Maa Dewri Mandir, Tamar, Ranchi | History, Distance, Photos, & Ultimate Travel Guide

About 60 kilometers from Ranchi, on the way to Tata Jamshedpur NH-33, near Devri village in Tamar block, stands the 700-year-old ancient holy Maa Dewri Temple enshrines to Goddess Kali in her sixteen-armed (known as Solha Bhuji Maa ) form as the incarnation of power, which is elusive in the country.

 

this 700-year-old temple is built from only of stone using the stone locking method, where stones are placed one on top of the other without any joining material (like chalk or cement). 

It stands exactly as it was built, even today. it is said that whenever anyone tried to alter or reconstruct the main temple, they had to face the wrath of Maa, so the old temple has been kept as it is.

 

Around the main temple, the outer platform like Chabutra and Mandapa are newly built, and their design resembles the temples of Odisha.

Here is a unique worship ritual where both tribals and Hindu priests perform worship together. for 6 days, the tribal priest Pahan and for 1 day Brahmin priest Panda perform the puja.

 

The glory of Maa Dewri is such that  devotees come here from far away and it is a profound belief that whoever comes here with a sacred heart and a wish (mannat) has fulfilled.

There is also a unique tradition about mannat, devotees tie a thread or chuniri on a sacred place like bambo made Structure or Grill, and when their wish is fulfilled, they come back to untie it.

Devri Maa is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of the local tribe. During aarti and puja, the local tribes play their traditional Nagara (drums).

 

Among her countless devotees is India’s famous cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who regularly visits for her blessings, especially before leaving to play in any major series. It is said that the Goddess’s grace always remains upon him. 

 

So, let us discover the greatness of Maa Dewri and begin on a spiritual journey of the famous and sacred Maa Dewri Temple in Jharkhand.

Deity: Dedicated to Maa Kali, statue of 16 Bhuji Maa

The statue of Maa Dewri is dedicated to 16 Bhuji Maa Kali. The height of the idol is about 3.5 feet, and in her sixteen arms she holds weapons like bow, shield, and trident. Maa Dewri is the Kul Devi of the local tribes. 

Taking photo of Maa Dewri is strictly prohibited this image taken from Dewri Mandir Trust Official Website live Darshan

Ritual and Worship 

How traditional started:  6-day puja offered by Pahan and 1 day by Panda

Since the construction of the temple, the priests of the Munda tribe, known as Pahan, used to perform the worship. But later, the Tamar area, including this place, came under the rule of the Hindu Nagvanshi kings. One of the Nagvanshi kings, Ek Nath Shdeo, who was a devotee of Maa Dewri, used to come on Mondays to perform puja. He brought with him a Brahmin priest, Chamru Panda, who performed the rituals.

passing With time, this becomes a tradition.

In this way, 6 days (Tuesday to Sunday) the tribal priests Pahan, and 1 day (Monday) the Hindu priest Panda perform the worship, which itself is a unique and rare example of Adivasi-Hindu confluence.

 

Devotees here not only perform worship, but also rituals like mundan, vehicle puja, marriage, and bali puja. In this way, Maa Dewri Temple is the center place for the local culture.

 

Watch full video of  Maa Dewri Mandir on our official Travel YouTube channel 

We visited the ancient Maa Dewri Temple in Tamar , Ranchi  on 9 August 2025 and captured some beautiful cinematic shots of the green landscape, scenic road journey, and the sacred temple of Solah Bhuji Maa. Watch the full experience here!

Temple History

There are no written documents or archival records about the history of Dewri Mandir. 

However, the most accepted fact according to local traditions, the temple was built around 700 years ago by King Kera, a tribal ruler of the Kharwar dynasty. During that time, the Kharwar dynasty ruled regions of present-day Bihar, including Rohtas, Palamu, and Singhbhum. King Kera was the ruler of the Singh bhum region, including the Tamad area where the temple is established.

if The temple is 700 years old. it is likely to have been constructed in the 14th century, maybe after 1300 CE. 

Some information points to the date of its construction to the 11th or 12th century, but there is no evidence to support this.

