Ujjain :Despite having significant glorious position, Ujjain’s highly ancient Dutt Akhada has been almost sidelined from equipping it with all the dimensions of the Simhastha-2016. Not only during the month-long world’s biggest religious congregation, but during the routine occasions also the Akhada and its surroundings are used for various public facilitations, yet it has been left on the mercy of the god for its facelift.
Dutt Akhada, which is located on the western side of river Kshipra in front of Ram Ghat, has numerous religious and ancient importance. Half of the breadth of the river is named after it in the form of a river owner. Between the river and Akhada boundary, there exists two key ghats viz Reti Ghat and and Harihar Ghat. All Shahi Snans during Simhstha start from the first ghat as it is the designated place of bath for the Shaiva Akhadas. Various programmes also arranged throughout the year. Kshipra aarti is organised on the second ghat and different events are held here round-the-year.
Dutt Akhada is ancient since time immemorial. It is believed that Aadi Shankaracharya established two lingas made of ‘sphatik’ (crystal or rhinestone) at the Dutta Akhada during his campaign for the foundation of Vedic Sanatana Dharma. This place has now taken the shape of Gaurishankar Mahadev temple. It is said that presence of two lingas is unique in the world. Three lingas are located at Triambakeshwar Mahadev Mandir (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas). It is also a common belief here that the Aadi Shankaracharya also laid the foundation of ‘charan paduka’. Dutt Mandir is also located in the Akhada, where Dutt Jayanti has been organised on Sunday.
Contrary to all such exceptional features, the Simhastha authorities have paid little attention on strengthening the infrastructural matters of the Dutt Akhada. “They are reportedly carrying out development works to the tune of Rs 50 lakh in each of the 13 akhadas, but we have confined to the construction of a sabha griha and digging a bore-well without having submerging motor,” Peer Mahant Parmanand Puri told Free Press. According to him, Simhastha peshwayi of Juna Akhada will be taken out from Dutt Akhada this time, but essential works like road, public toilets, beautification, etc, were not being carried out.
