A serpent-shaped rock discovered in Ganacherra’s Bhagirathpara revives the legendary Raima and Saima folklore linked to the origin of the Gomati River. Devotees connect the find to Lord Shiva ahead of Maha Shivaratri celebrations in Tripura.
A remarkable discovery of a serpent-shaped rock in Ganacherra’s Bhagirathpara village has reignited widespread interest in the legendary tale of Raima and Saima, a cherished folklore deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Tripura. The finding, made just days before the auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri, has drawn devotees and curious visitors from distant regions who believe the rock symbolizes a divine presence connected to Lord Shiva.
The legend of Raima and Saima is widely regarded as the origin story of the Gomati River—known in Kokborok as “Khumtwii.” According to traditional belief, the river was formed from the tears of Raima, whose tragic love story continues to shape the cultural memory of indigenous communities across the state.
Folklore Linked to Divine Incarnation
As per the popular myth, Raima and Saima were daughters of a priest who lived in the hilly regions of present-day Tripura. Their parents, deeply engaged in religious duties, left the sisters to manage their family’s Jhum cultivation land. One day, a powerful storm destroyed their modest hut, leaving the younger sister trembling in the cold.
Overwhelmed with distress, Raima vowed to marry anyone who could rebuild their shelter. In a twist of fate, it was not a human suitor but a python that fulfilled her wish. True to her word, Raima married the serpent. Tribal traditions differ in interpretation, but many believe the python was an incarnation of Lord Shiva, while Raima herself symbolized Devi Parvati.
The serpent, in many indigenous beliefs, is considered a guardian of forests and sacred lands. However, the story took a tragic turn when Raima’s father discovered the unusual marriage. Unable to accept it, he killed the python while Raima was away. Upon learning of her husband’s death, Raima wept inconsolably. Her tears are believed to have formed a stream that eventually became the river Khumtwii, known today as the Gomati.
The Serpent Rock Discovery
The recent discovery in Bhagirathpara has given this folklore renewed significance. According to eyewitness accounts, the rock’s shape strikingly resembles the front portion of a python. Locals claim that a villager received divine instructions in a dream, revealing the exact location of the rock. Acting on the vision, he recovered it from the forested area.
The following day, he reportedly received another divine message directing him to relocate the rock to the sacred Khumpui shrine. With assistance from fellow villagers, the serpent-shaped rock was shifted and consecrated in a makeshift temple built near the shrine.
Devotees have since begun worshipping the rock as the serpent guardian described in the Raima and Saima legend. The timing of the discovery, just before Maha Shivaratri, has further strengthened beliefs that the serpent represents a manifestation of Lord Shiva in the region.
Khumpui Shrine and Religious Significance
The Khumpui shrine holds deep mythological importance, as it is believed to be situated at the very spot where the priest killed the python in the legend. Each year during Maha Shivaratri, a grand state-sponsored fair is organized at the shrine, attracting thousands of devotees from across Tripura and neighboring states.
The festival, which has been celebrated for decades, gained additional prominence during the tenure of Rampada Jamatia, who played a significant role in expanding and popularizing the annual religious gathering.
This year, the discovery of the serpent-shaped rock has added an extraordinary dimension to the celebrations. Pilgrims visiting the fair are making special stops at Bhagirathpara to witness what they believe to be a divine symbol of protection and continuity of tradition.
Cultural and Educational Recognition
The story of Raima and Saima is not merely confined to oral tradition. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has included the folklore in its English textbooks, ensuring that younger generations learn about this culturally significant narrative.
Scholars note that such legends serve as cultural bridges between mythology, ecology, and community identity. The association of rivers with divine origins is a recurring theme in Indian traditions, but the Raima and Saima narrative stands out for its deeply personal and tragic undertones.
As devotees continue to gather at the shrine and the makeshift temple, the serpent-shaped rock has become more than a geological curiosity—it has transformed into a symbol of faith, folklore, and cultural revival.
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Whether viewed as divine intervention or a powerful symbol rooted in centuries-old storytelling, the discovery has undeniably rekindled public interest in one of Tripura’s most enduring legends. With Maha Shivaratri drawing near, the tale of Raima, Saima, and the serpent guardian once again flows through the hills—just as the Gomati River continues its timeless journey.
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