Kaman, or Kamaban, situated in the northern reaches of Bharatpur district in Rajasthan, holds within its ancient folds an intriguing past and a unique mystery – the Chaurasi Khamba temple. This quaint town is not just a geographical location; it is a part of the Braj Bhoomi, steeped in the childhood and pastimes of Lord Krishna.
Kaman, also known as Adi Vrindavan, boasts an abundance of Tulsi plants, earning it this distinctive epithet. A sacred haven for Vaishnava devotees, the town witnesses a surge in pilgrims during the Van Yatra held in the auspicious month of Bhadon. Once a dwelling place for Jat and Mughal rulers, Kaman is alternately referred to as Mewat and Kadambawana due to the lush presence of Kadamba trees.
A Glimpse into the Historical Tapestry:
Considered an ancient and sacred town for Hindus, Kaman is deeply entrenched in the rich history of the ‘Braj’ area, where Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his early years. According to local lore, King Kamasen, Lord Krishna’s grandfather, renamed the town from its original Brahampore.
Every rainy season, Kaman hosts the Parikrama Mela at the Cheel Mahal (Eagle Palace), adding vibrancy to its cultural tapestry. The town is adorned with significant temples, including the Kameswara Mahadeva Siva Temple, Govindaji Temple, Vimala Kunda, and the mysterious Chaurasi Khamba.
The Mystique Surrounding Chaurasi Khamba:
To the west of Kaman lies the enigmatic Chaurasi Khamba temple, known for its haunting allure. The temple is adorned with 84 intricately carved pillars, a symbolic number that echoes throughout Kaman – 84 ponds, 84 temples, and 84 hectares of divided land into 84 small water pools. However, what adds an air of mystery to Chaurasi Khamba is its elusive count.
Legend has it that Lord Krishna spent a brief span of his childhood in this ancient monument. According to local belief, even the Pandava brothers sought refuge here during their exile before the Mahabharata war. The adjacent pond, Dharam Kund, is said to be the site where the deity of Justice, Yama, tested Yudhisthira’s wisdom in the form of a Yaksha.
Moreover, some locals claim that King Vikramaditya once held his court at Chaurasi Khamba, adding another layer to its historical enigma.
The temple’s peculiar charm lies in its pillar count, which defies every attempt at an accurate enumeration. Every curious visitor attempting to count the pillars encounters a phenomenon where the total number either diminishes or surpasses the exact count, earning Chaurasi Khamba its reputation as a spooky site.
For those intrigued by the mystical and the mathematical, a visit to Chaurasi Khamba in Kaman promises not just a journey through history but an encounter with an unsolved numerical mystery.