Demand for Alha-Udal Museum in Mahoba; Veer Udal's Birth Anniversary Celebrated on Janmashtami

Veer Udal's Birth Anniversary Celebrated

On the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami in the heroic land of Bundelkhand, Mahoba, the birth anniversary of the great warrior Veer Udal was celebrated with devotion and pride. During this event, local citizens and representatives of the Bundel community strongly demanded that the administration establish a museum dedicated to the valor of Veer Udal and his brother Alha.

Despite the morning rain, Bundelas offered floral tributes at the monument of Veer Udal in Udal Chowk and remembered his tales of indomitable courage and prowess. Local residents informed that Veer Udal, who propelled the Chandel dynasty to its peak in the 11th-12th century with his bravery, was born on this day in the village of Disrapur, approximately 10 kilometers from Mahoba.

Stories of Unique Valor

Tarapatkar Bundelkhandi, coordinator of the Bundel society, stated that although Veer Udal was born on Janmashtami, his father, Dakshraj, commander of Chandel King Parmal, and uncle Bakshraj were killed by Kariya, the king of Mandavgarh, while Udal was still in his mother Devala's womb. Due to this tragic event, mother Devala did not celebrate Udal's birth, considering it an inauspicious omen for the family. Later, King Parmal raised Alha and Udal.

Tarapatkar Bundelkhandi further explained that the brave brothers first defeated the powerful King Jambe of Mandavgarh and his son Kariya to avenge their father's murder. Following this, they also defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, the emperor of Delhi, in battle. They expanded the Chandel empire by winning a total of 52 battles, spreading tales of their bravery far and wide.

Lack of Preservation and Demand for Conservation

Participants in the event expressed concern that invaluable relics associated with Alha-Udal are gradually disappearing due to a lack of preservation. Against this backdrop, a demand has been made to the administration for the establishment of a museum that can provide a pictorial account of the entire journey of Alha-Udal, from their birth to their death. This will help in educating future generations about their valor and historical significance.

Historical Victories and Immortal Compositions

Dr. Ajay Barsaiya, general secretary of the Bundel society, informed that Veer Udal was married to Princess Phulwa of Narwarghad. His victory over Prithviraj Chauhan's army on the banks of Keerat Sagar in the year 1182 brought the tales of Alha-Udal's valor to the common people. Even today, during the Kajli Mahotsav celebrated in Mahoba, their victory procession takes to the city streets, symbolizing their bravery. The 'Alha Khand' composed by the great poet Jagnik made them immortal in literature.

Ultimately, Veer Udal attained martyrdom while fighting against Prithviraj Chauhan in Bairagarh. On this occasion, many dignitaries, including Avadhesh, Pawan Gupta, Gaya Prasad, Prem Chaurasia, Manpreet Singh Arora, Pramod Shukla, Achche Lal, Mahendra, Deepu, Munna, and Ravi Soni, were present and paid their tributes to Veer Udal.