Visiting Raver Khedi

A Visit To RaverKhedi

I was a part of a group of family and friends who had planned to visit Raver Khedi, the resting place or Samadhi of Bajirao1 Peshwa.
The distance from Indore to Raver is approximately 143kms.

We left Indore at noon and it took us almost 4 hours to reach Raver. Of course we stopped on the way at this quaint dhaba, simply named Gopal Midway at a village. called Badaweh, for a delicious lunch of Makki di roti, Sarson da saag, chaas and fresh warm jalebi. Badewah lies on the banks of the Narmada.

Moving on from there we reached "Sonavat", another town. A right turn sign brought us to the turning for the Baji Rao1 Samadhi.

                                            

The turn off form the highway we travel across a muddy road. It had rained the previous night and the road had turned to a long stretch of sludge and in places water was merrily flowing over the road. Lush fields greeted us on either side. There were places where the road was completely washed out. We had to get down from our vehicle and walk. 

Eventually though, we reached the village of Raver. walking through slippery pathways was difficult as we had elderly people with us. What kept everyone going ahead was the moment when we would pay our tribute to the samadhi sthan or eternal resting place of Bajirao1.

Finally we reached the gate of the Samadhi.

The feeling that I am to actually glimpse, the final resting place of Bajirao the 1st. made me stand still. A complete sense of satisfaction flooded my being. At last I would be able to pay homage to my Hero and Idol.

The Wada and his Samadhi, although neglected, were clean. I felt that even thru his Samadhi, Bajirao seemed to call out to us in his commanding way.

The Narmada flowed below silently. The cremation sight, which was built, the night Bajirao gave up this world still stands, with the Narmada flowing around it. 

The date was 28th April 1740. On the shores of the Narmada were tents and sarai's. Bajirao's army was preparing for another battle. 

I stood gazing out towards the shore and a clear picture formed in front of me. A hot sultry day in April. Hot winds blowing.fine sand across the area. Warriors preparing for battle in the heat. Bajirao holding the army together, encouraging them, till he falls ill. The fever consuming him and eventually he losing his only battle in life.

The tremendous loss to his Generals and warriors must have been immense. Within that horrible night a stone pyre is built in the Narmada and by the first rays of sunlight, the sun of the Maratha Empire is not with his army.

This then was the sight, I stood on, as though in a trance. The whole scene flashing before my eyes as though it happened just yesterday.