According to the legend, the location may be traced back to the time of the Ramayana epic. The Ram Tirath Temple is well-known for housing the ashram of guru Maharishi Valmiki on its grounds. According to the inscriptions, the sage took refuge at this ashram when Lord Rama abandoned goddess Sita following the Lankan triumph. The temple complex contains a hut that commemorates the birthplace of Lord Rama’s sons, Luv and Kush, and an old tank that was believed to have been dug by Lord Hanuman. A hut belonging to Rishi Valmiki and a stairwell where Goddess Sita used to bathe are also located within the mandir compound.
It is located in the perfect place:
An extensive number of temples have been strategically arranged throughout this particular site. Located near the Temple where Mata Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush is a cottage that is open to the public, commemorating the occasion.
It is possible to find a well with steps where Mata Sita used to bathe, close to the Ram Tirath Mandir and the hermitage of Maharishi Valmiki. The Ram Tirth Mandir depicts scenes from the Ramayana, which is a Hindu epic.
Sita Mata had travelled to this spot after Lord Rama had abandoned her, and she had found sanctuary in Maharishi Valmiki’s ashram after being abandoned by her husband. By imparting knowledge and skills to his students, Sage Valmiki trained young men and women to become capable of excelling in any arena, whether it be battle or religious/social education.
The yearly fair at Ram Tirath is held on the full moon day in November and is open to the public. It is free to attend. The fair takes place over four days.
Development of the Temple:
The foundation stone for the Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan was placed on October 18, 2016, and the Department of Architecture developed the project at Guru Nanak Dev University in New Delhi.
It was officially opened on December 1, 2016, by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. An entrance portal at each end of the historic site, a sacred pond, circumambulation with a bridge, a devotee hall with a capacity of 5000, a Sanskrit library, a museum, and an underground multi-storey modern car parking facility with a total of 500 four-wheeled vehicles were all added during the renovation project, which cost 200 crores (US$26 million).
Despite this, the government is taking specific measures to improve the area around the Temple due to the increased number of visitors.
Fair & Exhibition for People:
One of the most popular attractions of Ram Tirth in Amritsar is its four-day fair, which has been held there for a very long period. Today, many people from all across India travel to this beautiful location.
The Ram Tirth in Amritsar, a stunning depiction of the Ramayana, captures the attention of every devotee who enters this modest dwelling of holy beings.
A large fair is held here approximately a week after Diwali and lasts for five days. The tank, which is said to have been dug by Hanuman, is considered of great significance. That specific tank has a radius of around 3 kilometres, and temples surround it.
Most pilgrims believe that taking a plunge in the sacred tank during the early hours of the Puranmashi (full moon) night is extremely lucky.
Parikarma (circumambulation) is performed around this frightening tank on a route 30 feet wide. Once they have completed the holy dip, the pilgrims round the tank, chanting mantras and exchanging salutations, “Ram Ram,” as they go.
The fair is known for its tulip floats, displayed throughout the grounds. Every year around this time, women light lamps made of kneaded flour and pure ghee or mustard oil, place them on leaf plates or boat-shaped carriers made of sarkanda reeds, and then release them to float in the tank while singing religious songs and hymns, according to the tradition.
This ceremony, known as Tulla toarna (Tulla floatation), is meant to cleanse the participants’ sins and satisfy Rama.
Conclusion:
According to legendary traditions, the location may be traced back to the time of the Ramayana epic. The Temple is well-known for housing the ashram of guru Maharishi Valmiki on its grounds. According to the inscriptions, the sage took refuge at this ashram when Lord Rama abandoned goddess Sita following the Lankan triumph.
The temple complex contains a hut that commemorates the birthplace of Lord Rama’s sons, Luv and Kush, and an old tank that was believed to have been dug by Lord Hanuman. A hut belonging to Rishi Valmiki and a stairwell where Goddess Sita used to bathe are also located within the mandir compound.