Echoes of the Past: Khairagarh Temple and Hall Reopens, Revealing Royal History

The Radha-Krishna temple in Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh, within the Kamal Vilas Palace, has reopened to the public after half a century. This temple was a place where the rulers of the kingdom sought guidance. Along with the temple, the historic Darbar Hall is also now open for visitors. These sites, closed for many years, offer a glimpse into the history of the Khairagarh kingdom. Dr. Lovely Sharma, the Vice-Chancellor of Indira Kala Sangeet University, spearheaded the efforts to reopen these historical treasures. The palace, once the residence of the King of Khairagarh, was donated to establish the Indira Kala Sangeet University, the first of its kind in Asia. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, holds a special significance. The King of Khairagarh would pray at the temple during challenging times, and the idols would provide answers. The temple was closed to the public about 50 years ago after the theft of valuable jewelry. The Darbar Hall, which once witnessed royal gatherings, was also closed for 15 years. Dr. Sharma, upon assuming her role at the university, discovered the historical structures. She decided to reopen the temple and hall for the public, recognizing them as a shared heritage. Dr. Sharma expressed that visiting the temple and praying was an unparalleled experience. She was informed by the royal family that the idols are said to ‘talk’. The Kamal Vilas Palace, now the Indira Kala Sangeet University, is a historic landmark. The reopening allows not only devotees to visit the temple but also students and tourists to experience the royal heritage. Local expert Bhagwat Sharan Singh stated that Khairagarh has always had a glorious history. The decision by the university to reopen the temple is significant.