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Hamirpur, 04 October (HS). Rath Nagar of Hamirpur district was once famous by the name of Virat Nagari. Here, all the heritages of the Mahabharata period still preserve the centuries-old history. Maharaja Virat had built a grand temple in the name of his daughter Uttara where Princess Uttara took dance lessons from Arjun during her exile in the pond near the temple. To listen to the plight of the people, the Maharaja had built a twelve pillar building where his court was also held. After centuries, these heritages are now falling into disrepair.
Rath Nagar is situated 85 km south of Hamirpur. Which was the capital of Maharaja Virat during the Mahabharata period. This city has been known as Virat Nagar by his name. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjun Nakul and Sahadev came here after 12 years of exile. According to renowned historian Rakesh Tripathi, the five Pandavas had chosen Rath, the city of Maharaj Virat, to spend their exile.
Social worker KK Gupta told that the Pandavas had hidden all their weapons on a huge tree outside the city. Yudhishthar became the councilor of King Virat and Bhima became the cook. Nakul looked after the stable while Sahadev looked after the Maharaja's cows. Arjun used to dance as Brihannala. It is said that Arjun used to teach dance to Maharaj Virat's daughter Uttara. Draupadi, the mother of the five Pandavas, had to become the queen's maid.
Recently retired Regional Archeology Officer SK Dubey said that Rath Nagar has many historical heritage sites dating back to the Mahabharata period. Told that no plan has been made for their conservation.
Maharaj Virat had built Chaupeshwar temple for his daughter.
There is an ancient temple towards the east of the city, 1.8 km from Rath Bus Stand, which is Chaupeshwar Temple. In which the grand Shivalinga of Lord Shankar is installed, it was once famous by the name of Chaupeshwar Maharaja. There are temples of Hanumanji, Ramlala and Lord Ganesha in this ancient temple itself. Where the Maharaja used to go to worship every day. Maharaja Virat had built this temple and established Shivalinga for the worship of his daughter Uttara. Maharaja's daughter Princess Uttara used to worship Shivalinga in this temple.
The princess took dance lessons in Chaupra pond.
There is an ancient pond adjacent to the Chaupeshwar temple which is known as Chaupra Pond. This pond is also from the Mahabharata period. It is said about this pond that during his exile, Arjun taught dancing to Princess Uttara on the banks of this pond. This pond still preserves the story of the Mahabharata period. Due to indifference there has been encroachment around the pond. There has been encroachment around this hundreds of years old pond. Till date no plan has been prepared to save it.
Maharaja Virat's court was held in twelve pillars
There is a rectangular verandah like building with twelve pillars in the nursery complex towards the west in Rath and also a rectangular verandah with twelve pillars has been built in Majhgawan Road. It is also called Twelve Pillar Crossing. It was here that Maharaja Virat's court was held and he used to solve the problems of his subjects. Twelve pillars were made by cutting stones and these pillars were joined together with stones only. The special thing is that neither cement nor mortar was used in the construction of the rectangular twelve pillars.
Due to lack of conservation, old heritage sites are now deteriorating.
Dhrupakali pond is situated in front of Mission School on Mahoba Road. Who is currently counting his last breaths. It is covered with dirt. It is said that during her exile, when Draupadi was serving the queen of Maharaja Virat, her brother-in-law Keechaka teased Draupadi. Angered by Bhima's attempt on Draupadi's dignity, he killed Keechaka on the banks of this same pond. Even today, Keechak's Samadhi is known by the name of Danu Mama's platform in Budholiana of the city, which is now on the verge of extinction.