New Delhi. 80-year-old Shyam Sundar Chauhan, a resident of Bhalwa forest of Belaganj in Gaya district, has made a path by cutting the mountain to reach the historical Siddheshwar Nath temple with his tireless hard work. Like great people like Dashrath Manjhi and Ganori Paswan, Chauhan dedicated 25 years of his life to this arduous task. Earlier, Dasrath Manjhi had done a similar feat in Bihar. Shyam Sundar Chauhan has built a stepped path on the mountain at a height of three and a half kilometers. He has completed the construction work on one side and is now busy repairing and widening the stairs. To make this route more accessible, he reaches the mountain by walking four kilometers from Bhalwa village every Monday at 8 am and works till 4 pm.
We are also getting support from the society
Local devotees are also supporting Shyam Sundar Chauhan in this holy work. Devotees who use this route to reach Siddheshwar Nath temple are inspired by Chauhan’s work to provide help. His hard work and devotion not only inspired the people of the area but also made it easier to reach the temple.
Dashrath Manjhi of Bihar had done such a feat years ago.
Dashrath Manjhi from Bihar was a poor laborer who is also known as Mountain Man. With his hard work and determination he had created history. Using only a hammer and chisel, Dasharatha built the road by cutting a hill 360 feet long, 30 feet wide and 25 feet high. He did this work alone and it took him 22 years. The road built by him reduced the distance between Atari and Wazirganj block from 55 kilometers to 15 kilometers, making life easier for the people of the village. Dashrath Manjhi had done all this in the memory of his wife. The Bollywood film ‘Manjhi The Mountain Man’ was also made on it.
Facing difficulties but spirits are high
Shyam Sundar Chauhan has faced many challenges in his life during this work. He told that once when he was laying stones, he fell from the rock and became unconscious. After regaining consciousness, he controlled himself and came back down. Despite this his courage did not diminish. Shyam Sundar Chauhan says, “We are able to work so hard only by the grace of Bhole Baba. We are getting full support from the society. Seeing our hard work, people themselves come forward and help.” Be it winter, summer or rain, Chauhan continues his service every Monday. This route has now become very accessible for the devotees, but he is continuously working to improve it further.