EFFORTS TO DEVELOP TULASI ASHRAM INTO A TOURIST PLACE

EFFORTS TO DEVELOP TULASI ASHRAM INTO A TOURIST PLACE

14-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR---------------------------Initiatives to develop Tulsi Ashram—an historical and spiritual hub located in Raghunathpur within the district—into a religious tourism destination have gained momentum. Buxar Sadar MLA Anand Mishra has written to the Tourism Minister, formally requesting that Tulsi Ashram be officially declared a religious tourist site.

Should this initiative prove successful, it would pave the way for the Ashram to receive government patronage and facilitate its development into a prominent center for religious tourism.

Shailesh Ojha, Convener of the 'Tulsi Vichar Manch' (Tulsi Forum), met with the Sadar MLA and submitted an eight-point charter of demands for the development of the Ashram. These demands include significant measures such as registering Tulsi Ashram under the Bihar State Religious Trust Board, integrating it into the 'Ramayana Circuit,' organizing an annual "Tulsi Mahotsav" (Tulsi Festival), constructing a boundary wall, a grand entrance gate, and a 'Manas Library' within the Ashram premises, establishing a 'Gurukul' (traditional school), beautifying the 'Tulsi Sarovar' (pond), and constructing a corridor connecting Tulsi Ashram to the Baba Brahmeshwarnath Temple. Additionally, a demand has been made to ensure that major trains halt at Raghunathpur Railway Station to facilitate the convenience of devotees.

According to the *Shahabad Gazetteer* (1966) and other government records, the great saint Tulsidas once stayed in Raghunathpur. It is widely believed that he composed certain sections of the *Uttarakand* (the final chapter) of the *Ramcharitmanas* at this very location. To this day, revenue records list approximately 4 acres and 63 decimals of land registered in his name.

The ancient Shri Ram-Janaki Temple and Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated within the Ashram complex, serve as key centers of faith for devotees.

If Tulsi Ashram is successfully developed into a religious tourism destination, it will boost tourism in the region, generate local employment opportunities, and ensure the security of the temple's assets. Furthermore, it would facilitate better control over encroachment and allow for the allocation of a dedicated budget for beautification and administrative management.

Upon the fulfillment of these demands, the Tulsi Ashram and Baba Brahmeshwarnath Temple area is expected to evolve into a major religious hub, thereby providing fresh impetus to regional development.