Gangrel
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Gangrel
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Where a painter's muse is born and hope is nurtured! The sun casts a golden glow over the pristine water and a painter's muse is born. Truly, the Gangrel Dam located in Dhamtari is an artist's dream come true! Inaugurated by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, the Dam helps irrigate the regions of Dhamtari, Raipur, Durg and Bhilai Steel Plant. It has been the arrowhead of progress for the Dhamtari region gaining maximum importance for being the biggest and longest dam in Chhattisgarh. Salient Features of Gangrel:
Source: Mahanadi, originates in Sihawa Power Generation:10KW of hydro-electric power capacity – 4 units of 2.5 KW established Height of the Dam:47m Year of construction:1978
While on your way to Gangrel, following are the tourist attractions worth a visit: Devi Maa Vindhyavasini's Temple: Dhamtari is blessed with the presence of Devi Maa Vindhyavasini where she lives on through the faith and belief of her devotees. The Goddess is also revered as 'Devi Bilai' in Chhattisgarh.
A mesmerizing tale, about the temple weaves more mystery and magic, alluring historians and tourists, all alike, to this place. It so happened that one fine day, King Mandlik traversed the deep forest with his soldiers, leading himself to the spot where the temple stands today. The horses came to a standstill here, as if some unknown force had frozen their feet. Puzzled, the king left the spot, determined to return the next day. When king Mandlik and his soldiers returned the next day, the same incident occurred. The king ordered his soldiers to dismount themselves from the horse backs and investigate the surroundings.
Horrified, the soldiers returned to the king only to tell him that there was a huge flock of ferocious wild cats guarding a large rock. The King then thought for a while and ordered his soldiers to obtain the precious looking rock, but only by approaching the wild cats with kindness, and humility. It was hence discovered that the rock was buried deeper into the earth and digging was initiated. Even after much effort, the rock refused to reveal itself and a fresh water spring spurted from the same spot, stalling the digging operations for another day.
It is said, that the Goddess herself appeared in the king's dream at night, and advised him to not dig the rock but to worship it instead. She said that doing this would prove to be very rewarding for the people of Dhamtari. The dawn brought a new realization to him, as king Mandlik's heart was filled with euphoria and devotion. He arranged for a royal 'puja' and installed the idol of the revered Goddess there. Initially, a beautiful dome was created and later an entire temple was built, complete with a grand entrance. They say, miracles happen, and one such miracle did happen here. The folks believe that the rock revealed itself slowly on its own and the statue of the Goddess arose from the ground gradually. It would not be illogical to say that earlier the face of the Goddess was visible from the door, but as the statue arose from the ground, it slanted to one side. Thus, today the face of the idol is not directly visible from the door of the temple. Since black cats are often spotted with the idol, the Goddess is also known as 'Bilai Mata'. The Gangrel Dam is situated 10km away from Dhamtari.
Boating & Garden Strolling: Gangrel is a heaven of many picturesque places. You can enjoy strolling in breathtakingly beautiful gardens and take invigorating boat rides. Amidst this paradise, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has built charming luxury cottages and the accommodation offers complete care and comfort. The Gangrel Dam is easily visible from here and you can refresh your soul with the sight of the pristine waters and blooming flowers. Maa Angaar Moti Temple: The idol of Goddess Maa Angaar Moti is situated on the banks of the Gangrel Reservoir. It is approximately 13kms away from the Dhamtari District Headquarters. It is believed that miracles happen and prayers get answered as Maa Angaar Moti showers Her blessings on devotees generously. It is interesting to know that devotees come from afar to light lamps in reverence of the Goddess, and the light warms their hopes. On various occasions, fairs are also arranged here and people flock in huge volumes to pay their respects to the deity. Angaar Eco Adventure Camp: Let adventure race through your veins as you reach the Adventure Camp located close to the Maa Angaar Moti Temple. Explore fun rides like Burma Bridge, Bronze Fire Catwalk, Monkey Crawling, Commando Net, Tyre Swing, and River Crossing. Overcome your fears as you get ready for the most thrilling ride of your life at Gangrel.
How to reach
By Air
Raipur is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.
By Rail
Raipur is the nearest railway station on the Bombay- Howrah main line.
By Road
There are regular buses from Raipur to Gangrel. Local taxis and jeeps are also available.
