naulakha temple

Naulakha Temple, Deoghar — The “9 -Lakh” Wonder of Jharkhand

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Naulakha Temple

Nestled in the holy town of Deoghar, where the air often smells of incense and the clanging of temple bells is part of the daily soundtrack, the Naulakha Temple (Naulakha Mandir) stands out as an architectural gem and a calm corner for devotees and tourists alike. Built in the early 20th century and inspired by the aesthetics of the Ramakrishna Mission architecture at Belur Math, Naulakha is dedicated to Radha–Krishna and is known locally for both its graceful silhouette and the story behind its name. If you are planning a visit to Deoghar, this temple is a peaceful stop after the bustle of the Baidyanath (Baba Dham) complex.

Deoghar

A short history and what makes Naulakha special

The Naulakha Temple was built in 1940 by Rani Charushila of the Pathuriaghata family of Kolkata. After personal tragedies, she became a disciple of the saint Balananda Brahmachari and decided to fund the construction of a temple in Deoghar as an act of devotion and remembrance. The temple’s popular name — Naulakha — comes from the original construction cost, reputedly nine lakh rupees, paid by Rani Charushila. The structure rises to about 146 feet and is primarily built from granite and marble; its form and detailing echo the calm, harmonious lines of Belur Math, making it architecturally distinctive among Deoghar’s many sacred sites. deoghar.nic.inWikipedia

Inside, you’ll find deities of Radha and Krishna along with images associated with the temple’s founder and the saintly tradition that inspired her. A sculpture of Rani Charushila stands near the entrance — a small, humanizing reminder of the personal story behind the marble and stone. Visitors often praise the temple for its serene gardens and quieter atmosphere compared with the throngs around Baidyanath Dham. HolidifyTripadvisor

What to expect on a visit

  • Architecture & atmosphere: The temple impresses with carved pillars, domed spires, and spacious verandas. You’ll notice the Belur Math influence in the symmetry and the use of open, contemplative spaces surrounding the sanctum. deoghar.nic.in
  • Deities & worship: Naulakha is dedicated to Radha–Krishna (Gopal), and daily rituals and aartis take place — though timings can be more relaxed than at the main Baidyanath temple. Many visitors come to simply sit in the compound, admire the stonework, and take photos of the façade and the sculptural details. Holidify
  • Entry & timing: Most visitor guides list the temple as being open during the day (generally morning to evening). While exact timing can vary on festivals and special pujas, practical travel pages commonly note an opening window in the morning and another in the afternoon/evening — plan on spending about 1–2 hours here for a relaxed visit. Holidify

How to reach Naulakha Temple — simple travel guide

Deoghar is well connected by rail, road and now even by air (a regional airport), so reaching Naulakha is straightforward.

By rail

  • Nearest stations: Deoghar Junction (DGHR) and Jasidih Junction are the nearest railheads. Jasidih Junction is the larger, better-connected station for long-distance trains and is roughly 6–8 km from the core Deoghar temple area; Deoghar Junction is closer to the town itself. From either station you can take an auto-rickshaw, shared e-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw or taxi to reach the Naulakha temple area. deoghar.nic.in+1

Approximate fares (typical/ballpark):

  • Jasidih → Deoghar (taxi/auto): ₹150–₹300 depending on vehicle and time of day.
  • Deoghar Junction → Naulakha (local auto/e-rickshaw): ₹30–₹100.
    (These are typical local fares — fares can vary by season and availability.) deoghar.nic.inRome2Rio

By air

  • Deoghar Airport (DGH) has regional connections; from the airport a taxi or pre-paid cab will get you to Naulakha/the Baidyanath area in about 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Airport → temple taxi fares commonly range from ₹250–₹500. See airline schedules in advance if you plan to fly.

By road / bus

  • Deoghar is linked by road to nearby cities such as Dumka, Jasidih, Bhagalpur and others. Regular bus services (state-run and private) connect these towns; for example, bus fares on local routes like Dumka → Deoghar often fall in the ₹150–₹300 range depending on vehicle class and operator. If you’re driving, Deoghar has decent roads connecting to the NH network. redBusMakeMyTrip

Example routes and approximate travel times

  • Patna → Deoghar by train/car: Roughly 4–6 hours by road or train (depending on the service).
  • Dumka → Deoghar: Around 1–2 hours by train or bus; buses often cost about ₹150–₹250. Rome2RioMakeMyTrip

Local transport and visiting tips

  • From Baidyanath Temple: Naulakha sits only about 1.5–2 km from the Baidyanath temple complex, which makes it an easy walk for those who want to combine both visits in a single pilgrimage day. If you prefer not to walk, autos and cycle rickshaws are abundant. deoghar.nic.in
  • Best time to visit: Winter months (October to March) are the most pleasant — cool mornings and clear skies. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoon brings heavy showers that can affect road travel.
  • Dress & etiquette: As with most temples, modest clothing and respectful behavior are expected. Photography is usually allowed in exterior areas; inside darshan areas rules may vary — if in doubt, ask at the gates.
  • Crowds: Naulakha is much quieter than the main Baidyanath complex, making it perfect for visitors who want a breather from larger crowds. However, festival days (especially around Shravan or other Vaishnav festivals) can draw extra visitors. Tripadvisor

Where to stay and eat

Deoghar has a range of accommodation — from budget lodges to mid-range hotels and a few more comfortable options catering to pilgrims and tourists. Staying near the Baidyanath Dham area keeps you within easy walking distance of Naulakha and other points of interest. Local eateries serve simple north-Indian thali, sweets and chai stalls; vegetarian food is widely available. For quieter stays, choose hotels a little away from the main temple market; for convenience, book as per your priorities. HolidifyMakeMyTrip

A suggested half-day itinerary (if you’re short on time)

  1. Morning: Arrive in Deoghar (via train/road/air). Freshen up and head to Baidyanath for a quick darshan if you wish (this depends on crowd levels).
  2. Late morning / noon: Walk or take a short ride to Naulakha Temple — spend 45–90 minutes exploring the compound, admiring architecture and photographing the façade and sculptures. deoghar.nic.in
  3. Afternoon: Lunch at a nearby hotel/restaurant and a brief stroll through local markets for sweets and souvenirs. If time allows, visit other nearby spiritual sites or relax in a café.

Final thoughts

Naulakha Temple is a quiet jewel in Deoghar’s spiritual landscape — a place where a personal story (a queen’s offering) became a public monument, combining devotion with architecture. For travelers who love temples that tell stories (architectural, historical and human), Naulakha is an essential stop on any Deoghar visit. It rewards slow exploration: linger in the shade of its verandas, trace the lines of the spires against the sky, and let the calm of the place settle in. deoghar.nic.inPrabhat Khabar

  • Official Deoghar district tourist page (Naulakha details & how to reach). deoghar.nic.in+1
  • Practical travel and visitor tips (Holidify / MakeMyTrip summaries). HolidifyMakeMyTrip
  • Train and road route estimates (Rome2Rio / redBus). Rome2RioredBus

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