Chhattisgarh, India – In a heartwarming turn of events, the ancient Ram Temple in the village of Kerlapenda, nestled in the Naxal-affected Chintalnar region of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, has been reopened after a long hiatus of 21 years. This significant development marks a moment of joy and spiritual rejuvenation for the local community, who have been deprived of their place of worship due to the Naxal insurgency.
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
The Ram Temple, which is believed to date back to the 1970s, had been a cornerstone of the local community’s spiritual life until it was forcibly shut down by Naxals in 2003. The insurgents, who had a strong presence in the area, used the temple premises for meetings and as a transit point, thereby prohibiting any religious activities.
The Dawn of a New Era
The reopening of the temple was made possible by the establishment of approximately 40 security camps in the Bastar region, which improved access to the interior villages and fostered interactions with the local tribal communities. The CRPF jawans, during an area sweep, discovered the temple and engaged with the villagers, who expressed their desire to have it reopened.
Celebrations and Gratitude
The villagers, along with the CRPF personnel, cleaned the temple and performed puja for the marble idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lakshman, which had not been worshipped for over two decades. The village, which is home to around 800 residents, is planning a ‘bhandara’ (community feast) to celebrate the upcoming Ram Navmi festival, symbolizing the consecration of the idols and the temple’s revival.
The Community’s Joy
Local reporter Raja Rathore, who visited the village, captured the overwhelming joy among the villagers as they danced to Ram bhajans, celebrating the return of their temple. The reopening stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and the gradual restoration of normalcy in a region once marred by conflict.
Visiting Kerlapenda’s Ram Temple
To visit the temple, one can travel to Chhattisgarh and make their way to the Sukma district. The temple is located approximately 90 km from the district headquarters of Sukma in Bastar division. It’s advisable to check for the latest travel advisories and road conditions before planning the trip. Local travel agencies and tour operators can provide packages and transportation services to Kerlapenda.
The potential for Kerlapenda’s Ram Temple to become a famous tourist spot is significant, given its cultural and historical importance. With the right strategies and development, it can attract visitors from all over the world.
Looking Forward
The reopening of the Ram temple is not just a local event but a beacon of hope for many other communities affected by similar circumstances. It represents the triumph of peace and spirituality over violence and suppression. As the temple bells ring once again, they herald a future where faith and harmony resonate through the once-silent corridors of Kerlapenda.
