One of eastern India’s most revered spiritual landmarks, Naulakha Mandir in Deoghar, Jharkhand, has undergone a significant restoration following years of administrative uncertainty. The initiative, backed by a collective contribution of approximatel
Naulakha Mandir traces its origins to Srimati Charusila Dasi, widow of the late Sri Akshoy Kumar Ghosh of the prominent Pathuriaghata family of Calcutta. Following the tragic loss of both her husband and only son in a horse-cart accident between the 1930s and 1940s, Charusila Dasi sought solace in pilgrimage. Her journey brought her to Deoghar, where she encountered the spiritual saint Sri Balanand Brahmachari.
Moved by her grief, the saint encouraged her to channel her sorrow into service. Inspired by this counsel, Srimati Charusila Dasi commissioned the construction of the temple, which began in 1936 and was completed in 1944. Historical accounts indicate that nearly nine lakh silver coins were expended in its construction, lending the temple its distinctive name, Naulakha Mandir.
Court Oversight and Appointment of Receiver
On 6th September 2017, the Calcutta High Court, presided over by the Honourable Justice Soumen Sen, passed a formal order in the matter of Manoj Kumar Roy & Ors. versus Smt. Charusila G Trust Estate & Anr. (GA No. 1202 of 2017, ACR No. 2214 of 1987, GA No. 2820 of 2017). The order, passed under the Ordinary Original Civil Jurisdiction on the Original Side, arose following the death of the earlier receiver, Mr. Nirmal Mitra, Bar-at-Law.
Restoration Effort Gains Ground
Following the assumption of receiver responsibilities, the management observed that the temple had fallen into a state of disrepair and required urgent attention. Beginning in 2020, a coordinated restoration initiative was set in motion. Sivanand Brahmachari played a pivotal role in connecting key stakeholders, including Dr. Nishikant Dubey, Member of Parliament from the Godda constituency of Jharkhand, who subsequently visited the temple and lent his support to the cause.
The restoration drive brought together a group of individuals committed to protecting the cultural and spiritual heritage of Naulakha Mandir. Among those who contributed to the initiative were Sivanand Brahmachari, Dr. Nishikant Dubey, Aarothi Saigal, Mrinalendu Sarkar, and Mr. Pinaki Ghosh. Pratap Ghosh also played a meaningful role in facilitating coordination and furthering the preservation objectives of the trust.
Collectively, approximately ₹1.5 crore was mobilised toward renovation, infrastructure improvement, and the broader upkeep of the heritage structure. The effort reflects a shared recognition that institutions of such spiritual and historical depth merit sustained care and transparent stewardship.
A Living Heritage
Today, Naulakha Mandir stands as more than a place of worship. It represents the enduring legacy of a woman whose personal anguish gave rise to a monument of faith. Located at FPG5+W55, Karnibad, Deoghar, Jharkhand – 814143, the temple continues to draw thousands of devotees and visitors each year, its architectural grandeur and spiritual resonance undiminished.
The story of Charusila Dasi, of grief transformed into devotion, and devotion into a lasting institution, remains as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago. With renewed administrative oversight and a completed restoration, the temple enters a new chapter, grounded in accountability and guided by respect for its founding vision.
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