Bharat was younger brother of Lord Rama who spent his life to serve Raghunandan (Lord Rama).
Namaste!
Welcome to the retreat of divine readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, we are taking you to the divine tour to Bharat Caves at Nandigram, Ayodhya Dham.
Introduction
Hinduism is a way of living. Likewise, Ramayana, is all about the teachings, legends and epics guides us, the value of unconditional love and sacrifices made by protagonist and his brothers. Apparently, today we are talking about one of them. The bond and brotherly love between Shri Ram and Bharat are still remembered for their greatness and selflessness.
Significance of Bharat Temple, Nandigram
Popularly known as Bharat kund and Hanuman Bharat Milap mandir is located at Nandigram, 19 kilometers away from Ayodhya. Indeed, this temple hold great significance for Hindus as they have a special space in their heart for Shri Ram. Anyone who comes to visit Ram Mandir will surely like to visit Nandigram to witness this unique and exuberant love and bond of brothers who are ready to sacrifice worldly pleasures for other’s sake. Isn’t it great? This is the beauty of Hinduism. We learn to serve other before our own selves.
Who was Bharat?
Lord Rama was born to King Dashrath and Queen Kausalya. King Dashrath had two more wives named, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. And, from Kaikeyi, Bharat was born and from Sumitra, Lakshmana and Shatrughan were born.
Bharat was very dear to Shri Ram. Although, he loved all his brothers equally but Bharat had a special space in his heart. Eventually, all the brothers used to respect and obey their eldest brother Lord Ram the most.
Once, Queen Kaikeyi asked King Dashrath to grant Kosala kingdom to Bharat and 14 years of exile to Lord Rama. Meanwhile, being dutiful and illustrious son, Ram went for exile. Bharat was not in Ayodhya at this time. He was at his Nani(maternal gramd mother) house. When, he came to know about this incident, he went to meet Lord Rama in forest and asked him to return, but Shri Ram refused and replied :
“Raghukul reet sada chali aayi, pran jaye par vachan na jaye”
it is the custom of our family clan, promise should be kept, even if it costs our life.
Thus, Bharat took the charan paduka (wooden slippers) of Shri Ram and came back to Nandigram.
However, he didn’t enter Ayodhya, he made a cave there and started living like a sanyasi (ascetic) just like Hindu God Shri Ram used to live in jungles. Additionally, he took care of kingdom from Nandigram with his younger brother Shatrughan operating at Ayodhya.
Henceforth, this Bharat Cave is revered in contemporary times.
Key features of Bharat temple, Nandigram
- Bharat Temple at Nandigram have historical reference and essence of Ramayana still alive.
- Firstly, it is located 19 kms away from Ayodhya. Also, it has been rebuilt by King Vikramaditya.
- Particularly, current structure is built on the same historic place where Bharat used to live as an ascetic.
- Here, stand the temple where Shri Ram and Bharat met – a popular chapter of Ramayana.
- Apparently, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Bharat. The story goes like this, while fighting with demon Ravana, Lakshmana got unconscious. Meanwhile Hanumanji went to Himalaya for taking Sanjivani Booti for Lakshmana, his huge shadow fell on Ayodhya. As a result, Bharat misunderstood him as a demon and hit him with an arrow. Later, Hanuman told the whole story to Bahrat. Thenafter he apologised to him.
- Similarly, Hanuman fell down at same spot where, the temple of Bharat Hanuman Milap stands today.
- Although, the Bharat temple also houses the paduka(slippers) of Shri Ram.
- Indeed, Nandigram house famous Bharat Kund. Bharat Kund is a place where Bharat digged a pit and lived in it. As he always thought himself guilty for exile of his dearmost Brother, Shri Ram. Currently, Bharat Kund is a beautiful pond showcasing beautiful flora and fauna.
- Devotees take a holy dip at this kund to get rid of sins and bad deeds.
Infact, the temple and Gufa has been renovated many a times to maintain the sanctity and tranquility of its sacredness.
Timings
Morning timings : 5 AM -1PM
Evening Timings: 1:30 PM- 8 PM
How to Reach
Subsequently, to be in the blissful ambiance of Bharat temple, Nandigram, one can reach by following ways :
- By Air: Mahirishi Valmiki International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Nandigram from Ayodhya Dham.
- By Road: One can easily access to this location by taking route via highways and Lucknow expressway Highway. Cabs services are easily accessible.
- By Train: Ayodhya Junction Railway Station is connected with frequent rail routes to majorly all the states. From there, one can avail services of taxis, buses and privately owned cabs at reasonable prices.
Conclusion
In today’s world, where money and power often overshadow the significance of relationships and family, it becomes crucial to draw lessons from the love and bond shared between Shri Ram and Bharat, as depicted in the teachings of the Ramayana. This ancient site intricately portrays the essence and vitality of righteousness and love. The Bharat Milap Temple serves as a gateway to revisit the timeless era of the Ramayana, encouraging us to rejuvenate our relationships with our siblings with genuine love and respect.
Have a great time ahead.
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