Rani Sati Temple in Jhunjhunu
People of Jhunjhunu have always been God fearing. Along with beautiful havelis and grand forts residents here have also built many beautiful temples, mosques and dargahs. Each of these places of worship is of great importance. However, Rani Sati temple at Jhunjhunu surpasses them all in grandeur. This temple, managed by Marwari Temple Board from Calcutta, is said to be the second wealthiest temple in India. People from far and near come to pay homage to Rani Sati and ask for boons.
Short Life History of Rani Sati
Many people believe that Rani Sati was actually an incarnation of Devi Durga. However, some others are of the opinion that in her previous birth she was actually born as Uttara, the daughter of King Birata of Mahabharata fame. Her husband Abhimanyu was the son of Arjuna and nephew of Shri Krishna. As we all known, Abhimanyu died in the great war of Kurukshetra in a very unjust way at a very tender age.Grieved by the death of her husband, Uttara wanted to immolate herself on her husband pyre. However, Shri Krishna persuaded her not to as she was carrying the only heir to the throne of Hastinapur. Uttara then wished that she would be married to Abhimanyu in her next life and also that she would be able to become ‘sati’ by immolating herself on his pyre. Shri Krishna agreed to that.
As granted by Lord Shri Krishna, Uttara was born as Narayani in a place called Dowka in Rajastan. Her father’s name was Gursamal. As she grew up she was married off to a lad called Tandhan, who in hs previous birth was Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. Both Tandhan and Narayani led a happy peaceful life in the former’s native place, Hissar. However, fate willed otherwise. Tandhan had a beautiful white horse; the prince of Hissar wanted Tandhan to handover the horse to him. However, Tandhan refused to oblige and so the prince decided to use force. However, in the ensuing fight the prince was killed. Enraged, the king came to the battle ground and killed Tandhan. Narayani, who was the epitome of power, then killed the king. She then asked her servant Ranaji to set up the pyre and she committed sati on the pyre of her departed husband.
However, there are other variations of the story. According to some others, Tandhan was killed at the hand of dacoits. Yet others, proclaims that he was killed by Muslim invaders. However, to the devotees, it does not really matter. They lovingly call her Dadisah and that is why this temple at Jhunjhunu is also called Dadi Sah Rani Sati Temple.
Rani Sati Temple at Jhunjhunu
It is to be noted that this is not the only Rani Sati Temple in India; they are many more located in different parts of the country. However, most probably, this temple at Jhunjhunu is the oldest. It was inaugurated in 1912 in the form of so memorial mounds. The construction of the actual temple complex began in 1937 and was completed by 1936. The whole construction was financed by the Jalan clan of Aggarwal Community. It is to be remembered that although the devotees of Rani Mata cut across all caste, creed and religion, this particular temple is especially patronized by the Aggarwal community.
Rani Sati temple today is a multistoried building made out of marble stones. Beautiful carvings as well as a golden pot atop its roof set it apart from many other temples in town. The complex houses one main temple for Rani Sati and twelve other smaller sati mandirs dedicated to other satis of the same clan. The complex also houses few other temples dedicated to different deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanumana, Sita Devi etc. Unlike most other temples, there is no idol of Rani Sati in this temple; she is depicted by a trident, which represents Shakti. Nonetheless, there is also a beautiful image of Rani Mata in the main hall of the temple. Besides, frescoes depicting her life history adorn the walls of the temple.
Rani Sati Temple at Jhunjhunu is a very popular temple. Many devotees visit this temple through out the year. Devotees can have their lunch at the temple on payment of a nominal fee. Besides, prasads are regularly distributed after the ‘Arti’. There are also many rooms around its courtyard; these rooms can accommodate more than 300 pilgrims coming from various parts of the country. Since Bhado Amabashya is special day at this temple, pilgrims visit this temple from far and near.