CM Nitish Kumar today inspected the development work of Barabar (Vanavar) area in Makhdumpur block of Jehanabad district and gave necessary directions to the officials.
During the inspection, CM Nitish Kumar greeted the devotees who had come to the Vanavar Sravani Mela. In the month of Shravan, a large number of devotees come to offer Jalabhishek at Baba Siddheshwarnath Mahadev Temple on Vanavar hill. The Chief Minister took detailed information about the arrangements for the Shravani Mela. The Chief Minister directed the District Magistrate that there should be no shortage of facilities for the devotees. Take special care that they do not have any kind of discomfort while performing Jalabhishek. The Chief Minister was felicitated on the occasion. The Chief Minister listened to the problems of the people present there and directed the District Magistrate to resolve them.
During the inspection, CM Nitish Kumar said that the Vanavar Caves highlight the ancient cultural heritage of India. Its development is very important so that this area is preserved from the historical and cultural point of view. It will also boost tourism here.
It is known that Barabar (Vanavar) caves are located in Jehanabad district. These caves are counted among the most ancient rock cut caves of the Indian subcontinent. They were built during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (273-232 BCE) and his successor Dasharatha in the 3rd century BCE. These caves were specially built for the sadhus of the Ajivaka sect, which was an influential religious sect at that time. There are a total of four main caves in Barabar Hill – Karnchopar Cave, Lomas Rishi Cave, Sudama Cave and Vishwajyoti Cave. Among these Sudama and Lomas Rishi caves are specially notable from the point of view of architecture. The gate of the Lomas Rishi cave is built in the stupa and chaitya style, which later became the basis of Buddhist architecture. The most unique feature of these caves is their sleek and extremely refined polished interiors. It presents an excellent example of Mauryan stone polishing technique. Due to this technique, the walls inside the caves glowed like mirrors and echoed sound, making it a suitable place for sadhana.
CM Nitish Kumar had announced the holistic development of Barabar Caves and its surrounding area during the ‘Pragati Yatra’ in the year 2025. A sum of Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for the project. The development plan includes construction of stairs, development of tourist facilities, and reconstruction and renovation of a mini museum. Barabar Caves not only highlight the ancient cultural heritage of India, but are also a testimony to the architectural prowess of the Mauryan period. This place is extremely important for anyone interested in history, art, religion and architecture.
On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori, Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP Jalandhar Rural Satinder Singh, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Karunesh Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioners Vishesh Sarangal and Jasbir Singh, Deputy Commissioners of Police Arun Saini, Sub Divisional Magistrate Rahul Sindhu and Dr Jai Inder Singh, Joint MC Commissioner Innayat, Shayri Malhotra, Assistant Commissioner Harpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Lt. Col. (Retd.