Raktatirtha Eram is situated in the peaceful countryside of Basudebpur, Bhadrak, Odisha, and is a place assigned permanent status in the history of India’s fight for independence. Known popularly as the ‘Jallianwala Bagh of Odisha’, Raktatirtha addresses the enormity of sacrifice by normal men and women in the fight for independence. A place of reverence, it welcomes visitors who want to be touched by a time in history.
The word ‘Raktatirtha’ – a ‘pilgrimage of blood’ speaks volumes on the tragic yet heroic acts committed by its ordinary people. More than just a geographical point, Eram represents the much larger context of the collective resolution to resist colonial occupation, the motivation of the Odia people, and the sadness of their past. It is part of an important story, something of a landmark in our understanding of the root-level passions and sentiments leading to independence in the country.
The Tragic Day: A Blood-Soaked Chapter
Eram witnessed a mass killing that equates to the savagery of Jallianwala Bagh on September 28, 1942. Thousands of unarmed villagers, spurred by Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India movement, were assembled peacefully to protest against the British colonial regime’s rule and were unprovokedly threatened with silence by the colonial police, with many villagers being led by local freedom fighters. Twenty-nine martyrs, including a woman named Pari Bewa, were killed on the spot, with hundreds more massacred and injured.
This incident is less known in the national discourse, but resonates as a painful and heavy memory with the good people of Odisha. This sacrifice also highlights the courage the villagers displayed in resisting overwhelming force by the state. The blood shed on this day was what fructified Eram’s provincial representative status against any challenges to its place as an epitome of the ultimate sacrifice in the constitutional liberty of the nation.
Smruti Stambha: A Pillar of Remembrance
A Smruti Stambha (Memorial Pillar), has been erected at Raktatirtha Eram to commemorate the brave martyrs. The memorial pillar stands tall and strong as a marker to signify the sacrifice of the martyrs; it exists not only as a physical monument to a sacrifice but also as a living memorial to the spirit of those who had a vision of a free India. The Memorial pillar is a memorial pillar and is an edifice of stone, but it can be much more than this.
The names of the martyrs who have died as part of the Raktatirtha massacre have been inscribed on the memorial pillar; this demonstrates that the fallen courageous men and women are very much alive within the psyche of the museum visitor. The memorial pillar is a remembrance site for people to also think of the personal stories of those men and women and their vision of a free India.
The memorial pillar area is well maintained, guaranteeing a contemplative space for visitors to reflect and remember the suffering and sacrifice that caused the tragedy of the Eram massacre to happen. The pillar guarantees that the memory of the Eram massacre, and the resilient spirit of the victims, will exist past all of us, as monuments to remind future generations to cherish the freedom that was hard-won for them.
Location and Accessibility: Basudebpur, Bhadrak
Raktatirtha Eram is located in the Basudebpur block of the Bhadrak district in Odisha. Although somewhat rural, these areas are accessible, and Raktatirtha Eram is visited by many pilgrims who take an interest in the struggle for independence in India. The nearest major settlement to Eram is Bhadrak, a city which has a number of elements of culture and history in the region.
One can reach Eram via the road from Bhadrak and is well connected by road and rail to Odisha or other parts of India. Travelling to Raktatirtha Eram allows one to journey through the land where the echoes of independence reverberate still.
The community members from Basudebpur take pride in maintaining the sanctity of Raktatirtha Eram to ensure historic integrity for those who visit to remember and learn about the independence struggle in India.
Legacy and Continued Remembrance
Since 1942, the tragic principality opened its ghastly wings and discarded its legacy for history as well as a handful of shadows of inspiration. As such, the occasion memorializes the cost of freedom and makes a plea for ongoing vigilance to ensure Greece’s democratic values.
Every 28th September, on this day, Raktatirtha, now Eram, experiences a great gathering above Smruti Stambha with leader politicians, far-from-martyr, and fellow people all paying homage to the martyrs. This meeting of years past recreates unfading collective memory of the sacrifices that occurred in Eram.
The site stands as a metaphor of courage and makes every visitor think about ways they can contribute to the values for which so many lives were given over. Raktatirtha Eram is no ordinary historical place; it is a living monument representing resisting spirit and a fountain from which national pride is ceaselessly derived.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Opening Time
Bhadrak Eram Raktatirtha timings are every day from 6.00 am in the Morning to 7:00 pm in the Evening.
Best Time to Visit
The Best time to visit Eram Sahid Smruti Stambhaat all times of the year.
Closest Bus Stand and Distance
The Closest Bus stand is Bhadrak, which is located around 9.5 Km distance from Eram Sahid Smruti Stambha.
Closest Railway Station & Distance
The Closest Railway station is Bhadrak, which is located only 40 Km distance from Eram Sahid Smruti Stambha.
Closest Airport and Distance
The Closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is located around 175 Km distance from Eram Sahid Smruti Stambha
