Bandhavgarh, a famous destination amongst tourists, is popularly known as Safari carries great significance from history’s perspective. There’s a story behind the fort’s name. It is believed that Lord Ram gifted this fort to his brother Lord Laxman, and hence the name Bandhavgarh.
This fort is built on a huge mountain amidst the forest and is also quite historical. It is mentioned in Narada Pancharatna and Shiv Samhita Purana Gatha that when Lord Shri Ram was returning to Ayodhya by Pushpak Viman after conquering Lanka, they stopped at this mountain for rest. Its then when Lord Ram had given this fort as a gift to his brother Lakshman. Since then this brother’s fort is called Bandhavgarh. Even today, Sita Mandap and Sita’s kitchen are visible here under Rampath Gaman.
Path of Lord Shri Ram
According to popular mythological belief, Lord Shri Ram first reached Markandeya Ashram in Umaria district from Chitrakoot via Khajuri Tal Ashram of Satna district, Shri Gridhkoot. In the description of the greatness of Shron Bhadra in Brihad Brahma Purana, there is mention of the time Shri Ram spent in Markandeya Ashram Sangam in the presence of Sita and Lakshman.
There is also a mention of Shrona Bhadra river and Mahendratanaya river in it. According to the Puranas, in the southern part of Chhoti Mahanadi, Lord Shri Ram had performed Pind Daan of his Vaikuntha resident father Maharaj Dasharatha. The photo of the manuscript and the book “Shronbhadra Harirup” are still available. According to the geographical description of Shri Shiv Samhita, Markandeya Ashram is situated48 kilometers north of Bandhavgarh.
Shri Gridhkoot Mansi Ganga Dham is just one scheme north from Markandeya Ashram. Thus, Shri Gridhakuta, Shri Markandeya Ashram (birthplace of immortal sage Markandeya) and Bandhavgarh, the capital of Shri Ram’s younger brother Lakshman – all three are situated on a straight line.
Stay In Bandhavgarh
After Markandeya Ashram, Lord Ram left for Bandhavgarh. Legend has it that he spent a quarter of a year here. Even today Sita’s kitchen can be seen in the mountain. Lord Rama was very fond of this place, which he had handed over to his younger brother Lakshman. When an elder brother gives an object or a gift to his younger brother, it is called Bandhava.
Shri Ram gave the responsibility of this area to Lakshman, hence it was named Bandhavgarh. After Bandhavgarh, Lord Ram had performed Shraddha, Pind Daan and Tarpan in the name of Baikunth resident father Dasharatha at the confluence of Son river and Johila river, hence it is called Dasharatha Ghat. It falls near Bijauri. Even today the tribals offer Pind Daan here with reverence. A fair is organized here on the festival of Makar Sankranti. The temple of Lord Kartikeya (Chaturbhuj) is also worth seeing here.
This Ancient Site Still Exists Today
Bandhavgarh plain is spread over 95 hectares and is surrounded by 32 hills. In ancient times, there used to be 12 ponds here, out of which eight were big and four were small. One is Rani Talab, on the banks of which Rani Mahal and temple is built. The second Baba pond, on the banks of which there used to be a Gurukul, is now situated in the lap of a Labhed tree.
Baba Talab has been created in a unique way by cutting rocks in a rectangular shape. It is said that immense wealth is buried between Rani and Baba ponds. The third is Kabir Talab, near which Kabir Math still stands, where Kabir Utsav is celebrated every year.
With time many of the ponds in the fort no longer exists. Although Rani Mahal, Shiv Temple, storehouse, court, stable, Kabir Chaura, Kabir Math, Kabir Talab and Bandhwadhish temple of the time of Baghel rulers are preserved till date.