After 21 years of closure due to Naxalite activity, an ancient Ram temple in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh was finally reopened on Monday, April 8th. In Kerlapenda village, located about 90 km from Sukma district headquarters in Bastar division, villagers came together to clean the temple premises and perform a puja ceremony for the idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshman ji before resuming regular worship.
Villagers and tribal communities in the Naxal-affected Chintalnar region of Sukma celebrated joyously with dance as the ancient temple in Bastar reopened after a 21-year closure. Working hand in hand with locals, CRPF jawans from the 74 Corps played a vital role in the temple’s revival, marking a significant moment of unity and cultural restoration amidst challenging circumstances.
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Sukma SP Kiran Chavan addressed the situation, explaining that the temple had been forcibly shut down by the Naxalites in 2003. He elaborated that during this period of heightened Naxal activity, the Maoists had issued threats to the villagers, warning them against reopening the temple or engaging in worship there. Chavan highlighted that the area served as a crucial stronghold for the Maoists, often utilized for gatherings, meetings, and as a passage for their movements, thus emphasizing the strategic significance behind the temple closure.
#WATCH | Sukma, Chhattisgarh: CRPF 74 Corps revived a Hindu Ram Temple and handed it over to the local villagers, which was closed down in 2003 due to Naxal terror. (08.04) pic.twitter.com/08jQmfaZux
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2024
Since the establishment of around 40 security camps across Bastar, security personnel have gained access to remote villages. A new CRPF camp was set up between Kerlapenda and Lakhapal, facilitating interactions between local tribals and security forces who were previously unfamiliar with each other. During one of these interactions, a jawan noticed the closed temple and inquired about it. The locals revealed that Maoists had attempted to damage the temple in 2003, leading to its closure.
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While the precise origins of the temple remain uncertain, locals suggest that it dates back to the 1970s. With a community of 800 residents, plans are underway for a ‘bhandara’ celebration in honor of the upcoming Ram Navami festival, with aspirations to hold the festivities within the temple premises.
Ram Navami is observed on the ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Ram Navami falls on Wednesday, April 17.
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