During my recent visit to Bara, I explored the Gadhimai Temple situated in Maha Gadhimai Municipality, a place revered by locals for its spiritual significance. While there, I heard whispers about a nearby historical gem, Simraungadh, a place I had never known existed. Intrigued and slightly ashamed of my ignorance, I decided to learn more about this hidden treasure. Conversations with locals revealed that Simraungadh is a town steeped in history, filled with beautiful lakes and ancient monuments.
Eager to witness this place firsthand, I arranged a trip to Simraungadh with the help of a local guide from Gadhimai. The journey took about an hour by jeep, traversing bumpy, dusty roads lined with farms, vegetable fields, and man-made ponds. The scenic drive made me more eager for the wonders that awaited me in Simraungadh.
Upon arrival, I was charmed by the town's historical aura. Simraungadh, once a thriving capital of the Mithila Kingdom under the Karnata Dynasty in the 11th century, now stood as a testimony to a rich but forgotten past. My first stop was the Ranivas Temple also known as Ram Janaki Temple , a site covering 600 bighas. The temple was alive with local worshippers, and I learned it was built by Maharaja Siva Singh of the Oinwar dynasty for his daughter, Isri Devi. Inside, idols of Ram, Sita, and Laxman sat majestically, with statues of Jung Bahadur Rana, his wife, and son Gen. Jagat Jung kneeling in reverence before them. This Ram Janaki Temple, constructed in 1878 AD by Jagat Jung Rana, pays tribute to the site where Jung Bahadur Rana died, fulfilling his queen’s wish before she committed Sati.
Near to the temple was an ancient pond, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the area. I next visited the Kankali Temple, a structure showcasing the shikhara style of architecture. The temple, dedicated to Kankali Mai, houses an idol made of black stone, believed to have been damaged by Tughlaq armies. Historical engravings on the temple’s bell date back to 1340 AD. Despite of beign ruined in the past, the temple was restored in the early 19th century by Mansaram Baba and later rebuilt in its current form in 1967 by his disciple, Ram Sewak Das. The temple attracts thousands of worshippers, especially during the Rama Navami festival.
One of the most striking features of Simraungadh was the Jharokhar Pokhari, also known as Deutaal Pokhari or Kachorwa Pokhari. This massive artificial pond once spanned 52 bighas (87 acres) but has shrunk to 22 bighas (36 acres) due to neglect and encroachment. Believed to be around 800 years old, the pond lies near the Nepal-India border and is one of the largest man-made spring ponds in Nepal. The peaceful environment of the pond was a stark reminder of the town’s former glory.
Historically, Simraungadh's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty. It was the capital of King Nanyadev of Karnatak from South India, who established his rule over the Mithila Kingdom in 1097 AD. The kingdom's borders stretched from the Koshi River in the east to the Gandak River in the west, the Himalayas in the north, and the Ganges in the south. This era, known as the golden age of the Karnat dynasty, saw immense economic, political, religious, literary, and artistic advancements.
However, in 1324 AD, Sultan Gayasuddin of the Tughlaq dynasty invaded and destroyed Simraungadh, bringing an end to the Karnat dynasty’s 229-year reign. He razed many monuments, temples, and artifacts, reducing a once-flourishing city to ruins. Today, out of the 52 Gandas (ponds) believed to have been constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, only a few remain, most of them in dire need of preservation.
During my visit, I saw numerous damaged statues and ruins, a sad reflection of the town’s neglected heritage. This experience strengthened my conviction that the government and relevant authorities must take immediate action to preserve Simraungadh’s historical and cultural legacy. By promoting Simraungadh as a tourist destination, we can ensure that this rich city receives the recognition and protection it deserves.
In conclusion, my journey to Simraungadh was both enlightening and somber. While I was amazed at its historical glory, I couldn’t ignore the pressing need for its preservation. Simraungadh is a hidden historical treasure, and with proper care and promotion, it can shine brightly on the map of cultural tourism.
Source- Wikipedia
Picture Credit- Wikipedia, Quora
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