Damakheda
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Damakheda
Where every devout may awaken the Saint Kabir within! “Hope and delusion do not die. Like oil is inside its seed, Just as fire is inside the flint stone, Your God is inside you.
If you have the power to awaken it, then awaken it.” These were the holy words of Saint Kabir. Chhattisgarh has been blessed by the holy presence of this great man and lacs of Chhattisgarhis have benefitted from his life-changing lessons. Here, the many people who have followed the noble path of Saint Kabir are called 'Kabirpanthis'. The lives of these Kabirpanthis have transformed greatly by the meaningful preaching of the holy saint. By overcoming the negative aspects of their nature, the Kabirpanthis have adopted a simple living, thereby obtaining inner peace and joy. Kabirpanth is more a way of life that can be followed by anybody irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
Saint Kabir influenced people to believe in goodness by fighting violence, racism, and sin. His teaching was aimed at changing the lives of people through kindness, love, brotherhood and non-violence. This is the main reason why Kabirpanth is a famous spiritual path chosen by millions around the globe, mainly in Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, and other European countries. Kabirpanth gives utmost importance to the guru and there are Kabir Ashrams scattered all over Chhattisgarh. The administrator of these Ashrams is called a Mahant. Regular prayer chants and holy offerings are of utmost importance here. The Indian tradition of offering puja to the Guru on every festival is followed with great fervour here. The practice of 'Chauka' is carried out by placing the Guru on a higher pedestal and honouring Saint Kabir and Saint Dharamdas with flowers, coconut and bowing to their feet.
Kabir Tirth at Damakheda
Chhattisgarh's most sacrosanct pilgrimage destination for Kabirpanthis, Damakheda is located at a distance of 10km on the Raipur-Bilaspur Highway. Based on the principles of honesty, wisdom and humanity, the Kabirmath was established in 1903 by the 12th guru of Kabirpanth, Shri Ugranaam Sahib on Dussehra. From then onwards, Damakheda became famous as a Kabirpanth Tirth.
Saint Dharamdas was a devout and sincere student of Kabir Sahib. Coming from a small town called Amriya, Bandhavgarh, in Madhya Pradesh, he was bestowed with spiritual knowledge by Saint Kabir. The second son of Saint Dharamdas, Muktamani Sahib, was given the honour of promoting Kabirpanth for 42 generations. This was how Muktamani Sahib became the first Vanshguru of Kabirpanth, making the Kudurmal, a village of Chhattisgarh in Korba, his main destination.
Muktamani Sahib continued his holy journey and established many more Kabir Tirths everywhere. The tradition of Vanshgurus in Chhattisgarh began with Kudurmal spreading to Ratanpur, Mandala (Madhya Pradesh), Dhamdha, Sinhodi (Madhya Pradesh), Kabirdham (Kawardha), finally reaching Damakheda. Even today, Damakheda is one of the most famous and sacrosanct Tirth for Kabirpanthis. At present the 15th Vanshguru, Shri Prakashmuni Sahib, is spreading the teachings of Saint Kabir. The main attractions in Damakheda are the Kabir Ashram and Samadhi Temple.
Samadhi Temple: One of the most artistic temples, the Kabir Mandir has the life of Saint Kabir carved in stone. Here, the gracious presence of Saint Kabir attracts devotees to the Samadhi. At the centre of the Samadhi Mandir, Samadhis of other Vanshgurus like Ugranaam Sahib, Dayanam Sahib, Granthmuni Sahib and revered Guru Matas are located. A temple dedicated to the first Vanshguru of Kabirpanth, Muktamani Sahib, is also created here. Standing in front of this temple one can see the white flag, a symbol of Kabirpanth, fluttering in the air. Hoisted on top of a marble arch, the flag instils faith in the hearts of visitors. Devotees come from far off places just to get the blessings of revered saints here. Their humility is restored, their egos melt away and they become one with the preacher of goodness.
Fairs and Festivals: From Magh Shukla Dashami to Magh Pournima, the 'Sant Samagam Samaroh' is celebrated in Damakheda with great zest and zeal. Devotees, Mahantas, Saints and Gurus from all across the nation come to participate in this 'Satsang'. This event is a great platform for spreading the kind words and life-changing preaching of Saint Kabir through Bhajans and Speeches.
Dusshera is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Damakheda as it is considered to be the auspicious day when Kabirpanth was initiated. A grand 'Shobha Yatra' (procession) of the Vanshguru is carried out and all the devotees are a part of this sacred tradition. Similarly, Saint Kabir's 'Prakat Divas' is celebrated as Kabir Jayanti on Jyeshtha Pournima every year. Considered an extremely holy Tirth by Kabirpanthis, Damakheda witnesses different types of devotees who throng this pilgrimage destination every year. Kabirpanth is therefore proudly considered the most altruistic way of living. The arms of this revered place are open for one and all. Mankind is blessed with Saint Kabir's meaningful teachings and Kabirpanth is spreading far and wide all across the world. Accommodation: Simga (12km) and Raipur (45km) have excellent resorts and hotels for a comfortable stay.
How to reach
By Air
Raipur is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.
By Rail
Raipur is the nearest railway station on the Bombay- Howrah main line. By Road: Local taxis and private vehicles are available for transport from Raipur.
