Girodhpuri Dham
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Girodhpuri Dham
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Where a visionary social reformer, Satguru Baba Ghasi Das, redefined sainthood...
Popular as the birthplace of many great men and saints, Chhattisgarh is definitely a pilgrim's paradise. Among them is the preacher of the Satnami sect, Shri Ghasi Das (1756–1850CE). He was an advocate of the Satnami sect of Hinduism in the 18th century. Belonging to Girodhpuri, Raipur district, he preached Satnam to a number of Indians, particularly the people of Chhattisgarh. Guru Ghasi Das was born on 18th Dec 1756 to Mahagudas and Amrautin in Girodhpuri.
Right from his childhood, Guru Ghasi Das was a bright, intelligent and peace loving child. Sharp and full of positive energy he took special interest in 'Satsangs'. While playing with other children he would teach them precious aspects of life and solve their many problems easily and practically. Identifying a gem from a heap of coal, his father Mahagudas decided to get him married to the daughter of Anjori Das and Satyavati from Sirpur. Their daughter Safura was an extremely lovely, talented, homely and kind woman. The couple blessed with four beautiful sons, namely – Amar Das, Balak Das, Agar Das, Adgadiya Das, and daughter Sahodra Das.
During Ghasi Das' guruship, Confluence of Maratha’s and British rulers. The prevailing political, religious, economical and social scenarios affected him and his teaching greatly. He realised that the world was full of social evils like untouchability, injustice, racism, superstition and abuse. Tired of the chaotic world, he went into the forest and engaged himself in deep meditation.
On the Chata Mountain, underneath the Aura, Dhoura and Tendu trees, Guru Ghasi Das meditated for 6 long months. After much penance he attained complete self-knowledge or 'Satnam'. He became the enlightened one and achieved limitless power. Guru Ghasi Das returned home to Girodhpuri, but till then his wife Safura had already died. Upon hearing the news he told the villagers to dig her out of her grave so that he could bring her back to life. Fearing the impossible, the villagers suggested Guru Ghasi Das first experiment it on a dead calf. Satguru Baba Ghasi Das sprinkled holy water on the dead calf, while chanting “Satnam-Satnam” at the same time. Everybody was shocked to see the dead calf come back to life! Similarly, he also brought his wife Safura back from the dead. As a tribute to these miracles the “Bachiya Jeevandaan Sthal” and “Safura Jeevandaan Sthal” were created in Girodhpuri Dham. The Safura Math is also built near a pond at Girodhpuri Dham.
Guru Ghasi Das Baba was a learned man and a saint who possessed unusual powers. The great saint of Chhattisgarh followed simple and scientific approaches like Lord Buddha to eradicate caste system and fought against ignorance of Hindus to uplift them from caste atrocities and pathology. Guru Ghasi Das Baba changed the way people thought with his preaching and as he grew older, his fame spread far and wide.
The revered saint Guru Ghasi Das left Girodhpuri and went to Bhandarpuri. Spreading the “Satnam” way of living everywhere, he travelled all around Chhattisgarh. Many troubled men and women of different religions were uplifted by this divine saint and they took up “Satnam” as their new religion. Influenced by his miracles and dedication, millions became Satnamis.
Satguru Baba Ghasi Das' Principles
1. Satnam is everything. It is deeply rooted in every being and so must be followed for eternal peace. 2. 'Sat' is a jewel that every human possesses. Therefore, 'Sat' must imbibed into the mind, body, soul, promises, actions and religion. That will make you wise, good-willed and good natured. 3. Every human is equal to another on this earth. 4. A 'Satnami' is one who is free from the clutches of idol worship, superstition, untouchability, racism, blind faith, animal sacrifice, and social evils like these. 5. You must become a Satnami by avoiding sins like, violence, temptation, anger, greed, ego and jealousy and welcome human qualities like kindness, compassion, non-violence, honesty and brotherhood. 6. Men and women are equals. Give respect to every woman. Treat her like your mother. 7. Be kind to all animals. Do not make cows and buffalos plough in the field all day and let them rest in the afternoon.
