47-800: Ekachakra is a small village, located 20 km away from the town of Rampurhat in the Birbhum District of West Bengal . Within Hindu tradition, the five Pandavas from the epic, Mahabharata are described as staying in Ekachakra during their years in exile. It is also famous as the birthplace of Nityananda Rama (b 1474 CE), a principal religious figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. The village extends north and south for an area of about eight miles. Other villages, namely Viracandra-pura and Virabhadra-pura, are situated within
94-470: A Brahmin's family, her son Bhima would face the demon. Kunti engineered a plot where Bhima would be able to face and kill the demon. The powerful Bhima brought his might to the fore and defeated Bakasura. Later, Bhima slays the rakshasa Hidimba and he is beseeched by Hidimbi , Hidimba's sister, to wed her. Bhima is reluctant, but Kunti ordered Bhima to marry Hidimbi seeing merit in the woman. Hidimbi would go on to birth Ghatotkacha , who later takes part in
141-598: A branch of this tree. Mala also means "garland." Therefore, also for this reason this tree was called Mala Tala. (Also known as Jahnu Kund) It is said that Nitai brought all the sacred waters from all the holy places to this kunda to save the local residents from having to journey to the Ganges to take a sacred bath. It is named Hantugada because Nityananda Prabhu used to perform the Cida-dahi festival of distributing chipped rice with yogurt prasadam here and He would take
188-777: A major center of the Santhal rebellion and housing several ancient temples, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. Kalighat Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, known for its intricate carvings and religious significance. Hanuman Temple: A popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, drawing devotees from far and wide. Shiva Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere. Jagannath Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Durga Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its vibrant festivals and religious activities. There
235-759: A municipality in Birbhum district in the Indian state of West Bengal . It is the headquarters of the Rampurhat subdivision . According to Census 2011 Rampurhat is the third most populous city in Birbhum ;district and 82nd most populous city in West Bengal.Rampurhat is a rapidly growing township It is near the West Bengal / Jharkhand border. Rampuhat has dynamic connectivity with
282-414: A result of Kindama's curse, he died. Madri committed suicide out of remorse that caused her husband's death. Kunti was left helpless in the forest with her children. After the death of Pandu and Madri, Kunti took care of all five Pandava children taking them back to Hastinapur. Dhritrashtra's sons never liked them. During their childhood, Duryodhana poisoned and tried to kill Bhima but he was saved. Kunti
329-691: A scholar of the Mahabharata and author of Panchakanya: "One-in Herself" Why Kunti Remains a Kanya , highlights her as a symbol of strong womanhood, noting her resolve, adaptability, and the critical role she played in her sons’ lives. Kunti’s agency is first demonstrated in her selection of Pandu at her svayamvara and her subsequent loyalty in following him into exile, despite his marriage to Madri . When Pandu requests that Kunti conceive sons through other men, she initially resists, revealing her personal integrity and resolve. She ultimately agrees, however,
376-429: A sister. Pandu, while hunting in a forest, mistakenly shot and killed Rishi Kindama and his wife as they had taken the form of deer to mate. The dying sage then cursed him to die if he tries to embrace or touch his wives. Pandu renounced the kingdom and went into exile with Kunti and Madri. Pandu could not sire children with his wives due to the curse by sage Kindama . A remorseful Pandu met some sages and asked them
423-471: A way for heaven and salvation. They said, without children, one can never aspire for heaven. When Pandu expressed to Kunti his despair at the prospect of dying childless, she mentioned the boon granted to her. He happily advised her to beget children by suitable, illustrious men. Thus, Kunti used the boon granted to her by Sage Durvasa to bear three sons— Yudhishthira by Dharmaraja – god of Justice; Bhima by Vayu – god of wind , and Arjuna by Indra –
