Dhudhadhari Math Raipur, Chhattisgarh

near dhoodhadhari math.burhatalaw, Mahamai Para, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Dudhadhari Math is one of the famous Hindu religious places of Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It is a special tourist destination of Raipur. This monastery is also known for its magnificent architecture. Over time, Dudhadhari Math, along with its expansion, did the work of society expansion. Ravanabhata of Raipur is the gift of the Dudhadhari monastery, where the whole city is still gathered to celebrate the Dussehra festival. At the same time, the Ram temple on VIP Road is also built on the land of the monastery. The taphghar at Ravanabhata is also the land of the monastery. Not only Raipur but also in other places of the state, educational institutions are conducted by the monastery.
Establishment
Balabhadradas lived in his hut amidst lush green trees near Maharajbandh pond. Most of the time of Balabhadradas used to spend in devotion to his favorite Hanuman. He would anoint Hanuman with cow’s milk and consume the same milk, no other diet. The monastery was founded by Balabhadra Das. People nearby saw that Balabhadra only consumes milk, since then he came to be known as ‘Dudhadhari’ and from here the monastery was named ‘Dudhadhari Math’. As soon as the stairs of the monastery climb, the main gate of the temple made of thick iron bars is in front. The white marble above it reads “Shri Dudhadhari Math, established – Samvat 1610” i.e. 1554. Even though the monastery was established before the British period, the monastery that appeared today was built in the British period. Due to which the glimpse of the British period comes in the mind after seeing the temple from outside.

Mahant Vaishnavadas
In this way, there were many Mahants after Balabhadradas in the monastery, who took over the position of Mathadhish. One of them was Mahant Vaishnavadas. Mahant who also went to jail in the fight for freedom. At that time, before taking any such decision, it was considered necessary to take the consent of the monastery organization. But when Mahant Vaishnavadas informed the organization about going to jail, he said- ‘I will go to jail for freedom, I am not saying this as not only for you, but only as information’. Mahant was Vaishnavadas who took a big step for women higher education. He was the D.B. in Raipur Started the Women’s College and Sanskrit College.
Architecture
On crossing the main gate, the wooden column is handling the roof. After which a big door is made from the main gate, which is of wood. Just touching him will give you an idea of ​​his weight. There is a small temple in a line as soon as it crosses the wooden door. Which is the symbol of every woman built there, who has served in the monastery. These small temples definitely hide the face of the main temple. But what is this is, God has to be seen by crossing them. There are three main temples in the temple courtyard-

The biggest Ram Janaki Temple
After that Shri Balaji Temple
Finally, the smallest, the most main Hanuman temple
The Hanuman temple was first built, so the youngest is. This Hanuman is considered to be the presiding deity of Dudhadhari monastery. The Ram Janaki temple was constructed by the Dau family of the old township, whose stones were ordered from Rajasthan to build the idol. The same Sri Balaji temple is constructed by Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur. The monastery surrounded by high walls from all around is like a fort. There is also a stairs to go over those walls, which seems as if it is monitored over the walls in the olden times. Increasing the importance of the monastery further, the old well is also present in the monastery courtyard. Which is still used today.
Hostel
Apart from all this, there is also a hostel in the monastery, where students are given free living and food facilities. Around 100 people live in the monastery. Another specialty of the monastery is that there are two kitchens, one ‘Sita’ and one ‘Anasuiya’. Morning food is made in Sita, then evening in Anasuiya. Even today, food is cooked in old big stoves. Now so many people get food daily, so there will definitely be many like food and you will also need a grain house to keep them. For which a very large space is safe for storing grain in the monastery. Where even today, there are all the old techniques ranging from grinding grains to grinding.