Kali Paltan Mandir of Meerut
The temple of Augarnath at Meerut in the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is a little-known place of worship but of great historical importance. It is significant not only for its religious significance but also for its distinctive role in India’s freedom struggle.
No one knows exactly when this temple was built. It is said the ‘shiv linga’ present in this temple emerged on its own – a miracle that has been attracting the followers of Lord Shiva ever since its inception. According to local priests, the great Maratha rulers used to worship here and seek blessings before proceeding with their victory processions.
Favorite Place for the Army
During the British rule, the Indian army was called ‘Kali Paltan’ (black army). Since the temple is located close to the army barrack, it is also know by the name ‘Kali Paltan mandir’ (not to be confused with Goddess Kali). Its close proximity to the Indian army camps offered a safe haven for freedom fighters, who used to visit and stay here for their secret meetings with the officers of ‘Kali Paltan’.
The Revolt of 1857
There was also a well inside the temple complex that the soldiers use too frequently to quench their thirst. In 1856, the Government introduced new cartridges for their guns, and soldiers were supposed to remove its seal using their teeth. Since the seal was made of cow fat (cow is sacred in Hinduism), the priest disallowed them to use the well. In 1857, this triggered off a revolt against the British establishment by the Indian army that spread throughout Northern India and jolted the very roots of British rule in the country.
The New Avatar
Until 1944 this huge complex consisted only of a small temple and the nearby well. All this was surrounded by huge cluster of trees. In 1968, a new temple with modern architecture (with the old shivlinga very much there) replaced the old temple. In 1987, a huge hexagonal hall was built for the purpose of religious ceremonies and ‘bhajans’. In May 2001, a 4.5 kg gold plated ‘kalash’ (pitcher) was installed at the spire of the temple
The Pillar of Ashoka
Meerut is believed to have been an important centre of buddhism during the time of Ashoka. The fact that Meerut was inhabited in very ancient times is attested by one of the pillars of Ashoka, that now stands at the ridge at Delhi. The pillar inscription states that the pillar was removed from Meerut to Delhi by Firoz Shah in 1206 AD. It is believed that the pillar was built by the great buddhist emperor in 3rd century BC
This pillar of Ashoka ( C 263-232 B.C) brought by Firoz Shah Tughluq from the neighborhood of Meerut, was set up by him in his "Hunting Palace" called Kushak-i-Shikar in AD 1365.The contemporary historians describe the complicated transport of this pillar from its original site to DELHI by the river. It broke into 5 pieces in an explosion during Farruk Siyar's reign(A.D.1713-1719 ) . And its inscribed portions were later sawed off and sent to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta. In 1866 they were received back and all the broken pieces were joined together and the restored pillar was again put up here in 1867. The Pillar now measures 10M in Height.
Inscribed in Brahmi Script and written in the Prakrit Language, this inscription of Ashoka contains his messages and instructions for promoting the Dharma and the welfare and happiness of the people.