Punya Bhoomi Bharat (Introduction to The Map of The Sacred Land Bharat)

In most of the nations of the world state (Political unit) has the place of primacy. In the rise of these nations the most important role has been played by military power, territorial expansion, government or politics. These nations have their ideal of a nation state. In other words, there the nation is circumscribed by the territorial Jurisdiction of the state. Such nations depend on the state.

In this respect, Bharat is in a peculiar situation because the basic of this ancient nation has ever been culture and not politics. In our land many a state have come and gone; sometimes several states several states – from republic to monarchies – have existed together. No doubt, due to a neglect of the state, which is an important that this land has been the victim of the marauding attacks and loot of barbaric races of alien religions. Inspite of this, this nation did not disintegrate and remained steadfast in its unity. Its culture has made it immortal.

The elements of the national unity of Bharat are present in ample measure in its history, geography, Dharma, philosophy and culture. The sight and touch of the rivers on the banks of which our forefathers created literature that became the standard of human civilisation, the mountain caves which were honoured by the penance of the sages and the lakes that bear testimony to their accomplishment cleanses the mind and body of all sin and suffering. A journey to these places of pilgrimage which enables one to have a glimpse of the places situated in the far corners of the land, the consciousness of every particles of the country being sacred, the feeling of intimacy towards the fellow-countrymen generated by witnessing a common cultural behaviour everywhere, the coming together of the people of the entire country at big fairs like the Kumbha fair, the spiritual awakening brought about by the saints and teachers travelling to distant places in the country and the common values of life adopted all over the country –all these make our country deathless as a nation.

To make everyone in our nation realise this, it is necessary that every citizen of Bharat is familiarized with its rivers and mountains which are nature’s boon, with its places of pilgrimage and with the great memorials of its ancestors. It is with this objective that this book has been complied. Even though every particle of land in Bharat is sacred, this book has a limited space and effort has been made to provide as much information as possible, with this limitation. It is hoped that the conscious, patriotic and indulgent readers will find the information useful. A coloured map of the sacred land of Bharat is attached to the book which will not only enhance its usefulness but looking at them (maps) every day will also deepen our love for our nation.