Akashini Mandir in Seraikela-Kharsawan, Jharkhand – a sacred hilltop temple known for its spiritual power, natural beauty, history, legends, festivals, and local culture. Explore travel tips, nearby attractions, and the best time to visit.
Introduction to Akashini Temple
Akashini Temple is situated on the Manorama Hill near Chilku village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand state. This temple is situated at a height of about 320 feet on the top of a picturesque hill.
This Akashini temple is considered to be the main religious center of the region since ancient times due to its natural beauty and spiritual power of Seraikela-Kharsawan. Mother Akashini Devi is worshipped daily from 5 am to 5 pm.
This temple is a center of faith not only for the local tribal community but also for devotees coming from far and wide. Mother Akashini is also known as Van Durga Devi and in the tribal community she is also called Prakriti Devi. It can be easily reached by road.
Importance of Akashini Temple
It is believed that worshipping Akashini Devi here fulfills the wishes of the devotees. Devotees especially pray to the goddess for the happiness, health and prosperity of children. On special occasions and festivals, fairs and cultural events are held here, which are attended by a large number of people from the surrounding villages.
The serene atmosphere, natural beauty and sanctity of the temple gives the devotees a deep spiritual experience. Performing puja and devotion here gives inner peace and positive energy. Akashini Temple is a symbol of regional faith and belief. It is believed here that the village and community remain safe and happy by the grace of the goddess.
Religious and historical identity
Many ancient legends are associated with Maa Aakarshini temple, which underline its mysterious and revered nature. According to a popular legend, once the priest of the temple was coming down the hill after finishing the evening puja, then he remembered that he had forgotten his axe in the temple.
When he reached the temple again to get the axe, he saw that the goddesses were having food there. Seeing the priest, the goddesses stopped eating and said that from today the doors of the temple will be closed forever.
It is said that in a moment the temple of Mata was transformed into a huge rock, and even today this rock-like temple remains a mystery for the devotees.
Location and access
Aakarshini temple is located in a village named Chilku under Kharsawan block of Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand state. It is only 3-4 kilometers away from Kharsawan block headquarters. One has to climb about 400 stairs to reach the temple.
In which steel pipe roads have been installed on both sides of the stairs. Devotees and tourists climb the stairs by holding them. Maa Akashini Temple is about 40 km from Seraikela district headquarters. It is located at a distance of about 60 km from Jamshedpur, about 45 km from Chakradharpur and about 120 km from Ranchi.
The nearest railway stations here by rail are Rajkharsawan and Mahalimurup, Howrah-Mumbai main railway route. One can reach the temple by booking an auto or taxi from the station. Jamshedpur-Ranchi is connected to National Highway NH-33.
Direct road is available from Kharsawan, Sini and Seraikela. It is most convenient to go by private vehicle from here. The nearest airport is 120 km Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi.
History of Akashini Temple
There are no written records or archaeological evidence available about the exact date of establishment of Maa Akashini Temple and its founder, due to which its initial form remains mysterious. However, it is considered to be the center of faith of local traditions and tribal communities, especially the Bhumij society, which is a proof of its antiquity. The most distinctive identity of the temple is its natural rock-like structure,
According to the story of the priest, it is said that during the British period, the British surveyed this area and found out that there is a gold deposit here. The British did not know that the goddess was seated here. When they tried to extract gold by bomb blast, Maa Akashini got angry and attacked them with her attraction power. The British suddenly started vomiting blood and the messenger (vehicle) of the mother attacked them, due to which they ran away.
That very night, the king of Kharsawan Garh received the order of the mother in a dream that Mangalu Bhumij (heavenly) should be asked to worship the temple. The king called Mangalu Bhumij and asked him to worship the mother. The mother ordered him to start the worship and tell the king to propagate her name in every village and city.
According to a popular legend in the area, once the priest of the temple was coming down the hill in the evening after finishing the worship. Then he remembered that he had forgotten his axe in the temple and to get it back, he climbed the hill again.
When he reached the temple, he saw that the goddesses were eating there. Seeing the priest, the goddesses stopped eating and announced that from today the doors of the temple would be closed forever. It is said that before the priest could understand anything, the temple of the mother turned into a huge rock, and even today this rock-like temple remains a mystery for the devotees.
