Shivdham Ashram
Shuktirtha: A Mythological Pilgrimage Site
Shuktirtha, located on the banks of the Ganga in the Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh, India, is a pilgrimage site steeped in mythology. It has long been a place of penance for sages, maharishis, and saints. Over five thousand years ago, it was here that Saint Shukdev Ji Maharaj liberated King Parikshit from the cycle of life and death, imparting the knowledge necessary for attaining salvation while still alive.
In the epic Mahabharata, after Abhimanyu was martyred in battle, Ashwatthama unleashed the Brahmastra to destroy the womb of Abhimanyu’s wife, Uttara. Lord Shri Krishna intervened, using his Sudarshan Chakra to protect Uttara’s womb. This child would later be known as King Parikshit.
One day, while hunting in the forest, King Parikshit became extremely thirsty and sought water at the ashram of Shamik Muni Ji, who was deep in meditation. After multiple requests for water went unanswered, the king, in frustration, placed a snake around the sage’s neck as a jest. Upon learning of this, Shamik Muni’s son, Rishi Shringi, cursed the king, declaring that he would die from the bite of the snake Takshak within seven days.
Realizing his error, King Parikshit appointed his son Janamejaya as the king of Hastinapur and chose to relinquish his body at Shuktirtha. He understood that the mind, intellect, and conscience of a person are influenced by their environment, and he believed that dying in this sacred location would ensure his thoughts were focused on God, making liberation and reunion with the divine possible.
Shuktirtha is home to several ashrams, including Shukdev Ashram, Dandi Ashram, and Hanumant Dham. The presence of many saints and revered individuals adds to its sanctity. A major attraction of Shukdev Ashram is its ancient banyan tree, where it is believed that Shri Shukdev Ji Maharaj narrated the Bhagwat Katha to King Parikshit.
How did Ganga come to Shuktirtha
Reason for construction of Bhagavat Bhawan
In the past, devotees enjoyed listening to spiritual stories in natural settings such as the dust of the Ganges and under the shade of trees. However, as people’s physical endurance has declined over time, many story lovers find it challenging to participate in such gatherings at Shuktirtha, despite their eagerness to do so.
Recognizing this situation, Bhagavat enthusiasts across India approached Swami Shri Prakhar Ji Maharaj with a request to construct a Bhagavat Bhawan in Shuktirtha that aligns with contemporary needs. This facility would provide a comfortable space for devotees to engage with the stories while preserving the dignity of Shuktirtha.
In response, Gurudev Swami Shri Prakhar Ji Maharaj decided to build the Bhagavat Bhawan within the grand Ratneshwar Mahadev Shiva temple complex established by him. The inauguration ceremony of the Bhagavat Bhawan took place on February 24, 2020, in the esteemed presence of Param Pujya Gurudev, along with Dr. Swami Sakshi Ji Maharaj, MP from Unnao, and Mahamandaleshwar Swami Arjunpuri Ji Maharaj.
Facilities of Bhagavat Bhavan
Swamiji recognized the significance of Bhagavat Katha in Shuktirth and decided to construct a Katha Bhawan equipped with modern facilities for pilgrims and devotees. In honor of their father, Shri Govind Ram Chaudhary Ji, his sons funded the construction of this building, which has been named after him. The Katha Bhawan features both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned halls and rooms, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life can comfortably participate in the Katha.
AC Katha Bhavan
Fully AC hall of 10,500 sq. ft. area which includes-
- A permanent stage of 36×20 sqft
- Modern light and sound
- Fixed diameter bench
- Seating capacity of 1,000 persons at a time 5.50 VIP sofas, 50 sofas and 50 padded chairs
- Carpet facility
Non AC Katha Bhawan
A non-air conditioned hotel has been constructed in a total area of 4,320 sq ft. This 36×130 sq ft hall can accommodate 400 people. It also has proper arrangement of rotating fans and lights.
Katha Vyas and Katha Yajman Residence
2 fully equipped AC flats of 45×30 sq. ft. have been constructed for Katha Vyas and Katha Yajman. Which includes-
- 2 rooms, attached bathroom, drawing, dining and kitchen
- 24 hour room service
- Garden View Balcony
Deluxe rooms
There are 28 fully furnished and AC rooms of 33×22 sq ft for devotees in the Bhagwat Bhavan complex itself. There is a lift facility for going up and down in the residential complex. Apart from this, it also includes-
- Attached bathroom, balcony, double bed, wardrobe and TV
- 24 hour room service
- Garden View
Bhojnalay
An air-conditioned dining hall has been constructed in an area of 2,500 sq. ft., which includes-
- Seating capacity of 100 persons at a time
- Provision of tables and chairs
Kitchen
A large kitchen has also been constructed to prepare food for 5,000 people at a time.
Includes-
- Increased storage capacity for storing kitchen items and food items
- Kitchen facilities
- Arrangement of food and drinks on call
- All necessary utensils for eating and cooking
Note – At the completion of the Bhagwat Katha, the person conducting the Bhagwat must have a wish to feed some Brahmins. A Sanskrit college is also run in the Shivdham Ratneshwar Mahadev temple premises where Brahmin students studying there can be included in the Brahmin meal.
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