470-466: A wide range of people from all over Birbhum District and Santhal Pargana. There are almost 350 crushers installed. Tourism is an industry in Rampurhat and the adjacent temple town Tarapith area. Hundreds of hotels were established there for people with religious interest. Tarapith is situated almost 9 km from Rampurhat township. Rampurhat is also known for its historical significance, being
517-510: A woman like alms. However, Draupadi accepted this as her fate. When Kunti, along with the Pandavas and Draupadi, returned to Hastinapura, they faced many problems including succession dispute between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana. On the advice of Bhishma , Pandavas were given a barren land to rule which was developed into Indraprastha . When the Pandavas lose the kingdom in a dice game and are forced to go into exile for thirteen years, Kunti
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#1732801993245564-566: Is a Rampurhat municipality. It is divided into 23 wards. The major schools situated in Rampurhat premises include: There is one degree college - Rampurhat College , one medical college - Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital , one nursing college - Rampurhat Government Nursing College and one engineering college - Rampurhat Government Polytechnic . There are two teacher training colleges - Gurukul Teachers Training centre and Rampurhat Teachers Training College . There are many computer educational centres in Rampurhat. Rampurhat
611-497: Is also connected to neighbouring villages and towns through private bus services. Rampurhat Helipad constructed for helicopter service for tourist purpose. Indian Air Force 's Rampurhat Emergency Airbase station is situated at Surichua near the Jharkhand - Bengal border of the city. Nearest airport of the city is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport . Rampurhat has a delivery head post office, with PIN 731224. Non-delivery sub offices with
658-444: Is an old Pippala tree here called 'Mala Tala'. Just before Nityananda departed the village in his youth, Hadai Pandita came here and chanted japa under this tree. Mala means " japa beads " and tala means "tree." When Nitai was about to depart Hadai Pandita left his japa beads here due to anxiety. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Ekacakra many years after Nityananda left. It is said that at that time Chaitanya left his flower garland on
705-609: Is believed to possess purifying qualities, capable of dispelling sin when recited. Kunti is lauded as the epitome of maturity, foresight, and dutiful womanhood. Kunti was the biological daughter of Shurasena , a Yadava ruler. Her birth name was Pritha . She is said to be the reincarnation of the goddess Siddhi. She was the sister of Vasudeva , Krishna's father. She shared a close relationship with Krishna. Her father gave Kunti to his childless cousin Kuntibhoja . Once Rishi Durvasa visited Kuntibhoja. Being extremely pleased by
752-557: Is forced by King Dhritarashtra to remain in the capital. She chose to stay in Vidura 's house rather than the royal palace. As war approached, Kunti met Karna and in desperation to keep her all children alive, asked Karna to leave the side of Duryodhana and join the Pandavas. Karna denied the offer, as he could not betray his friend. However, he promised Kunti that he would not kill any of his brothers except Arjuna, thus following both Mitra dharma and Putra dharma. He also promised that at
799-574: Is known for cultural activities. A number of schools teach music, dance, recitation and drama. Every year during Dol Utsab, a big programme is arranged at Netaji Subhas Muktomancha, involving multiple cultural performance groups. Rabindra Jayanti is celebrated in the town participated by many cultural groups from different localities. During Saraswati Puja, cultural programmes are organized in the schools. The local tribal people, mostly Santhals, frequently arrange for programmes representing their cultural aspects. Railway Auditorium and Raktakarabi Puro Mancha are
846-475: Is said to be the actual birthplace of Nityananda . In the Janmasthan Mandir there is a deity of Nitai (Nityananda) worshipped by a local brahmin family. Hadai Pandita Bhavan is the site of the original house of Nityananda's father. The small white temple next to Nitai Kund marks the exact spot where Nityananda was born. There are two banyan trees by this temple that are said to have existed since
