The Radha-Krishna temple within the Kamal Vilas Palace in Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh, has reopened to the public, marking the end of a 50-year closure. This temple was a source of solace and guidance for the kings of the region. The historic Darbar Hall is also now open. Dr. Lovely Sharma, the Vice-Chancellor of the Indira Kala Sangeet University, spearheaded the reopening of these historic sites. The palace was donated by the King of Khairagarh to establish the Indira Kala Sangeet University. Established in 1956, it is the first and only music and fine arts university in Asia. The temple features the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, which played a crucial role in the lives of the Khairagarh rulers. The King would pray at this temple when facing difficult decisions, and the idols would provide answers. The temple was closed to the public nearly 50 years ago following a theft. The Darbar Hall, which hosted royal gatherings, was also closed for 15 years. Recognizing the importance of these structures, Dr. Sharma initiated their reopening for public access, emphasizing their significance as a shared heritage. Dr. Sharma described her unique experience of visiting and praying at the temple and mentioned that the royal family had told her that the idols could ‘talk’. The Kamal Vilas Palace, now the Indira Kala Sangeet University, is a historical landmark. The reopening of the temple allows devotees, students, and tourists to experience the royal heritage. Local expert Bhagwat Sharan Singh emphasized the rich history of Khairagarh. The university’s decision to reopen the temple is commendable.
