Ramrekha Dham and Tulsi Chaura: Heritage of the Kharia Tribe
Introduction Ramrekha Dham, located nearly sixteen miles north-west of Simdega in Jharkhand, stands as the most revered pilgrimage centre of the Kharia tribe. This sacred site is deeply intertwined with the epic narrative of the Ramayana. According to local legend, Lord Rama, accompanied by his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana, spent part of their fourteen years of exile here. Their footprints are believed to be preserved at the site, while a cave on the hill is associated with their sojourn. The shrine enshrines idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Krishna, Radha, Jagannath, and a Shivalinga. A water-pit named Ramganga, said to have been excavated by Rama with his arrow, adds to the sanctity of the place. Mahabiri Jhanda Among the Kharias, the Mahabiri Jhanda serves as a sacred symbol of devotion. It is planted in community spaces and worshipped during Ramnavami, celebrated in the month of Chait Nawami. This ritual reinforces the tribe’s spiritual connection with Lord Rama and thei...