893-537: Is the mother of Karna , Yudhishthira , Bhima , and Arjuna . She is depicted to possess beauty, intelligence and shrewdness. Originally born to the Yadava chief Shurasena , Pritha was adopted by her childless uncle, Kuntibhoja , and subsequently bestowed with the name Kunti. During her adolescence, she garnered the favour of the sage Durvasa , receiving a divine mantra which she could use to invoke any god and bear his child. Intrigued, she employed this mantra to invoke
940-764: The Kurukshetra War . The Pandavas attended the swayamvara of Draupadi in Panchala . Arjuna was able to win Draupadi 's hand. The Pandavas returned to their hut and said that they have bought alms (signifying Kanyadan ). Kunti misunderstood them and asked the Pandavas to share whatever they had brought. Kunti was shocked after realizing the implications of her words, that is, all of the Pandavas married Draupadi thinking that they are obeying their mother's orders. Therefore, she scolded her children for treating
987-522: The Kurukshetra war , Kunti lived with her sons for many years. After she felt that her job in the world was over, she moved to a forest near the Himalayas with her brothers-in-law Vidura and Dhritarashtra , Sanjaya and Dhritarashtra's wife Gandhari . Vidura died two years after they left. Later Sanjaya left for the Himalayas and those remaining perished in a forest fire. Pradip Bhattacharya,
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#17328019932451034-686: The Kurukshetra War, Kunti encountered Karna, urging him to align with the Pandava faction upon discovering his true lineage. Despite Karna's refusal, she implored him to spare all her sons except Arjuna. Subsequent to Yudhishthira's ascension to the throne of the Kurus, Kunti retired to the forest, eventually passing away. Within Hindu tradition, Kunti is venerated as one of the panchakanya ("five maidens"), embodying ideals of female chastity. Her name
1081-406: The all comforts, patience, and devotion offered by Kunti, he offered her a mantra that would invoke any god of her choice and he would bless her with children. Out of impetuous curiosity, Kunti invoked the god Surya . Bound by the power of the mantra, Surya blessed her with a child. To her surprise, the child was born with his sacred armour on. Out of fear of the public and with no choice, Kunti put
1128-587: The area of the village of Ekacakra. In honor of Virachandra Goswami (the son of Nityananda), these places are renowned as Viracandra-pura and Virabhadra-pura. The origin of the name Ekachakra is associated with the legend of the Pandavas . In the battle of Kurukshetra Krishna broke his vow of not actively participating in the war as a warrior and rushed with chariot wheel chakram to help his devotee Arjuna , and slay Bhishma who had been fighting with Arjuna but not losing. When Bhishma satisfied him with many beautiful prayers, Krishna lost his anger and tossed aside
1175-507: The chariot wheel chakram. The chakram fell on this tract of land and therefore got the name Ekachakra . Eka means one, and chakra means chakram. In the Mahabharata , it is also believed to be the place where Demon Bakasura lived who was later slain by Bhima . However, there are several places all over India which contest as ancient Ekachakra. Ekachakra is located at 24°03′41″N 87°50′52″E / 24.061434°N 87.847789°E / 24.061434; 87.847789 . This
1222-593: The child in a basket and set him afloat the Ganga river. He later became famous as Karna . Kuntibhoja organised Kunti's swayamvara . Kunti chose King Pandu of Hastinapur , making her the Queen of Hastinapur. Soon after, during his mission to expand his empire, Pandu, on Bhishma's proposal, married Madri , a princess of Madra in order to secure the vassalage of Madra . Kunti was disturbed by her husband's actions, but eventually reconciled with him and treated Madri as
1269-459: The choice of divine progenitors is not hers; it rests with Pandu, underlining the limitations of her autonomy within her marriage. Bhattacharya emphasizes her strength and strategic wisdom in managing this role, as she conceals her pre-marital son, Karna , to safeguard Pandu’s honor and to preserve her reputation within the royal household. This contrasts her with her grandmother-in-law, Satyavati , who called upon her pre-marital son Vyasa to extend
1316-448: The city are NH 14 and NH 114A . There is a SBSTC Bus Depot in the city. Bus services are available from Rampurhat to all the major cities of West Bengal like Esplanade, Karynamoyee, Siliguri, Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Suri, Balurghat, Berhampore, Krishnanagar, Malda, Raiganj, Lalgola, Bankura, Purulia, Arambagh, Dankuni, Chinsurah, Digha, Haldia, Jhargram, Falta, Barasat, Garia, Bakkhali, Kalyani, Habra, Dumka, Deoghar etc.Rampurhat