Main attractions of Girodhpuri Dham
Every year in the Fagun Magh, during the Shukla Paksha Panchami, Shashthi, and Saptami a huge fair is held. Lacs of Satnamis come from all across the country to witness this grand fair with the aim to fulfil all their wishes and seek Baba Guru Ghasi Das's blessings. Satguru Baba Ghasi Das' main seating place: It is located at the top of a hill, just 2km away from Girodhpuri. It was here that after spending six months in the forest doing Tapasya, Ghasi Das returned and formulated path-breaking principles of a new egalitarian social order. The Satnam Panth is said to be based on these principles formulated by Guru Ghasi Das. This was where he meditated and gained enlightenment. Many devotees come to the 'Gurugaddi' to seek the Satguru's blessings and get their prayers answered.
Charankund
In the southern direction from the 'Gurugaddi', there is a hill beneath which there is a small Kund called the Charankund. After a 6 month long meditation, when Guru Ghasi Das washed his feet after attaining 'Satnami Wisdom', that place came to be honoured as the Charankund. It is believed that the holy water here relieves one and all of every disease, difficulty and malady.
Amrutkund
It is believed that the Satguru had cured countless animals of various ailments by generating the 'Amrut Jal'. This Kund is called the Amrutkund. This spot is just 100m away from the Charankund. Over the years, the water of the Amrutkund has not been spoiled and is capable of curing various diseases even today.
New Jaitkhamb
Chhattisgarh has the tallest Jaitkhamb in the world! This Jaitkhamb has been rebuilt by the Chhattisgarh Government with an investment of Rs. 54 crore. The height of this breathtaking structure is 77m or 243ft which makes it 7m taller than the Qutub Minar. The Jaitkhamb is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh.
Charanchinha Sthal
The deep impression of Satguru Ghasi Das' feet has been formed on a rock. This holy place is called the Charanchinha Sthal.
Baghpanja Sthal
The impression of a lion's paw can be found on a huge rock. It is said that this impression was formed when Satpurush Sahib came in the guise of a lion to test the principles of Satguru Ghasi Das.
Chatapahad
It was here that Satguru Ghasi Das attained Satnami wisdom. This place is known as Panchakundi – where five Kunds are made. Devotees drink the holy water of these Kunds. The Panchakundi is just 6km from the 'Tapobhumi' .
Jonk River
Just a little ahead of the Maharaji Village is the Jonk River. Always flowing with clear, pristine water, the Jonk River has an elephant-like rock right in the middle. Tourists find it extremely unique and amusing!
Birthplace of Satguru Baba Ghasi Das
The great saint was born in the small town of Girodhpuri. Not just that, his sons, Amar Das, Balak Das, Agar Das, Adgadiya Das, and daughter Sahodra Das were also born here. At the entrance of the birthplace is a huge Jaitkhamb worth visiting!
Safura Math and Pond
Very close to the birthplace of the Satguru is a small pond on the banks of which the Safura Math is situated. Built in the memory of a miracle by Guru Ghasi Das, where he revived his wife Safura, this place holds an enchanting enigma.
Bachiya Jeevandaan Sthal
Satguru Ghasi Das had breathed life back into an innocent calf. The place where this miracle happened is called Bachiya Jeevandaan Sthal.
Behra Doli
On the way to Girodhpuri is a beautiful farm called Behra Doli. It was here that the Satguru had ploughed the farm with the help of an aggressive bull and sowed seeds. The mud was freed of all fungus and impurities with his touch. That's why this place is also called 'Matiya' Doli.
Other Tirths of Satnam Religion
Bhandarpuri Telasipuri Dham
Bhandarpuri is located on the Raipur- Baloda Bazaar highway, near Kharora. Satguru Ghasi Das had walked from Girodhpuri Dham to Bhandarpuri. Here, in the Telasipuri Dham, the Guruparivar Mahal and temple is located.
Chettuva Puri Dham
Satguru Ghasi Das had a son called Amar Das who was equally sincere, devout, wise and visionary. His Samadhi Mandir is situated on the banks of Shivnath. A popular pilgrimage site, the Chettuva Puri Dham is in close vicinity of Girodhpuri.
Accommodation
There are plenty of luxurious hotels, shelters and guest houses in Raipur and Bilaspur.
How to reach
By Air
Raipur (135km) is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.
By Rail
Raipur and Bilaspur are the nearest railway stations on the Bombay- Howrah main line.
By Road
Local taxis, buses and private vehicles are available for transport from Raipur, Bilaspur and Shivrinarayan to Girodhpuri.
