NAGPUR

The name “Nagpur” is believed to be linked to the Nag River, a tributary of the Kanhan River, which flows through the region in a winding, snake-like path. The word “Nag” means snake in Marathi, and the river’s twisting course may have inspired its name. Alternatively, other oral traditions suggest the name simply reflects the presence of the river flowing through the historic parts of the city. As the city developed along its banks, it came to be known as “Nagpur,” with “Pur” being a common suffix in India to denote cities, villages, and towns. The emblem of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation features a cobra swimming in the river, echoing this connection.

Raja Raghuji II of Nagpur was a wise and accomplished ruler in the early 19th century, but he faced a persistent challenge - severe droughts that plagued his kingdom year after year. With the rains scarce and rivers drying up, the fields remained unproductive, causing great suffering for the people.

Determined to find a solution, Raja Raghuji convened his ministers and counselors. After considering various proposals, one experienced advisor suggested building a reservoir to capture and store rainwater. Inspired by this idea, Raja Raghuji sought the guidance of a sant living in the hills. The King, accompanied by his advisors and guards, embarked on a treacherous journey to the sant's humble cottage. The elderly sant, with his long white  beard and piercing eyes, listened intently to Raja Raghuji's plea for help.

After deep meditation, the sant revealed that the solution lay in constructing a lake near an underground spring. He guided Raja Raghuji and his troops to a fertile location near the hills, where the sant performed ceremonies to sanctify the spot and call upon divine forces to preserve the lake's life.

The construction of the lake, led by the sant, involved workers from across the nation. As the months passed, an underground spring began to replenish the lake with crystal-clear water, fulfilling the sant's prophecy. Futala Lake quickly became an essential resource for the people of Nagpur. The once-dry fields grew lush with crops, and the people cheered. The lake's waters never receded, even during the most brutal summers, seemingly blessed with an unending supply of vitality.

Appreciative of the sant's guidance, Raja Raghuji designated the lake as a holy site. He created a lovely garden around it, providing a space where people could unwind and enjoy the natural beauty. Futala Lake soon became a popular destination for picnics, festivals, and gatherings.

As Nagpur expanded and modernized, Futala Lake remained an integral part of the district, and the sacred tree placed by the saint continues to stand.

Once upon a time, in the dense forests surrounding Nagpur, there lived an elderly mother who wished to visit her daughter. Despite the dangers posed by tigers and wild dogs in the jungles, the old lady embarked on her journey.

As she reached the jungle, the old lady encountered a terrifying tiger. Thinking quickly, she told the tiger that she was too thin to eat and promised to return in five days, plump and juicy, if the tiger let her pass. Amused by her cleverness, the tiger agreed.

Later, the old lady met a wild dog and used the same strategy, convincing the dog to let her visit her daughter for five days in exchange for returning healthy and fat. The dog, persuaded by her smart remarks, allowed her to continue on her way.

Upon reaching her daughter's house, the old lady expressed concerns about the forest's dangerous animals. Her daughter had an idea - she hollowed out a giant pumpkin and helped the old lady put it on, prompting her to sing "Chal re bhoplya tunuk tunuk" (Go, pumpkin, go) on her journey home.

As the old lady, disguised as a pumpkin, moved through the forest, the wild dog noticed her and inquired about the old lady's whereabouts. The old lady, still in her pumpkin disguise, replied that she was just a pumpkin and kept singing "Chal re bhoplya tunuk tunuk" as she rushed ahead. The suspicious dog pursued her, but the old lady's clever disguise and quick thinking allowed her to escape.

Next, the tiger approached the pumpkin and asked about the old lady. The old lady, still in her pumpkin disguise, claimed ignorance. Frustrated, the tiger cut the pumpkin open, only to realize it was the same old lady. The tiger and wild dog became enraged and began fighting, both wanting to eat her. Seizing the opportunity, the intelligent old lady dashed back to her house, singing "Chal re bhoplya tunuk tunuk" the entire way, leaving the arguing animals behind.

It was a cool evening in Nagpur when Rohan and his friend Aman rode down the dimly lit lane near Telankhedi Garden. They had traveled this road many times before, but tonight, an uneasy feeling crept over them.

As they approached the turn with the old streetlight, the light flickered and went out, leaving them in complete darkness. Rohan's heart raced as they pedaled faster, eager to escape the eerie gloom. When they reached Bharati Krishna Vidya Vihar (BKVV) school, the lamp suddenly turned back on, casting a creepy glow across their path. This strange event happened for nearly two weeks, occurring every time they passed that unsettling intersection. Aman tried to explain it away, saying it was just a faulty light, but they both felt that something more sinister was happening.

Determined to figure it out, they decided to return to the spooky spot, this time riding Rohan's new Activa scooter. As they approached the turn just before 11 pm, the lamp flickered and died again. To their shock, the scooter suddenly lost power, the engine sputtering and stopping even though the ignition was still on. Terrified, they quickly tried to restart the scooter, but it wouldn’t start. They abandoned it and ran to the nearby Ganpati Mandir, only to hear the Activa roar back to life once they reached the Mandir.

