A lot many people know the famous Shri Ram Mandir at Ramtek. However, to the north of the temple lies a neglected ruin that is popularly known as ‘Kapur Bawdi’ or ‘Kapur Bauli’ or ‘Karpur Wapi’. This particular monument has been declared to be of ‘national importance’ by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is situated in dense forest at the foothills of Sindhuragiri. The place still attracts visitors, although most of them are locals. There is a tank, which was previously surrounded on all four sides by ‘Sabha Mandaps’ built in stone. Some say, ‘Kapur Bawdi’ was made by Yadava-era rulers.

 

Some call the construction of the structures to be of ‘Hemadpanthi’ style. The locals relate it to the stone scripture in Laxman Swami Mandir, which states that one could not describe in words the ‘Karpur Wapi’. In Mahanubhav sect literature, there is mention of the words ‘Sendurwani Uttare Kapurwapi’. To the east are three Hemadpanthi temples, which find a mention in the legendary surveyor Alexander Cunningham’s report. The temples are presently in ruins, with stones used in construction looking as if arranged in the shape of temple domes. On the other two sides of the tank, there are verandahs with stone pillars. On one side, it looks like the verandah structure got severely damaged over the years. Each pillar is 2.30 metres high. On each side, there were nine pillars.

 

 

However, today, only 24 pillars can be seen. Some pillars have only half portion left. There is local folklore that the water in the tank here had aroma like camphor and hence it was named ‘Kapur Bawdi’. Initially, the tank is believed to have been constructed as a source of drinking water. Later on, farmers started using water from the tank for irrigating their nearby farms. In more recent past, many in the nearby areas enjoyed a swim in the tank. To the west of the ‘Kapur Bawdi’, there is a temple of ‘Satsara Devi’.

 

Some say that the temple is of Shakti Samuday. ASI has put up a board at the site. The board informs the visitors that the monument is declared to be a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. “Whoever destroys, removes, injures, alters, defaces, imperils or misuses this monument shall be punishable with imprisonment, which may be extended to two years or with fine which may extend to Rs One lakh or both,” it reads. Further it prohibits mining operation and construction in an area up to 100 meter from protected limits, and further beyond it upto 200 meters near or adjoining protected monument. Over the years, the monument has turned into a neglected ruin. Visitors find the place to be serene but they lament its current condition. Stones, earth, and waste have reduced the depth of the waterbody over the years. Some years ago, ASI had cleaned the tank. However, after rains, the situation again warrants attention.