look news india
Balaghat, 11 May (HS). There is no dearth of archaeological and tourist places in Balaghat district, which has immense tourism potential. One of these is the hill situated on the forests of Sonkhar, which is known by the local people as Devdongri. A monument of national importance has been established here amidst the forest blessed with picturesque valleys of nature, which has also been protected by the Central Government.
The District Archeology, Tourism and Culture Council (DATCC) team had reached here today to have a direct glimpse of this monument, to enjoy the thrill of the natural hills and mysterious caves. The entire area was visited and observed under the Women Safe Tourism Project of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. A seminar was held to discuss the promotion of this spot and how it can be made a famous tourism spot by expanding the tourism potential here. Along with female tourists, local youth and villagers were also included in the team.
53 statues have been preserved
The government has preserved 53 ancient statues in the Devdongri Memorial. Two watchmen have also been appointed here, who maintain and monitor the entire monument. It is said that the sculptures are from 10th to 16th century. In these artistic sculptures, scenes of marriage ceremonies of ancient times are seen. There are statues of the bride and groom along with the wedding procession in the costumes of kings and maharajas, about which many legends and stories are in circulation. Hearing and experiencing these stories provides a different experience.
Wedding procession turned into stone due to curse
According to the elderly people who have been living in Sonkhar for many generations, there are many types of stories related to the idols of the hill. Prominent among these are the stories of maternal uncle and nephew. It is said that the groom depicted in the statues was the one whose marriage was to take place and all the preparations were done by the groom's nephew. But while going to the wedding procession, the maternal uncle forgot to take his nephew in the wedding procession. Hurt by this, the nephew cursed and while returning, the wedding procession was transformed into stone statues. Some people say that the hill is cursed and hence the people who come here on special days are said to be transformed into idols.
This is how tourists arrived
To reach Nainpur from Balaghat, one has to reach Sonkhan via Gudru after Lamta Changotola, 60 km away. The entire journey is about 80-85 km. Gowaritola is about three km away from here. This place can be reached by all types of vehicles, two-wheeler and four-wheeler. From here the journey through forests and mysterious caves of stones has to be completed on foot. The peaceful environment of nature provides peace to the mind. Seeing wild animals in the forests and surprising caves makes the entire journey entertaining. The reason is that whoever comes here once definitely wishes to come again.