Birthplace of Luv-Kush at Valimiki Ashram in Chhattisgarh to be developed as eco-tourism spot

RAIPUR: Ahead of the bhoomi poojan of Ram temple at Ayodhya on August 5, Congress government in Chhattisgarh has announced its plans to develop the birthplace of Lav-Kush—children of Lord Ram and his wife Sita—at Valmiki Ashram in Turturiya and surroundings in Baloda Bazar district into an eco-tourism spot.

The plans for grand beautification of Valmiki Ashram and surroundings at Turturiya comes within a week after chief minister Bhupesh Baghel visited Mata Kaushalya temple , where Lord Ram’s mother is worshipped as the deity, and announced a mega renovation of the ancient temple under the state’s ambitious ‘Ram Van Gaman Path’ project. During his exile, Lord Ram had stayed in the forests of Turturiya and it is believed that Lav-Kush were born in the Ashram, built by Maharshi Valmiki, to meditate.

Along with Chandkhuri area of Raipur district, Turturiya in Baloda Bazar and Shivrinarayan in Janjgir-Champa district have also been included under Chief Minister Baghel’s ambitious Ram Van Gaman Path Project worth Rs 137.45 crore. In the first phase of this mega project, nine locations will be developed and beautified. Total 75 such places have been identified in the state, where Lord Ram had spent time during his exile period, said state government official.

Chhattisgarh is not only the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya but also the place where Maharshi Valmiki, the harbinger-poet, who unveiled the legend of Lord Ram through epic poem Ramayana to the world, had built Valmiki Ashram to meditate in Turturiya area of Baloda Bazaar.

Likewise, action plan for developing another important location of Shivrinarayan located in Janjgir-Champa district is connected to the legend of Lord Ram has also been prepared. Shivrinarayan is considered to be the place, where Lord Ram had eaten the ‘ber’ tasted by Mata Shabri.

“Beautification of Valmiki Ashram in Turturiya area of Baloda Bazar district and the area around the ashram will be done. This ashram is surrounded by mountains and scenic beauty, situated adjacent to Barnavapara Sanctuary. Waterfront development on Mahanadi River near Narayanpur and Balmadehi River is also proposed. Cottages will also be constructed in these locations,” said a state government official.

Near Turturiya, there is a thousand-year-old Shiv Temple which will also be developed as tourist destination by Chhattisgarh Government . Lord Ram had spent some time of his exile in forest of Turturiya and it is believed that Luv-Kush were also born in this ashram. Plan has been chalked out to develop Turturiya as eco-tourism spot, said the government official.
Shivrinarayan holds an immense religious and cultural significance because of its connection to the lives of Lord Ram and Lord Jagannath. As per the belief, this city has survived throughout all four ‘yuga’ and was known by different names. ‘Vigrah’ of Lord Jagannath was taken from this place to Puri, Odisha based Temple. This place is known as ‘Gupt-Teerth’ and Chhattisgarh’s ‘Jagannath Puri’ as well. Chhattisgarh Government has also made action place for beautification and development of Shivrinarayan as well. These places are being equipped with proper tourism facilities.