1363-479: The end of the war she would still have five sons, the fifth one be either Arjuna or Karna himself. Despite supporting her children, Kunti stayed in the Kaurava camp along with her sister-in-law Gandhari . After the death of Karna, Kunti disclosed the secret of Karna's birth to the Pandavas. A grief-stricken Yudhisthira would curse the women of the world that they shall be unable to keep any secret anymore. After
1410-411: The forest with Dhritarashtra and Gandhari , after her sons’ victory, symbolises a profound act of renunciation. Bhattacharya interprets this as Kunti’s transcendence beyond worldly attachments and family ties, an act that affirms her as a “ kanya ” or “one-in-herself”—a woman who has achieved independence of spirit and self-possession. Through this retreat, Kunti’s life comes full circle, as she embodies
1457-415: The forest with Kunti and Madri. Responding to her husband's entreaty, Kunti employed her mantra, resulting in the birth of Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna. Later, she shared this mantra with Madri, who bore Nakula and Sahadeva . Following Pandu's demise and Madri's self-immolation, Kunti assumed responsibility for her stepsons and relocated with her children to Hastinapura , the capital of Kuru. Surviving
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1504-617: The house of lac with the help of Vidura through a secret tunnel. After surviving from the Lakshagriha Kunti and five Pandavas lived in Ekachakra village . During their stay, Kunti and the Pandavas become aware of a demon, Bakasura , who ate people. Villagers had to send one member of their family and food to Bakasura, who devour both. When Kunti heard the cries of a Brahmin – who had provided her and her son's shelter in Ekachakra, Kunti consoled him and suggested that instead of
1551-505: The king of Svarga (Heaven). She also invoked Ashvins for Madri on her behest and Madri gave birth to twin sons, Nakula and Sahadeva . Kunti gave special care to Madreyas (sons of Madri) especially Sahadeva, the youngest one. Madri gave tribute to Kunti by saying "You are blessed. There is none like you you are my light, my guide , most respect-worthy , reater in status, purer in virtue." One day, Pandu, forgetting his curse, attempted to embrace his wife Madri. But, as
1598-788: The leading auditoriums. Town Hall is also a place where small programmes are organized. A new multiplex is coming in the city. Rampurhat is well connected with Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal and India by railways and bus services. Many mail, express, superfast, passenger and MEMU trains pass through and originate from the Rampurhat Junction railway station . Train service are available from Rampurhat to Kolkata, Chennai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Jalpaiguri, Agartala, Guwahati, Delhi, Surat, Dhanbad, Patna, Ranchi, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar, Ernakulam etc. The junction connects Rampurhat with Dumka - Deoghar - Jasidih. Major National Highway passes through
1645-658: The map alongside) is part of the Nalhati Plains, a sub-micro physiographic region, and the southern portion is part of the Brahmani-Mayurakshi Basin, another sub-micro physiographic region occupying the area between the Brahmani in the north and the Mayurakshi in the south. There is an occasional intrusion of Rajmahal Hills , from adjoining Santhal Parganas , towards the north-western part of
1692-470: The other places of West Bengal and neighboring states via state highways, national highway and rail route. Rampurhat Junction is 7th most busiest railway stations in eastern India. Rampurhat is located at 24.17 North and 87.78 East. Rampurhat police station has jurisdiction over Rampurhat municipality and Rampurhat I CD Block. The headquarters of Rampurhat I CD block are located at Rampurhat. The northern portion of Rampurhat subdivision (shown in
1739-548: The perilous events at the Lakshagriha , Kunti, during their concealment, instructed Bhima to marry Hidimbi , a Rakshasi . A misunderstanding on Kunti's part led to the polyandrous union of Draupadi , the princess of Panchala , with the five Pandavas. Following the establishment of Indraprastha, Kunti continued to reside in Hastinapura, cultivating a harmonious relationship with her sister-in-law, Gandhari . Preceding
