Shimla: The streets of Ayodhya got immersed in religious fervour as the foundation laying ceremony was held for Ram temple. While there has been a festive atmosphere throughout the country, the people in Himachal Pradesh recalled the mythological connection of Ramayana with the state.
Though the whole world knows about Lord Ram and his three brothers, very few people are aware of his elder sister Shanta. According to the local folklore, Shanta was the firstborn of King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya.
Lord Ram's sister Shanta married Rishyasringa, the son of Vibhandhak Rishi.
It is believed that King Dasaratha gave his daughter to King of Anga, Romapada. Lord Ram's mother Kaushalya and King Romapada 's wife were sisters and they decided that whosoever out of the two would have the first child, would handover to the other.
Priest Mohar Singh said: "It is believed that after marriage, Rishya Sringa came to Baga village with his wife Shanta, where they are still worshipped by the villagers."
The Baga village is situated in Chehni Kothi Panchayat of Kullu and people here offer prayers to Shrangi Rishi and his wife Shanta.
"Rishya Sringa and Mata Shanta are widely recognized in the whole area. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Shanta was installed in Tretayuga. Seeing the mythological significance of the temple, devotees from far and wide visit here to offer prayers, " villager Hari Krishan Kaul said.
It is believed that King Dashratha needed a son for which he wanted his daughter Shanta to marry Rishya Sringa.
Rishya Sringa 'Yajana' led to the birth of Lord Ram and his three brothers, locals said.
There are different adaptations of Ramayana and in few of them, it has been mentioned about Lord Ram's sister Shanta.
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