Ramgarh, Palamau
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Ramgarh
Where the most ancient theatre in the world & beautiful cave art allures one and all... While embarking on a sacrosanct tour from Prayag or Varanasi to the south, a pilgrim may be enchanted by the tall mountain located in Rampur, Surguja. 308m tall and spread towards the south further extending into a rocky mountain that is 310m tall, is together called Ramgarh. Visually appealing, these mountain ranges resemble an elephant in a sitting position. The beautiful place entices us with amazing legends dating back to the era of the Ramayana. It is so believed that Goddess Sita lived in the Sita Bengra caves and this area was part of the famous Dandakaranya. The Renuka River flows incessantly past the Ramgarh mountains. The famous historian Cunningham has referred to Ramgarh as the 'Chitrakoot' mentioned in Ramayana. It is also believed that the great poet Kalidasa penned the legendary 'Meghdoot' here. It was one of his most treasured artistic creations. Tourist Attractions:
Hathi Pol
In the lower part on the northern side of Ramgarh is a big cave, which is almost 39 meter long, 17 meter high at the starting point and 17 meter broad. This is called Hathi (Elephant) Pol or Hath Pol. As the name suggests, an elephant can walk easily through the cave. In the rainy season, a gurgling spring flows from it. Inside, there is a water source which is known as the Sita Kund and its water is crystal clear.
Sita Bengra
The most mythological and historically important tourist destination of Ramgarh is the Sita Bengra Cave, or the residence of Goddess Sita. Located on a north-eastern slope of the hillock, the Sita Bengra Cave is 14m long, 4.2m broad with a height of 2m in the front which lessens on the back side. Outside the cave there are many circular mates and benches carved out of ancient stone. Human footprints in the right corner add to the mystical aura and stand testimony to the fact that Sitaji lived in the cave during her forest stay.
Natya Shala
The artistic structure of the Sita Bengra Cave gives us an insight into the art forms and cultural events of the said time. It is therefore evident that the cave was used as a theatre during olden times. Art and theatre must have been very important forms of entertainment and performers must have been revered for their talent because the cave flaunts 50-60 half circular benches. At the entrance, two holes are made on the floor for wooden poles used to hold curtains. Very similar to Roman theatre, this is one of the most ancient Natya Shalas' in the world. The overall construction of the system is extremely creative and interests passionate historians. Every year, various cultural activities are organized at this Natya Shala.
Shilalekh
Inside the Sita Bengra Cave are beautiful stone inscriptions or 'Shilalekh'. Brilliantly crafted stone statues crowd the inside of the cave among which one has a Shilalekh written on its head and feet. Each line of the Shilalekh measures 1m in length and are written in the mysterious Brahmi script.
Jogimara
Another famous cave found in Ramgarh is the Jogimara Cave. On the outside and inside part of the roof birds, flowers, fishes, trees and human figurines are painted in red, yellow, brown, green and black. Beautiful scenes are showcased on the walls and a chariot driven by three horses is found to be similar to Sanchi and Bharhut art. Constant moisture has done immense damage to the rock art pieces, but they are highly significant owing to the fact that they belong to the 3rd century. The Jogimara cave also showcases an interesting Shilalekh (stone inscription) of 5 lines in pure Magadhi script. This stone inscription is very similar to those of Samrat Asoka in Brahmi script.
Turrapani
As you move forward from the Sita Bengra cave, a small stream makes its course known amidst the surrounding hillocks. Amazingly, the water of this stream is extremely fresh and crystal clear. This little stream is called Turrapani. The mud here is rich in minerals and red in colour, which gives this land the name of 'Tilak Mati'. Folklore has it that Shri Ramchandra put a tilak on Sitaji's forehead at this place. Celebrations and revelry fill the air with a unique traditional fervour. Fairs are organized here in the months of January-February, March-April and May-June.
Pauri Darwaja
Made from countless stone pieces is a door at the entrance of the huge hillock. On the other side of this doorway, vast stone pieces are lying in abundance. These were once used to build a circular wall. After the door, there is a platform named 'Kabir Chaura' which is actually the grave of a Yogi called Dharamdas. A very revered saint, Dharamdas was the last Yogi of Ramgarh. There is also a very small opening that takes one to the 'Vashishta Gufa'. Ramgarh is a great destination for Caving Tourism.
Singh Darwaja (door)
After the Vashishta cave you will come across a huge door crafted by putting together stones and rocks. What is most surprising is that this structure has stood the test of time on a straight steep rock. This place is a famous tourist destination, called the 'Singh Darwaja'. A dilapidated stairway (Ganesh Sidi) takes you from the Singh Darwaja to the Ravan Darwaja. The Ravan Darwaja flaunts mesmerizing statues of Ravan, Kumbhakaran, a dancing girl, Goddess Sita and Lord Hanuman. Various other statues nearby, clad in traditional clothing and ornament styles resemble the stone art of the Gupta period. At the summit of the mountain is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Laxman, and Goddess Sita. 61m from the top, is a natural cave on the surface of a steep rock. The cave has moist chalk in plenty and after performing prayers, devotees are advised to rub Tourist Attractions:
Hathi Pol
In the lower part on the northern side of Ramgarh is a big cave, which is almost 39 meter long, 17 meter high at the starting point and 17 meter broad. This is called Hathi (Elephant) Pol or Hath Pol. As the name suggests, an elephant can walk easily through the cave. In the rainy season, a gurgling spring flows from it. Inside, there is a water source which is known as the Sita Kund and its water is crystal clear.
Sita Bengra
The most mythological and historically important tourist destination of Ramgarh is the Sita Bengra Cave, or the residence of Goddess Sita. Located on a north-eastern slope of the hillock, the Sita Bengra Cave is 14m long, 4.2m broad with a height of 2m in the front which lessens on the back side. Outside the cave there are many circular mates and benches carved out of ancient stone. Human footprints in the right corner add to the mystical aura and stand testimony to the fact that Sitaji lived in the cave during her forest stay.
Natya Shala
The artistic structure of the Sita Bengra Cave gives us an insight into the art forms and cultural events of the said time. It is therefore evident that the cave was used as a theatre during olden times. Art and theatre must have been very important forms of entertainment and performers must have been revered for their talent because the cave flaunts 50-60 half circular benches. At the entrance, two holes are made on the floor for wooden poles used to hold curtains. Very similar to Roman theatre, this is one of the most ancient Natya Shalas' in the world. The overall construction of the system is extremely creative and interests passionate historians. Every year, various cultural activities are organized at this Natya Shala.