1786-538: The prasada while kneeling down. This place is a five-minute walk (400m) into the fields, southeast of Nityananda's birthplace. It is surrounded by a group of Keli- kadamba trees . The Pandavas are said to have lived here with their mother, Kunti , when they were exiled to the forest. The current deity within the Bankima Raya temple was found by Nityananda himself, within the Yamuna river of Ekachakra. The deity
1833-593: The royal line of Hastinapura without hesitation. Her refusal to bear a fourth child, invoking scripture as justification, showcases her deep understanding of dharma , which she uses both to assert her autonomy and to protect her dignity. Within the complex social structure of the Hastinapura court, Kunti carefully navigates adversities, often relying on her confidant Vidura . Bhattacharya highlights her strategic acumen in orchestrating Draupadi’s marriage to all five Pandavas, ensuring unity among her sons and forestalling potential conflicts. This decision, based on customs of
1880-464: The same PIN are Mahajanpatty PO, Nischintapur PO and Railpar Birbhum PO. Birbhum's first Big Ben Clock Tower is situated in Panch matha More of Rampurhat, in front of Rampurhat post office. Kunti Kunti ( Sanskrit : कुन्ती , IAST : Kuntī ), born Pritha ( Sanskrit : पृथा , IAST : Pṛthā ), was the queen of Kuru in the Hindu epic Mahabharata . Kunti was married to Pandu and
1927-474: The subdivision. On the western side is Santhal Parganas and the border between West Bengal and Jharkhand can be seen in the map. Murshidabad district is on the eastern side. A small portion of the Padma River and the border with Bangladesh (thick line) can be seen in the north-eastern corner of the map. 96.62% of the population of Rampurhat subdivision live the rural areas and 3.38% of the population live in
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1974-515: The sun god Surya , resulting in the birth of her son, Karna. Faced with the societal stigma associated with bearing a child out of wedlock, Kunti found herself compelled to relinquish her son to safeguard her honour. Upon attaining marriageable age, Kunti chose Pandu, the king of Kuru , as her husband. However, her marital harmony was disrupted by the inclusion of Madri , the princess of Madra , as Pandu's second wife. Pandu, cursed to perish instantly upon attempting intimacy with his wives, retired to
2021-423: The time of Nityananda. In the center of the main altar of the temple is a deity of Lord Nityananda. To his left, with his hands raised, is Chaitanya Mahaprabhu . On Nityananda's right is Advaita Acharya . The side altar has deities of Radha -Radhakanta and Radha-Srikanta, a large dancing Gouranga in the center, and ten brass sakhis at the bottom. The temple was constructed by Prasannakumara Karapharma. There
2068-564: The urban areas. Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the area. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map. As of the 2011 census Rampurhat had a total population of 57,833 , of whom 29,611 were male and 28,222 were female. The town is known for stone crushers and mines, which are situated on the Bengal - Jharkhand border (most are in Jharkhand). This belt provides employment to
2115-580: The “northern Kurus,” is portrayed as a calculated move that consolidates family loyalty by centering it around a single wife, underscoring Kunti’s commitment to her sons’ shared purpose. Her pragmatism as a mother is further reflected in her morally complex actions to protect her family’s welfare, as seen in her plea to Karna before the war, where she secures his promise to spare all the Pandavas except Arjuna. Though Karna rejects her, Kunti’s determination to shield her sons from harm exemplifies her selfless devotion and emotional resilience. Kunti’s final retreat to
2162-468: Was hurt by this but was consoled by Vidura . Later the Kuru princes were sent to train under Drona . After the princes finished their training, they returned to Hastinapura. After some time Duryodhana and his maternal uncle Shakuni tried to burn Pandavas alive along with Kunti for which they built the palace out of lac ( Lakshagriha ) in a village named Varanāvata. The Pandavas, though, managed to escape
2209-470: Was then installed in a temple that is now submerged within Jahnu kunda. Nityananda is believed to have merged within this deity at the time of his disappearance. The present temple of Bankima Raya is also an old one. The deity of Jahnava Mata (Nityananda's wife) was placed beside him. In this temple there is also a small samadhi of Virachandra Goswami . Rampurhat Rampurhat is an important city and
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