Legend stories of the temple construction

There are many local beliefs and legendary stories about the construction of Dewri Temple that are popular among the people. but how the temple was built remains a mystery.

Story 1: Built by King Kera after losing a battle

According to local belief, Dewri was already considered a sacred site where local tribal communities used to offer prayers. It is said that when King Kera was passing through Dewri after losing a battle, he prayed to Maa Dewri and soon regained his kingdom. In gratitude, he commissioned the construction of the temple and installed a unique idol of the goddess Kali with sixteen arms, which still stands in the temple today.

Story 2:  Maa ordered King Kera in a dream
When King Khera had lost a war, Maa Dewri came in his dream and asked him to build a temple. She blessed him, and then the king built the temple and established the sixteen-armed idol. With Maa’s blessing, King Khera regained his kingdom. After this, Maa Dewri’s fame spread everywhere, and people started coming for darshan.

Other lesser-known stories

Self-created temple: Some say the temple was not built by anyone. Maa Dewri appeared among the stones. Workers first saw it. At first, there was only a rock, but the next day, the temple stood there.

Maurya period story: Some people connect it with Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty, saying he built it while going for the Kalinga war toward Orissa. But there is no proof or tradition linked. The rituals and temple design prove more that it was a tribal holy place, later built by King Kera.

Structure of the Temple

The main temple is an ancient 700-year-old old

The temple is made of sandstone without any binding material like cement or chalk. The stone interlocking technique was used. The carvings on the stones look amazing. The door is also made of stone, its height is small so devotees have to bend to enter. Only one person can go inside at a time. But inside, enough space for three people to worship simultaneously

In the structure of the temple, the glimpse of local tribal construction style can be seen, which is also creates a mystery, how this temple have been built with such huge stones.

The outer platform and Mandapa have been developed recently.

When you reach Dewri Temple, the part of the temple you see  the big platform and the Mandapa is newly built. For this, artists were called from Odisha. The carvings on the temple are made very beautifully.

Temple Timing

• Open: All 7 days of the week
• Opening Time: 4:00 AM
• Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM
• Closed: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM (for Aarti & Bhog)
• Puja Resumes: 12:30 PM onwards
• Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
• Closing Time: 8:00 PM

How to Reach Maa Dewri Temple

Dewri Mandir Location
Dewri Mandir is around 60 km from Ranchi, situated on NH-33 near Dewri villege  (the road going towards Jamshedpur). It lies almost midway between Ranchi and Jamshedpur.

Journey From Ranchi

From Kantatoli after driving a few kilometers, you will reach a big Chowk. If you go straight, the road leads towards Tata, Silli, and Khelgaon.  But for Maa Dewri Mandir, you have to take a left turn (as shown in the picture below).

After that, keep driving straight. On the way, you will see several signboards of Dewri Mandir.

Route: Ranchi Kantatoli → Namkum → Bundu → Adanhatu → Tamad → Dewri Mandir

Total Distance: 61 km from Kantatoli Ranchi
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car.

Toll Tax:   130 RS in one way, and after  returning, you have to pay 65 Rs within 24 Hours.

Start from Ranchi (Kantatoli Chowk).

• Drive towards Namkum - about 8 km.
• Continue on NH-43 to Bundu subdevision - about 30 km.
• From Bundu, next is Adanhatu (Surya Mandir) - about 12 km.
• Continue straight to the Tamad - about 18 km.
• From Tamad, drive about 5 km.
• Just before Dewri Mandir, you’ll see an overbridge.

Do not go over it. Take the service road before the bridge, and go under it to the other side. The Dewri Mandir will be right in front of you, beside the highway.

Journey From Tata Jamshedpur

Journey from Tata Jamshedpur: The Dewri Temple is around 60 km from Jamshedpur. You can reach here in about 1.5 to 2 hours by car via NH-33, passing through scenic green surroundings and small towns along the way.

