Naxal-affected area begins Hindu new year with blessings of Bhagwan Ram as CRPF personnel unlocks Ram Mandir after 21 years

Sukma, April 9: Similar to the anticipation that surrounded the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya spanning almost 500 years, a village in the shadows of Naxal violence Sukma district of Chattisgarh patiently awaited for 21 years to revere at the doors of Bhagwan Ram's temple until the establishment of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp.

 

 

 

 

Following the establishment of the CRPF's 74th battalion camp, security forces have rekindled the spiritual flame by reopening the temple in Keralapenda village, which had remained shuttered for two decades due to the looming threat posed by Naxals. The closure of the Ram Mandir's doors in 2003, prompted by Naxal threats, near the villages of Lakhapal and Kerlapenda, now sees a new chapter with its revival.

 

As per accounts shared by villagers, the temple, erected by Bihari Maharaj in 1970, witnessed an arduous journey of devotion, with villagers trekking around 80 kilometers on foot to procure construction materials. In an era bereft of proper roads and transportation facilities, their unwavering dedication to Bhagwan Ram guided them through the challenges.

 

 

 

 

Locals reminisce that the temple's establishment instilled a shift in community habits, with many forsaking meat and alcohol, including Mahua liquor, as a tribute to their faith. This lifestyle of peace and devotion, however, drew the ire of the Naxals, leading to the prohibition of worship in 2003 due to dwindling support from the village.

 

 

 

 

 

Moreover, villagers recall a vibrant tradition of hosting grand fairs at the village, attracting devotees from neighboring regions and revered seers from Ayodhya. Yet, the escalating Naxal insurgency extinguished these festivities, eventually sealing the temple's doors. It wasn't until the inception of a CRPF camp near the village that efforts to rebuild trust and restore normalcy commenced.

 

Collaborative efforts between officials, troopers, and villagers culminated in the cleansing rituals around the temple, symbolizing a rebirth of spiritual heritage. The act of worship, complete with traditional rituals, signifies a return to normalcy and a testament to the resilience of faith.

 

 

 

 

Commandant Himanshu Pandey of the 74th battalion recounts the discovery of the dilapidated temple during area domination exercises on March 14, 2023. Villagers revealed the temple's vandalization by Naxals in 2003, though one family clandestinely continued their devotions.

 

In response to the villagers' fervent appeals, security personnel undertook temple renovations and returned it to the community's care. With routine worship ceremonies now reinstated, the temple serves as a beacon of positivity, fostering community bonds and aligning with developmental endeavors, echoing Pandey's commitment to the village's holistic growth.

 

 

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