Home / Lifestyle / Gaya's Hidden Gem: Ancient Temple's Rare Idols Ignored
Gaya's Hidden Gem: Ancient Temple's Rare Idols Ignored
11 Aug
Summary
- Ramshila temple features a crystal Shivling and a coral Ganesha idol.
- Inadequate promotion hinders temple's integration into pilgrimage circuits.
- Pilgrims unaware of rare idols while performing rituals on the hill.
The ancient Ramshila temple, situated at the foothills of Ramshila hill in Gaya, possesses unique religious artifacts that could significantly boost the district's religious tourism. It houses a rare crystal Shivling, a nearly six-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha crafted from orange-red coral, and a black stone idol of Lord Ram.
Despite these treasures, the temple remains a lesser-known site, primarily visited by those already aware of its significance. Priest Deep Narayan Pandey attributes this to inadequate publicity and a lack of promotion, preventing it from joining mainstream pilgrimage routes. He notes that similar crystal Shivlings are found in few other places like Rameshwaram and Jammu, and the coral Ganesha is unique in its size compared to others.
Thousands visit Ramshila hill annually for pinddaan rituals, often climbing the hill without knowledge of the temple's rare idols. Pandey suggests that improved pilgrim amenities, security, and publicity could attract more devotees, particularly from South India, and urges the government and district administration to consider these enhancements.