Religious significance and beliefs
Devotees climb the hill barefoot and worship Mata Aakarshini. For worship, Mata Aakarshini is offered sindoor, diya, incense sticks, arwa rice, fruits like banana, coconut, belpatra, flowers, sweets etc. When the wish is fulfilled, devotees make offerings, which also include sacrifice of goats, sheep, chickens and ducks.
A traditional ritual ‘Buru Mage’ is also celebrated in the tribal community, in which before the puja, seven married women (seven sisters) of the priests establish ‘Shom Ras’ in the houses with seven new pots.
After two days of rest, on the day of Buru Mage, the prasad of Shom Ras is offered to the goddess and then the people of the community consume it and perform traditional dances. This tradition is a symbol of the culture and identity of the community.
Aakarshini Devi Puja Vidhi
Every year there is a huge crowd of devotees here on Navratri, Chaiti Durga Puja and special festivals. During Navratri, Kalash Sthapana and Akhand Jyoti are lit. As per local traditions, many devotees offer sacrifices or special offerings when their wishes are fulfilled.
The goddess is worshipped at Akashini temple according to specific tribal traditions. Here, priests of the Bhumij community, called Diuri, perform the puja. Sindoor, diya, incense sticks, Arwa rice, Kassa, fruits, sweets, bananas, coconuts, Belpatra and flowers are offered during the puja.
Major festivals and special events Akhan Yatra is celebrated on 15 January. This is the most important yatra of the temple. The importance of this yatra is considered equal to Ashvamedha among yagnas, Himalaya among mountains, Satya among fasts and Abhaydan among donations.
Jantaal Puja is held in this temple on the tenth day of the month of Sawan. Farmers from 112 mauzas participate in it and its purpose is to ensure adequate rain for paddy cultivation. Buru Mange festival is held from 10-12 January. During this time, seven married women establish Somras in the houses.
Major festivals and special events
- Akhan Yatra: This is the most important annual event of the temple, which is celebrated every year on the second day of Makar Sankranti, i.e. 15 January
- Jantaal Puja: This puja is performed on the tenth day of the month of Sawan, in which farmers from 112 villages participate. The purpose of this puja is to ensure adequate rain for farming.
- Buru Mage Festival: This annual puja is performed by the tribal community in a traditional way, especially in January-February at the beginning of the month of Magh. It is a festival related to Adi Dharma and creation of the universe, in which before the puja, seven married women establish ‘Shom Ras’ in seven new pots. After two days of rest, on the day of Buru Mage, the prasad of Shom Ras is offered to the goddess and then the people of the community consume it and perform traditional dances.
- Attraction Fair: An attraction fair is organized on the eve of Akhan Yatra, in which swings, Meena bazaar, food stalls and local shopping stalls are set up.
Architecture and structure
Akashini temple presents a unique architecture. It is situated on a huge stone rock which has naturally taken the form of a temple. There is no traditional idol in the temple, but the goddess is worshiped in the form of stone itself.
The main gate of Akashini temple was constructed in 2024 at a cost of Rs 13.50 lakh under the MLA scheme. Also, a tourist guest house has been constructed by the tourism department at a cost of 2.45 crores for tourists in the temple premises.
The height of the temple is 320 feet. Which is situated on the top of the hill. A staircase has been constructed here. This temple is maintained by Maa Aakashini Vikas Samiti Trust. It contributes to the staircase and other development work.
Natural beauty and surroundings of Maa Akashini temple
Talking about the beauty of Maa Akashini temple, it is situated on the hill in the greenery all around the environment. Here tourists get pure air and pure environment. Here one gets relief from urban noise. Due to the peaceful environment and religious importance, devotees get peace of mind by coming here.
For the beauty of this place, Kharsawan MLA Dashrath Gagrai is actively involved in the development work of this temple and he has reiterated his commitment to develop Aakarshini Peeth as a tourist area. During his tenure, entrance gate, marriage hall, toilets, and bathrooms etc.
have been constructed in the temple premises from the MLA fund. Along with this, the Tourism Department of Jharkhand Government has recommended for the beautification and development of Aakarshini Peeth and it has been placed in the A-grade tourist places of the district.
A guest house has also been constructed to promote tourism. Organizations like Maa Aakarshini Vikas Samiti Trust, Adarsh Yuva Samiti and Jagannathpur set up camps to help the devotees, where gram, jaggery and water are distributed free of cost.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Maa Akashini temple is during winter months from October to February. The weather is pleasant and there is no problem in climbing. Coming here during rainy season can be a bit difficult. So, it is important to be cautious, the stairs can be slippery during monsoon.
