17, PN Bose Compound

India / Jharkhand / Ranchi /
 Upload a photo
This historic house draws its inspiration from a very emotional vision that Manjulata, the owner of this house, and her husband, the highly educated and much respected Bhubneshwar Prasad had – to build a large and robust structure which would welcome and accommodate all who, from back home, came to seek a better future in the upcoming industrial hub of Ranchi, the summer capital of Bihar. While Manjulata kept the kitchen fire on, Bhubneshwar saw to it that all resources including counselling, and an active placement assistance were in place.

Manjulata – a deeply religious lady, for whom the Ramayan was central to the universe and for whom ‘Kalyan’ was the only magazine for one to subscribe to – called it ‘Seeta-kunj’, named so after Seeta – the wife of lord Ram – who was born in 'Mithilanchal' and represents the soul and spirit of the region.

Ashtayam – a 24-hour non-stop chanting of Jay Sitaram – used to be the hallmark of this household. Every three months or so, an ashtayam used to be organised in this house, which was attended by all relatives and neighbours. It was the duty of all tenants to attend this event with equal fervour, especially the youngsters who shouldered the responsibility of keeping the tempo going when the elder participants were tired – and sleepy. The atmosphere used to resonate with the collective chanting of sitaram and it appeared as if the gods themselves had descended upon this piece of land to bless all who had gathered to chant their glory.
A variety of delicacies – with aroma of the heavens – was whipped up at regular intervals, offered to the deities, and then passed around; a perfect alchemy of sight, sound and smell. It also used to serve the purpose of bringing all together to discuss personal and professional nitty-gritty, and seek and offer ‘expert’ counsel. Panchaang used to be referred to for finding out the most auspicious days for various activities – including the day when travels could be undertaken; customs, traditions, and rituals were fiercely debated and reconfirmed and at the end of it, the plan for a tentative date for the next ashtayam was put forth, and upon the agreement of the present members, marked for celebration of the divine.

Built in a typical village style, it has quite some space, both in the front and at the back. Every room is connected to the other -- giving it the openness and accessibility that the couple wanted to create. Laced with abundantly generous guava, jackfruit and mango trees, it’s thrilling to be there to witness the intermittent drop of ripe mangoes during summers. And in winters? Oh! That bonfire in the courtyard in the centre of the house (with some potatoes thrown in to roast)!!
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   23°22'15"N   85°20'16"E

Comments

  • Ashtayam – a 24-hour non-stop chanting of Jay Sitaram – used to be the hallmark of this household. Every three months or so, an ashtayam used to be organised in this house, which was attended by all relatives and neighbours. It was the duty of all tenants to attend this event with equal fervour, especially the youngsters who shouldered the responsibility of keeping the tempo going when the elder participants were tired – and sleepy. The atmosphere used to resonate with the collective chanting of sitaram and it appeared as if the gods themselves had descended upon this piece of land to bless all who had gathered to chant their glory. A variety of delicacies – with aroma of the heavens – was whipped up at regular intervals, offered to the deities, and then passed around; a perfect alchemy of sight, sound and smell. It also used to serve the purpose of bringing all together to discuss personal and professional nitty-gritty, and seek and offer ‘expert’ counsel. Panchaang used to be referred to for finding out the most auspicious days for various activities – including the day when travels could be undertaken; customs, traditions, and rituals were fiercely debated and reconfirmed and at the end of it, the plan for a tentative date for the next ashtayam was put forth, and upon the agreement of the present members, marked for communication with the Almighty.
This article was last modified 15 years ago