Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan is temple panorama complex and an important historical monument of
Valmikis located at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath road of
Amritsar city.[1][2] Since 1 December 2016, it has an 8-foot-tall[3] 800-kg
gold-plated idol of Sage
Valmiki in main section.[4][5]
Mythology
Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan, dedicated to Valmiki, is situated 11 km west of Amritsar on Amritsar Lopoke road. As per
regional tradition, the temple dates back to the period of the events of the epic Ramayana, identified as the location of the ashram of the sage. According to legend, this is the site where the sage gave shelter to Sita, wife of Rama, after the deity decided that she not return to
Ayodhya. The place is also considered to be the birthplace of
Lava and
Kusha, the twin sons of Rama.[6]
Management
Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan is managed and maintained by Valmiki Tirath Development Board.[7][8] There was dispute regarding the management of site between Mahant Baldev Giri and Mahant Malkeet Nath of the Bhagwan Valmiki Dhuna Sahib Management Trust. In 2013,
Punjab Police was deployed at the site, due to tension between
Mahants and
Valmikis.[9] On 9 September 2014, Punjab government failed to restore the possession of Dhuna Sahib and two other sites at the ancient shrine to mahant Baldev Giri on court orders.[10][11] On 11 September 2014, Police with the help of
Border Security Force broker a compromise between the two parties.[12][13][14]
Development
Foundation stone of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan was laid on 18 October 2016 and this project was designed by Department of Architecture of
Guru Nanak Dev University.[15] It was inaugurated on 1 December 2016 by the
Chief Minister of Punjab.[16][17]
The historic site was renovated with ₹200 crore (US$25 million) and has entrance portals at both ends, a sacred pond,
circumambulation with a bridge, a devotee hall with capacity of 5000, a Sanskrit library, a museum and a multi-storey modern car parking with a capacity of 500 four-wheeler vehicles.[18][19]