Dhanbad: There is a small village of Dokra Panchayat located just behind Dar Bhavna Township, about 20 kilometers from Dhanbad city. Even today it remains a center of mystery and faith. The huge stone figures present here are seen by the local people as king-queen, elephant, horse, Sheshnag and drums. Keeping alive a centuries old folk tale. The villagers believe that all of them were once part of the wedding procession of the king and queen, who were turned into stone statues due to a curse.
What does the folk tale say?
Gayatri, the daughter-in-law of the village, tells that she has heard this story from her mother-in-law and father-in-law for the last 17 years. According to popular belief, a family deity had warned the wedding procession of the king and queen that if the bride and groom did not bid farewell before sunrise, the entire wedding procession would turn into stone. It is said that after resting at night, as soon as the king and queen proceeded with their convoy. Just then the cock crowed and the sun rose. At that very moment the king-queen, elephants-horses, Sheshnag and drums all turned into stone figures.
belief of local people
Local resident Yudhishthir Kumar says that he has been living here for the last 50 years. Despite working as a laborer to support his family, whenever he gets time, he worships Sheshnag and sits near these stones. He says that many times he hears sounds like drums and drums here. People coming to nearby villages and bullock cart township also come to see this stone hill. The elders claim that this story is absolutely true and has been passed down for generations.
Amit Bawri, who has been living in Bullock cart township for the last 15 years. It is said that he too has been listening to this story since childhood. According to him, this place gives a strange feeling of peace and mystery. He also told that years ago 7-8 elephants together tried to move these rocks, but they did not move from their place. For this reason people believe that some kind of curse or divine power is attached here.
Increasing interest of tourists
Today this place is not only becoming a center of faith but also a picnic spot. People coming with the family worship Sheshnag. See the rocks considered to be the palace of kings and queens and enjoy the natural beauty. Local people demand that it should be developed as a tourist destination and a small temple should be built so that devotees and tourists can get facilities.
What is the truth about stone statues?
On one hand, folklore and faith make this place mysterious. Whereas the scientific viewpoint tells a different story. According to geologists, such shapes are formed by natural erosion, effect of wind and water and earth processes over millions of years. The shape of the rocks sometimes appears to be that of humans or animals. Which is called pareidolia. That is, the mind sees familiar forms in shapes. Sounds like drums and drums can also be natural sounds produced by wind flow, rock structure and changes in temperature.
Today this village of Dokra Panchayat seems to be standing between faith and science. On one hand, there are centuries-old folktales, which have become a part of people’s identity and beliefs. On the other hand, there are scientific facts, which call it a wonderful creation of nature. Whatever may be the truth, it is certain that this place is a priceless example of the cultural heritage and folk belief of Dhanbad district. Local people want that this heritage should be preserved, so that the coming generations can also see and understand this mysterious story of the king and queen and the unique craftsmanship of nature.
