Adi Chitragupta Temple, also known as Shri Chitragupta Adi Mandir, is a famous ancient temple located near Naujar Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River in Patna, Bihar. The temple is dedicated to Chitragupta, the accountant of human deeds. The Adi Chitragupta Temple is also widely known as the Kayastha Dham or Kayastha Temple.
Adi Chitragupta Mandir History and Architecture
The temple is believed to be over 2,500 years old, making it one of the ancient religious sites of Patna. It is associated with Pataliputra (ancient Patna) and early Hindu administrative-religious traditions. The temple houses a rare 16th-century black basalt (Kasauti stone) idol of Lord Chitragupta.
According to tradition, a statesman named Mudrarakshasa (belonging to the Nanda period) introduced the worship of Chitragupta here and established early temple practices. In the 16th century (circa 1573–1574 AD), Raja Todar Mal (Akbar's finance minister) found the temple in a neglected state and renovated and rebuilt it. He commissioned the installation of a statue of Chitragupta, made of black touchstone, to support organized worship. Chitragupta is particularly revered by the Kayastha community, who consider him their family deity. In 1766 AD, Maharaja Bhup Narayan Singh contributed to the temple's renovation and architectural improvements.
The temple complex also includes worship of Shiva as Chitragupteshwar Mahadev.
Darshan Timings of Adi Chitragupta Temple
The temple is open throughout the week, with darshan hours from 6 am to 7 pm. On special days, the temple remains open until 10 pm.
Prime Festivals of Adi Chitragupta Manir
The most important festival at the Adi Chitragupta Temple is Chitragupta Puja (Yama Dwitiya/Bhai Dooj after Diwali), when many people gather.
How to reach Adi Chitragupta Mandir
Adi Chitragupta Mandir is located in Patna City, near Naujar Ghat / Kadamkuan area, Bihar. It is well connected by road within Patna, so reaching there is quite easy. From Patna Junction Railway Station, it's just 6 to 8 KM distance. Patna Bus Stand is just 6km away. Patna Airport (Jay Prakash Narayan Airport) is the nearest airport.
Popular Name: Naujar Ghat Chitragupta Mandir, Kadamkuan Adi Chitragupta Mandir, Patna City Chitragupta Temple