Shaken and scared, Rohan and Aman promised never to go near that cursed streetlight again, convinced that something evil was hiding in the shadows of Telankhedi Garden.

On a sweltering May afternoon, a lone figure trudged along an empty road, his silhouette barely visible through the haze. Ravi, a migrant laborer from Bihar, had been stranded in the city for weeks, his dreams of a better life dashed by the harsh reality of a sudden lockdown.

The statewide restrictions had turned his world upside down. Without a job or money, Ravi found himself unable to return to the safety of his hometown. Each day felt longer than the last as he watched his savings dwindle and hunger gnaw at his stomach. With every step, Ravi’s blistered feet protested, but he pushed on, scanning the horizon for any sign of hope. The once-bustling streets were eerily silent, broken only by the distant rumble of trucks and the desperate calls of fellow migrants. Their voices were hoarse, worn down by dehydration and exhaustion.

Then, in the distance, a car appeared, the driver waving frantically. Ravi's heart raced as he recognized Arun, a kind-hearted man who had been helping stranded workers with water and snacks. As the car pulled up, Ravi felt a rush of gratitude. He eagerly accepted the cool, refreshing water, feeling it soothe his parched throat.

After Arun drove away, Ravi's gaze fell on a group of fellow migrants nearby. Their faces were etched with worry. Some had resorted to begging, their hands trembling with fatigue, while others pedaled furiously on bicycles, desperate to return to their families.

Though Ravi's journey felt endless, he drew strength from the determination of those around him. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the travelers, Ravi paused to say a silent prayer and his heart swelled with hope and renewed purpose.

During Shri Ram's difficult journey through his vanvaas (exile), he was accompanied by his beloved wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshman as they traveled through the forests of ancient India. They came across a peaceful hilltop where Ram decided to rest for a while.

While resting, Ram learned about the evil forces causing trouble in nearby villages. Feeling a strong sense of duty, he vowed to defeat the evil threatening the land. From that day on, the hill was called Ramtek, meaning "Ram's Pledge," in honor of his determination.

The story of Ramtek continued until the 18th century when the powerful Bhonsle dynasty rose to prominence in the region. The founder, Raghoji I, heard about the sacred site and felt a deep spiritual connection to it.

While bathing in the Ambala reservoir at the foot of the hill, Raghoji made a promise: if he won his next battle at Devgadh, he would build a grand Mandir for Bhagwaan Ram on Ramtek hill. After Raghoji's forces succeeded, he began to fulfill his vow. He invited the best artisans from across the kingdom to create beautiful murtis of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. On the eve of the Mandir’s inauguration, Raghoji received a miraculous vision revealing that ancient murtis were buried in the nearby Sur River.

Raghoji's troops found these sacred murtis and placed them alongside the new ones, creating a stunning Mandir complex. He built a strong fort to protect the site and ensured that the pujaris and workers were well cared for, so the Mandir’s rituals could continue forever.

The Ramtek Gad Mandir, commonly known as the Shri Ram Mandir, honors Raghoji I's devotion. Located atop the 345-meter-high Ramgiri Hill, the Mandir is famous for its unique 350-foot-long "OM" structure, with carvings from the Ramayana and Krishna Leela. The Mandir also features murtis of Hanuman, Sai Baba, and Gajanan Maharaj.

The Mahabharat mentions Babruvahana, the son of the great warrior Arjuna and Ulupi, a princess from the Naga (serpent) clan. This takes place after the famous Kurukshetra War, a major battle that changed the fate of the Kuru dynasty.

Babruvahana became the ruler of a region after the war. As the son of Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers known for their bravery, he had a strong legacy to uphold. However, the war had left many conflicts unresolved, especially regarding power and territory. To prove his strength and authority, Arjuna performed a ritual called the ashvamedha yajna. This involved releasing a sacred horse that roamed freely. Any king who captured the horse would challenge Arjuna and show their own power. This ritual was a way for Arjuna to expand his influence.

During the yajna, Babruvahana captured the sacred horse at Khoon village, near the Dhar Udhampur road. This act was a direct challenge to Arjuna's authority. In the battle that followed, Babruvahana killed Arjuna, a tragic event that changed everything. After his victory, Babruvahana presented Arjuna's head to his mother, Ulupi. When he learned that Arjuna was his father, he felt deep regret and wanted to bring him back to life. To do this, Babruvahana needed to get a magical gem called the Mani from Shesha, the serpent bhagwan.

To reach Shesha, Babruvahana used his arrow to create a tunnel known as Surangsar. This tunnel allowed him to enter Shesha's realm. When he faced Shesha, Babruvahana fought bravely. After a fierce battle, he defeated Shesha and took the Mani. With the gem in hand, he returned through the tunnel and emerged at Manisar (Mansar), hoping to revive his father.