RAMTEK - A LAND OF PLEDGE
It is the beginning of the month of May, with scorching heat and summer is at its peak. The temperature is soaring high with the election waves kindling the fire .The fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha Election 2019 to constitute 17 th Lok Sabha.has caught fervour. The contestants are engrossed in filing nominations, rallying, campaigning and visiting temples praying to their deities for their success.
Today, I write on Ramtek-land of oath and feel that the politicians of India should understand the value and meaning of a oath just like Sri Ram, to get rid of demons from the society along with the help of responsible citizens for the betterment and bright future of India to make it once again the golden bird.
Location
At the foothills of Satpuras Range is the grand temple of Lord Ram also known as Ram Dham , Ramtek Gadh Mandir or Ramtek Fort Temple. It is a fabulous weekend getaway for Vidarbhites and tourists from all over the country. Many tourists visit this place of mythological importance.
Ramtek is about 70 kms from SEZ Mihan,Nagpur.I travelled with my family in our car which makes journey comfortable and easier.The road takes directly to the entrance of Ramdham. It is on an elevation of 345 mts from the sea level on Ramgiri Hills.
History
Ramtek has a lavish confluence of devotion, literature and history.
According to legend the ashram of sage Agastya was situated near Ramtek in Dandakaranya.
Lord Ram along with Sita and Lakshman had halted here during his term of fourteen years of exile.
Demons used disrupt rituals, religious rites and havans performed by rishi-munis.They killed hermits and their pupils creating havoc and terror. Lord Ram upon witnessing this took a 'vow' (tek) to vanquish all the rakshasas. Hence, this place got its name Ramtek from Ram's oath.
Demons used disrupt rituals, religious rites and havans performed by rishi-munis.They killed hermits and their pupils creating havoc and terror. Lord Ram upon witnessing this took a 'vow' (tek) to vanquish all the rakshasas. Hence, this place got its name Ramtek from Ram's oath.
It is a belief, if someone takes a pledge at this place then their life is blessed by Lord Ram.
Ramtek Temple
The temple of Sri Ram, Laxman and Sita is located on the hilltop of Ramgiri hills. The temple is known by several names- Ramdham, Ram Mandir, Gadh Mandir and Ramtek Fort Temple.
The temple built in the 18th and 19th century exhibit the combined influence of the hindu, Muslim and Orissan architecture. It is most famed for the 350 feet long and unique 'OM' (ॐ) structure that is adorned with descriptions from Ramayana and idols of Hanuman, Sai Baba, and Gajanan Maharaj.
There is a story behind the deities of Ramtek temple.
The padukas (wooden sandals) of Shri Ram were worshipped here. In 1736 King Raghu Bhonsle visited Ramgiri where he found out that the sandals of God were worshipped and statues of deities were missing. The king pledged to install the deities from Jaipur for the temple but, a miracle happened and king had a dream in which Lord Ram told the him to search the waters of the river Sur.
After a thorough search the original statues of the deities were found which are now worshipped in the temple. In 1753, the original deities were discovered and re-installed atop Rama Giri amidst much festivity and celebration.The temple is decorated on the occassion of Ram-navmi and Diwali.
Statue of Boar
The statue of boar (Varaha) has been sculpted out of a single rock. It overlooks the valley and the Ramtek Fort Temple. This statue is situated near the Ramtek temple. It is believed that a sinful person could never crawl beneath the belly of the boar.
Bawli
bawli near Ram Mandir filled with superfluous growth of moss)
Kalidas Samarak
At the foot of the hill is a charming inland lake Ramsagar The famous Sanskrit poet Kalidas wrote his epic ‘Meghdootam’ here. It is said that he got inspired by the beauty of Ramtek and wrote ‘Meghdoota’. The Kalidas Samarak is adorned with the inscriptions and paintings of the 'Meghdoota'. The memorial and Kavikulaguru Kalidasa Sanskrit University are famous for being a seat of learning and research in Sanskrit.
Four day annual Kalidas festival is organized by Maharashtra Tourism Department since 1996 to honour the great poet Kalidas.
Four day annual Kalidas festival is organized by Maharashtra Tourism Department since 1996 to honour the great poet Kalidas.
Ambala Lake
Ambala Lake is found at the foothills of Ramtek Fort Mandir. This pool was formed when Lord Narsimha threw the cudgel (club) of Hiranyakashyapu with a great force which formed a great crater, which formed a water body known as Ambala Kund. Another facinating story of the place is that when the stones of the hills are cracked open it takes a blood red colour in sunlight reflecting the blood of the demon, Hiranyakashyapu.
It is used to immerse the ashes of the dead (asthi- visarjan) and perform post-death ritual (tarpan)
It is used to immerse the ashes of the dead (asthi- visarjan) and perform post-death ritual (tarpan)
Jain Temple
(Way to temple)
There is also a famous Jain Temple at Ramtek.This Jain temple is exceptional with various ancient statues of Jain Tirthankars. The main idol is of Shantinatha, the sixteenth Tirthankar. It is 15-feet tall atishaya purna idol of Bhagwan Shantinath in Kayotsarya posture. The idol is full of charisma and is a major attraction of the temple. Jains believe that their wishes get fulfilled at this temple.
Legend says that the sculpture of Tirthankar Shantinath emerged from the ground some 500 years ago and hence this temple was built. The existing idol of the Tirthankar is built over the emerged idol.
The temple has several rooms for meditation.
(Old Temple)
(Statues of 24 Tiranthakars)
Near the old temple a new pink sandstone temple has been constructed. It is also known as 'Panch Bal Yati Temple' or 'Chaubisi Temple'. Temple hall is circular in shape which is adorned with huge golden statues of all the 24 Jain Tirtankars. The new temple took 20 years to complete and was open to public in 2012.
Khindsi Lake
It is about 3.5 kms from Ramtek and is easily accessible by road.The picturesque and large lake is surrounded by verdant forests The serene beauty of this lake makes it a great picnic spot. The lake comes alive with the brilliant amber light of the sunset lending a tranquil moment in the eyes of the beholder.
One can enjoy boating in various types of boats like
There is also an adventure park for children near the lake. You can also enjoy trekking here.
With too many flavours to try out, visit Ramtek for sure.
One can enjoy boating in various types of boats like
- Rowing boat
- Paddle boat
- Water scooters
To fall into the joy of nature you can enjoy the hills of Satpura, the waters of the lake and the brilliant sunlight come together.
There is also an adventure park for children near the lake. You can also enjoy trekking here.
With too many flavours to try out, visit Ramtek for sure.
4 comments
I had visited Ramtek before but never knew the true story. Great information
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! You found information on Ramtek interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe post is very informative and eloquently describes the place.
ReplyDeleteI am elated you liked it.Thanks!
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