CONSTRUCTION OF RAM DARBAR IN FULL SWING

CONSTRUCTION OF RAM DARBAR IN FULL SWING

18-DEC-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------The construction of a magnificent Ram Darbar has gained momentum at Tulsidas Ashram in Raghunathpur, under the Brahmapur block. This ashram is considered a very important religious and historical site in Buxar district, where the invaluable legacy of Ramcharitmanas and the sacred memories of its creator, Goswami Tulsidas, are still alive. It is believed that this is the sacred land where Goswami Tulsidas performed penance, propagated the story of Rama, and composed the Uttarakand of Ramcharitmanas.

With the cooperation of local villagers, the ancient Ram-Janaki temple, established in the 15th century, is undergoing extensive renovation. There are plans to construct a grand Ram Darbar here, on the lines of Ayodhya. Along with the idols of Ram and Janaki, idols of Lakshmi-Narayan and Radha-Krishna will also be installed in the newly constructed temple complex. All the idols are being made by skilled artisans from Rajasthan. A religious flag will also be hoisted in the temple complex, making the site even more attractive and magnificent.

Shailesh Ojha, the convener of the Tulsi Vichar Manch, said that Raghunathpur is not just a village, but a sacred center of the Indian soul, where the words of Tulsidas still resonate. He said that the old name of Raghunathpur was Bela Patwat, which was changed to Raghunathpur by Goswami Tulsidas. Seeing a small Ram temple located in the southern part of the village, Tulsidas started residing there and narrated the story of Rama to the villagers while meditating under a Bodhi tree. He was donated four acres of land by the village landlord, Raghunath Singh, which is also mentioned in various survey records and government documents.

The recently constructed Mahakal temple in the ashram complex has become a new center of faith for devotees. People come from far and wide to see the huge Shivling installed here. The Tulsi Sarovar located on the premises is famous for events like Chhath Puja and Ganga Aarti. During the month of Sawan, the entire area is filled with devotion due to cultural events such as Tulsi Jayanti, Ram Navami, Dussehra, and the Mahaviri flag procession.

Local villagers and members of the Tulsi Vichar Manch have demanded that the tourism department include the Tulsi Ashram in the Ramayana Circuit and develop it as a religious tourist destination, establish a Manas library, and install a grand statue of Goswami Tulsidas.