspicuously absent during these ceremonies.
According to popular belief, Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth has a rich historical legacy. In 1648 AD, during a hunting expedition, Raja Tulsi Narayan Singh and his father, Jai Narayan Singh, had a divine encounter with Goddess Bhagwati in her youthful form on this hill. Following this mystical experience, the royal family initiated formal worship ceremonies here.
Vijay Shankar Pandey, the head of the temple’s priest association, shared that the temple experiences a continuous stream of devotees throughout the year. Even during Navratri, the temple remains crowded, and the atmosphere is charged with devotion and fervor. Pandey also mentioned that it is a tradition for devotees to bring goats for sacrifice after their wishes are fulfilled.
While an effort has been made to construct stairs up to the middle part of the hill through community contributions, there is a lack of government facilities around the temple. Devotees, including those who travel from afar, face various difficulties and challenges, making the pilgrimage quite an arduous journey.
Despite these hardships, people continue to visit Chanchala Devi Shakti Peeth in large numbers, especially during Navratri, with the hope of finding prosperity and experiencing a deep spiritual connection. The site has earned its place as a significant religious destination, attracting devotees and pilgrims seeking divine blessings and a profound connection with Goddess Chanchala Devi
