Rajrappa is a waterfall and a pilgrimage centre in Ramgarh district in the Indian state of
Jharkhand. The Bhera or Bhairavi joins the Damodar, falling from a height of 9.1 metres (30 ft). It is a scenic spot that offers boating facilities and spectacular rock formation for the visitors. Rajrappa stands at the confluence of the Damodar and Bhairavi (locally called Bhera) rivers. Rajrappa is located off NH 23 connecting Ramgarh and Chas. It is 28 kilometres (17 mi) from Ramgarh, 65 kilometres (40 mi) from
Hazaribagh, 78 kilometres (48 mi) from
Ranchi and 60 kilometres (37 mi) from
Bokaro Steel City.
Pilgrimage centre:
Rajrappa is a Hindu pilgrimage centre attracting an estimated 2,500-3,000 persons daily. The main attraction of the Chhinnamasta (also known as Chinnamastika) temple located here is the headless deity of goddess Chinnamasta which stands on the body of Kamdeo and Rati in the lotus bed. The
Chhinnamasta Temple is very popular for its Tantrik style of architectural design. The temple is very old but has that essence of enchantment. Apart from the main temple, there are ten temples of various gods and goddesses such as the Sun God and Lord Shiva. Animal sacrifice is still practised in the temple. The sacrificial animals are killed on Tuesdays and Saturdays and during Kali puja.
Rajrappa also is a pilgrim centre for the Santals and other tribals who come for immersion of the ashes of their loved ones in the Damodar. They come mostly during the month of December, in groups known as yatri. As per their mythology it is their final resting place. In their folk songs Rajrappa is referred to as "Thel Kopi Ghat" (Water Ghat) and they use oil after bathing. They come in significant numbers from the southern parts of Jharkhand state such as East and West Singhbhum and Saraikela districts.
Economy:
Rajrappa is a project under Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal
India Limited and is part of Ramgarh Coalfield. It is one of the biggest coal-fields in its region. It is widely known as the Rajrappa Project, which consist of the main quarry (a huge open cast mine), offices, colonies, recreation facilities, shopping complexes, a police out-post and public utility buildings. It is a complete township in itself.
