CHAUSATH (64) YOGINI MANDIR

 This, small but absolutely stunning temple situated in Hirapur, Odisha, is one of those great examples of architecture, which are totally ignored.

Though I had some idea about the temple, still, I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.

This exquisitely carved, single storey temple (aka Mahamaya Mandir) was built in 9th century ce, by Queen Hiradevi of Bahuma-Kara Dynasty.

Most of the 64 Yogini (Parvati) statues are intact, many are damaged, mainly due to destruction, yet, it inspires awe. Although it was a relief that there was no crowd there, it was disappointing to see that that my dear wife and I were the only two in the temple at the time. That was a shame! A monument of such beauty should be preserved and promoted for devotees, and also for those who are interested in ancient monuments.

Hirapur, the location of the monument is barely 12 miles (about 19 kms) from city centre. And yet, my driver, a local had no idea that the temple existed.

I have posted a 100 second video on Instagram for people to see and especially those who visit or live close by, must pay a visit.

Although Bhubaneshwar is a city of Temples (and I visited about 12 of them), this was one of the most interesting, apart from the Lingraj and Anant Vasudeva temples.

Forgotten Struggle For Ram Mandir

 This story is almost forgotten, eclipsed from the minds of Indians.

As the history tells us, on 28th November, 1858, Punjab’s Mahant Nihang Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa led 25 Sikhs to the disputed land - Babri Masjid, which was the original place of birth of God Rama.

The Nihang Sikhs entered the mosque. There they performed a havan (a fire ritual) and started praying and chanting the name of Rama. And while they’re praying, 25 Nihang Sikhs surrounded the mosque on all 4 sides and write ‘Ram’ with coal inside the mosque.

Then they offered prayers to Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Later, these Nihang Sikhs increased the height of Ram Chabutra (where the Hindus were allowed to pray to Rama). There they place the picture of Lord Ram and increased the area to pray and chant.

The mosque’s Muezzin — Sayyed Muhammed Khateeb made a written complaint to the area’s Thanedar — Sheetal Dubey about the incident.

The authorities reached the site and forcibly removed Baba Nihang Singh and his follower.

Upon being forced out, another issue cropped up. Whenever the Azan was made, the Nihang Sikhs would simultaneously blow the conches. Such daily incidents led to increased tensions but the British authorities were able to muscle it down.

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Come to present day.

When the Praan Pratishtha (consecration) was to be performed at the newly built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the descendants of Nihang Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa were not forgotten. They were invited to organize a ‘langar’ at the Ram Mandir.

Baba Fakir Singh’s descendant Jathedar Baba Harjit Singh was invited for this purpose.

Speaking to ANI, Baba Harjit Singh said, “We are part of Sanatan. This is our Dharma. We have worked to keep it alive.” He requested Hindus and Sikhs to celebrate the consecration of the Ram Mandir for Ram Lalla together on 22nd January 2024.

Baba Harjit Singh said he wanted to carry forward his ancestor’s devotion towards Bhagwan Ram by holding the langar along with other Nihangs, a distinct sect among the Sikhs identified by their loose, dark blue apparel and their plumed turbans. “Now, when the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) of Lord Rama is being done on January 22, 2024, how can I lag behind?” he asked while addressing the media in Chandigarh Sunday.

source: Ram Mandir inauguration: Descendant of Nihang who barged Babri Masjid in 1858, to organise langar in Ayodhya on Jan 22