Dhillir Delhir Akhra Kishoreganj

Dhillir Akhra (Dhillir Akhra), which is about 450 years old, is one of the historical sights of Kishoreganj district. Delhi's Akhara is located in Katkhal Union of Mithamain Upazila, a beautiful area of ​​Kishoreganj. Although the name is Delhi Akhara, in reality this Akhara has no relation with Delhi in India. It is known that the spiritual saint Narayan Goswami established this arena during the reign of Emperor Jahangir of Delhi. Inside the Akhara there is a Dharamshala, Natamandir, guest house, pakshala, residence of Vaishnavadeva, tombs of Saint Narayana Goswami and one of his disciples Gangaram Goswami.

There are two ponds on either side of Delhi's Akhara and around 3,000 Hijal trees adorning the surrounding area. The historical Akhara and Hijal trees on the banks of the river add a special variety to the beauty of Mithamin Haor.

There is a common practice among the local people of the Hijal tree and the Akhara of Delhi. Sadhak Narayan Goswami was a disciple of Ramakrishna Goswami, a spiritual saint from nearby Vithalanga Akhara. At that time, this area surrounded by rivers was full of thick bushes and forests. Boats plying the river in this area used to sink or suffer some other accident for mysterious reasons. Similarly, one day a treasure boat sent by the emperor of Delhi sank along with its cargo while going through this river. The boatmen failed to recover the treasure. One of the boat passengers died of snakebite. Then saint Ramakrishna of Vitlanga got this news. He ordered his disciple Narayana Goswami to go to the accident site. As per the Guru's order, Saint Narayan Goswami sat on the bank of the river and was engrossed in penance. Sadhaka Narayana Goswami was able to reach the shore by his sadhanas. In this way, the same thing happened for 7 consecutive days.

Then one day Narayana Goswami was asked to leave this place as per the divine word. In reply the saint asks for their identity and darshan. The divine voice pretends to be a resident here and assumes the form of a demon. Narayana Goswami saw thousands of gigantic demons appearing all around. Saint Narayan Goswami took a promise from the demons that they would live without harming humans and humans would not harm them. On the instructions of Saint Narayan Goswami, the demons were transformed into Hijal trees.

Later, with the miraculous powers of Saint Narayan Goswami, he saved the sunken treasure boat with its goods and the snake-bitten dead man. On hearing this news, Emperor Jahangir of Delhi established an Akhara for Narayan Goswami. Since then the arena came to be known as the Delhi Arena.

Thousands of Hijal trees are spread over the 372 acres of Delhi's Akhara. And Narayana Goswami sat under the form of the demon chief's tree and began the Sadhana. Narayan Goswami's Sadhana place 'Sadhanabri' is now fenced off. Bhoga is offered here every new moon and full moon night. Every year 8 Chaitra fairs are organized here.

Kishoreganj by train from Dhaka : First you have to come to Kishoreganj district headquarters. You can come to Kishoreganj by bus or train from Dhaka. It will be convenient to take the train at eleven o'clock in the morning. Train fare is Tk 135-368 depending on the class, time will take about 4 hours. It will be convenient if you take a rickshaw from the train station to Ekrampur CNG stand for Tk 15-20.

Dhaka to Kishoreganj by bus : If you want to come by bus, you can come directly to Kishoreganj by Ananya Parivan or Ananya Classic from Mohakhali and if you want to come from Golapbagh (Syedabad) you can come directly to Kishoreganj by Yataat or Ananya Super. Bus fare is Tk 270-350. It will take around 3 and a half hours from Mohakhali and around 4 hours from Golapbagh. From the bus stand, take a local (Tk 15) or reserve easy bike (Tk 120) to Ekrampur CNG stand.

From Ekrampur take a CNG or auto rickshaw to Chamta Bandar (locally known as Khadya Ghat). Trawlers and boats are available to take local and reserves from the port.

Similarly, from Ekrampur junction in Kishoreganj city, you can come to Balikhola or Morichkhali market and reserve a trawler or boat to see Delhi Akhara. Although it is possible to go to Delhi Akhara from these three places, Khadya Bandar, Balikhola, Morichkhali, it is most convenient to go to Delhi Akhara from Chamta Bandar.

It is good to remember that during the dry season there is less water in the Haor and the river thus disrupting the normal communication system of the Haor.

Mithamain upazila does not have very good accommodation. If you want to stay then you can stay in Dak Bungalow of Upazila Parishad. Apart from this, Shikdar Hotel and Sohel Guest House are available in Mithamin Bazar area. If you want to stay in a good place, there are several good quality residential hotels in Kishoreganj Sadar such as River View, Gangchil, Nirala, Uzanbhati, Castle Salam. Apart from that, subject to permission, you can stay in the government post office bungalow of the district headquarters.

You can taste the local food of the market at the hotel and try the different flavors of Haor's fish. Meals in Mithamin Hotels usually cook fresh fish from the sea.

Feature Image: Sauvik