Best time to visit during festivals Akhan Yatra (15 January) is the most important time when thousands of devotees gather. Special worship is done on Makar Sankranti (14 January). A fair is organized during Jantaal Puja in the month of Sawan.
Special worship is done on every Monday during the Mondays of Magh month. Every day Maa Akashini temple remains closed from 5 am to 5 pm. So you can come here for darshan at any time. During summer season, one may have to face a lot of difficulty while climbing the stairs on the hill.
Nearby places to visit
- Seraikela Palace and Fort: A symbol of ancient dynastic history. Worth seeing for its architecture and old heritage.
- Rajnagar Group of Temples: A group of ancient Hindu temples. Amazing sculpture and religious significance.
- Kharsawan Shaheed Smarak: Built in memory of freedom fighters and martyrs. Historical and inspirational place.
- Kailash Dham Temple: Famous religious place of Lord Shiva. Especially crowded during Sawan and Shivratri.
- Chalima Hill: A paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Amazing view of sunrise and sunset.
- Jubilee Park Jamshedpur: Popular place for family and kids. Greenery, lake and recreational activities.
- Dimna Lake: Near Jamshedpur, attractive place for picnic and boating. Serene natural beauty with surrounding hills.
Other natural and tourist places
Sai mandir
Akashini Mandir
Dalma Top
Hesakocha Waterfall
King Place
Chandil Dams
Sheesh Mahal
Jayda Temple
Palna Dam
Local culture and lifestyle
Collectivism and traditional customs are still followed in the villages. The Seraikela-Kharsawan district is mainly inhabited by tribes like Santhal, Ho, Munda and Oraon. Festivals like Navratri, Chaiti Durga Puja and Sarhul are celebrated here with great pomp.
Fairs are organized around the temple, where local art, craft and food can be enjoyed. During the fair, Maa Aakarshani Vikas Samiti Trust provides refreshments to more than 5 to 10 thousand devotees.
In which breakfast of Mudhi, Ghughni and Pakora, Khichdi is served etc. Dhuska, Pittha, Rice and Handia (local drink) are popular dishes here. Special dishes are made during festivals and offered to the Goddess as Prasad.
Tips for travelers
The visit to Akashni Temple is a sacred and cultural experience, but to make this journey safe, comfortable and memorable, it is necessary to keep some important things in mind. As per your travel plans, Navratri and festivals are more crowded, so prepare in advance.
Be careful while walking on stairs and in the temple premises, as it can be slippery in rains. Take extra care if you are travelling with children and elderly. Carry puja samagri (coconut, chunri, flowers, incense sticks, lamps) with you or buy it near the temple.
Maintain cleanliness in and around the temple premises. Food and water are available at small shops and stalls nearby, but choose hygienic food. If going by private vehicle, check parking arrangements first. Be respectful to local tribal culture, customs and people. There are limited hotels and dharamshalas nearby, so advance booking will be better. For more options, you can stay in Seraikela or Jamshedpur.
Conclusion
Akashini Mandir in Seraikela-Kharsawan is more than just a religious destination; it is a living symbol of faith, culture, and tradition deeply rooted in Jharkhand’s history. Surrounded by lush greenery and perched on a scenic hilltop, the temple not only offers divine blessings but also provides a serene retreat for travelers.
Its unique legends, tribal traditions, vibrant festivals, and spiritual significance make it one of the most captivating destinations in Jharkhand. Whether you seek inner peace, cultural exploration, or an adventurous journey, Akashini Mandir promises a soulful and memorable experience.
FAQ’s for Akashini Mandir
Akashini Mandir is situated in Chilku village, near Kharsawan block of Seraikela-Kharsawan district, Jharkhand, about 120 km from Ranchi and 60 km from Jamshedpur.
The temple is famous for its mysterious rock-structured shrine, spiritual legends, tribal rituals, and festivals like Akhan Yatra, Jantal Puja, and Buru Mage.
Visitors can reach the temple by climbing around 400 steps from the base. The nearest railway stations are Rajkharsawan and Mahalimurup, while the nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.
The best time to visit is between October and February when the weather is pleasant. Festivals like Akhan Yatra in January also attract large gatherings of devotees.
Yes, nearby attractions include Rajnagar Temple Complex, Kharsawan Shaheed Smarak, Kailash Dham Temple, Dalma Hills, Chandil Dam, Dimna Lake, and Jubilee Park in Jamshedpur.