• Start from Jamshedpur city.
• Travel on NH-33 towards Ranchi.
• After about 30 km, you will cross Chandil.
• Moving ahead another 15 km, you reach Chandil Dam diversion point.
• From there, continue for around 10 km to reach Ichagarh.
• After covering another 5 km, you will pass Kandra Chowk.

Finally, after about 60 km in total, you will arrive at Maa Dewri Mandir, Tamar.

Distance from Various Places

From Ranchi: 60 km

From Bundu: 25 km

From Tamad: 5 km

From Namkum: 40 km

From Tata Jamshedpur: 60 km

By Road

Dewri Mandir is well-connected via NH-33.
You can take any bus going towards Jamshedpur from Khadgarha Bus Stand or from Kantatoli Petrol Pump. The bus will drop you at Dewri Mandir (via Bundu).

Apart from buses, you can go by bike (just 60 km, easily coverable) or by private car. A rented car will cost around ₹2500–3000 for the trip.

Spiritual Journey Through Nature and Faith 

As soon as you start your journey from Namkum, you will feel a unique spiritual and natural connection with Maa Dewri. The road is surrounded on both sides by green trees, giving you the Spiritual connection that you are moving towards the darshan of the Goddess.

All along the way, the beauty of nature and the greenery will enchant your heart. The journey becomes even more mesmerizing when you pass through the Taimara Valley, where the distant hills are wrapped in tall green trees. The scenery is so captivating that you will surely feel like stopping for a while and clicking some photos.

By Train

If you are coming by train, reach Ranchi Junction. From there, you can hire a private car to Dewri Mandir.

By Air

If you are coming by flight, land at Birsa Munda International Airport, Ranchi. From there also, private cars are easily available for Dewri Mandir.

Prayer and Prasadam after Reaching Dewri Mandir

After reaching the temple, first you have to park your vehicle. The parking area is just beside the temple and no extra charge is taken there. Sometimes local flower vendors also guide you in parking, but then you have to buy prasad from them.

You can take prasad as per your wish. The common offerings include coconut, red cloth chunri, garlands of red hibiscus, peda sweets, etc. Prasad usually ranges between ₹80 to ₹200.

After taking prasad, you have to enter through the main gate, which is beautifully flanked by two lion statues. From there, the queue starts. After standing for a while in the line, you reach the main sanctum of the temple. On crowded days, direct entry inside is restricted-then darshan is done from the gate itself, and the priests offer your prasad to Maa on your behalf. The prasad is also distributed to the idols of Ganesh and other deities placed at the temple entrance.

What to Do After Prayers at Dewri Mandir

Explore the Local Market

After completing your prayers, you can step outside to the small local market near the temple. Here you’ll find photo frames of Maa Dewri, garlands, bangles, decorative items, and flowers for worship. There are also street stalls selling light snacks like puffed rice (bhuja), pani puri, and ice cream.

Have Breakfast or Lunch

Local Breakfast (Affordable & Delicious)

On the way to the temple, there are 3-4 small shops serving traditional Jharkhand-style food.

Kachori-Jalebi Combo - Around ₹30 for 4 kachoris with jalebi, a tasty and filling option.

jharkhand special dish Dhuska - A popular local dish made from rice and lentils, fried and served with curry.

Simple Thali - Available for around ₹40, perfect if you want a quick and budget-friendly meal.

Lunch at Restaurants

There are no big restaurants directly near the temple. However, as you return towards Ranchi, you will find several good restaurants about 5-6 km from Dewri Mandir, where you can stop for a proper lunch.

Visit the Surya Mandir at Adanhatu

After lunch, on your way back, you can visit the Adanhatu Sun Temple, not too far from Dewri Mandir.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya and features a grand statue of the Sun God riding a chariot pulled by seven horses.

Here, people do not offer prasad. Instead, they simply bow, pray, and spend some time meditating in peace.

The seven large horse statues outside the temple are a popular spot for photography.

Professional photographers are also available at the site to capture memorable pictures for visitors.

-Jai Maa Dewri

important  --About Author- QueryFlag Travel - Branch of Queryflag | Explore Places Across the World. Written by Vinay Kumar Chabuey, Write for Travel, Tech, History, Biography