Sujavan Dev Temple – A mystery and distant link to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

On the outskirts of Prayagraj straddling the banks of river Yamuna is an intriguing temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is visual delight unlike anywhere seen on earth. It is also relatively away from the tourist circuit.

Every year during the peak of monsoon, the hill becomes an island and the temple is accessible only by boat. The strong currents of the Yamuna has caused erosion to such an extent that the original history of the temple will never be known.

Local folklore goes that during the rule of Shaista Khan the original temple was destroyed and a baithak build in its place. Later the locals reclaimed the place by installing the present statue. That also explains the peculiar structure of the temple. Shaista Khan was the then governor of Allahabad appointed by Aurangzeb. The possible date of removal of this temple could be 1645.

Shaista Khan is the same person whose three fingers were cut off by the great Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a daring raid by Shivaji and his soldiers while Shaista Khan was camping in his palace. In Jan, 1660 Shaista Khan arrived with a large army in Maharashtra and quickly took Aurangabad and Pune. There after he also grabbed Chakan, Kalyan and was threatening Konkan. On 5th April 1663, Shivaji and around 400 of his most battle hardened soldiers entered the city disguised as member of a marriage procession. Other small parties came as labourers and other soldiers. At midnight they launched an attack on the Mughal camp. Many of his security and other members of his camp were killed. Taking advantage of the confusion and darkness, all the soldiers escaped the city. Aurangzeb was so angry with this defeat that he removed Shaista Khan and dispatched him to Bengal.

The legend of Yamraj

It is believed that Yamraj, the God of Death came to meet his sister Yamuna at this place on the river banks on the day of Bhai Dooj, Pleased with the welcome and hospitality of Yamuna he granted her a wish. Any person who bathes in the waters on Yamuna on Bhai Dooj will be granted a place in heaven.

Every year on the day of Bhai Dooj, a huge fair is organised at the temple and hundreds of people come to attend it.

Since the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri is also celebrated every year.

Traces of an ancient kingdom

While digging for soil and bricks, the contractors working for East India Railway discovered signs of an ancient place. It indicated that an ancient civilisation could have existed here. The hill on which the temple is located is also called Bhita Hill. This hill is considered to be the northern tip of that kingdom.

How to reach Sujavan Dev Temple

The place is well marked on Google Maps. Unfortunately the access roads are not that good. There are two ways to reach it, first one is through Jasra Bazar and second is the right turn at Ghurpur. There is also an archeological excavation at Bhita which is marked by a board of ASI.

Most of the time of the year you can reach by a four wheeler. It is only during the flooding that you will need a boat ride.

For the view and the spirituality attached with the place, this one is a definite visit.