Shringverpur has Kushan & Rama connection
THE DISTRICT is dotted with historically prominent sites which have been mentioned in the mythical tales as well as in chronologically written texts of history books.
THE DISTRICT is dotted with historically prominent sites which have been mentioned in the mythical tales as well as in chronologically written texts of history books.
Shringverpur is one such archaeological site which not only has the remains of the Kushan period, but it also finds its link with the epic Ramayan. It is situated on the bank of river Ganga, about 36 Km westward from Allahabad.
The Department of Archaeology is carrying on the tasks of conservation and preservation of this place. The main site is that of a huge pond made of bricks which belongs to Kushan period.
The studies and excavations of the archaeologists have made it clear that the pond was constructed to serve as filter.
"The pond has been partitioned into three small tanks which we have named as tank A, B and C. The mechanism was simple. The water from the river was allowed to fill in tank A through a channel. After sometime it was transferred into tank B when the sedimentation process cleared the water to a considerable extent. Further sedimentation process in tank B filtered the river water and finally it was transferred to tank C to be consumed," said Diwakar Singh, senior conservation assistant of the Archaeology Department in Allahabad.
"We also found potteries of clay and bronze, few figurines, coins etc during excavation. At present the preservation task is going on in the area. We have built shades on the tanks to save them from being damaged by rain water and scorching sun rays," said Singh.
There is also the temple of Shanta Devi here which is newly constructed. A fair is held every year at the temple during the month of Kartik.
A huge mound was also found here which is made of bricks. Although historically significant but it is slowly being damaged on account of the washing away of the embankment. It is said to be the shrine of Shringi Rishi, a sage on whose name the place Shringverpur derived its name. Few students doing research work have found that the inhabitants unaware of the importance of the site often damage it by using it as grazing ground.
Keeping aside the excavation of the archaeologists, this place has also been mentioned in the epic Ramayan. According to Ramayan, Lord Ram passed through this place on his way to the forest to spend his period 14 years in exile.
He was accompanied by Lakshman, Sita and Sumant. Ram Chaura is the spot where Lord Rama spent sometime and it is a revered place.