Retired Bihar Official Spends Rs 65 Lakh to Build Temple for Late Wife
In a profound display of love and devotion that transcends conventional expressions, a man from Bihar has immortalized his late wife by constructing a temple in her honor. Balkishun Ram, a retired panchayat secretary from Bhuvan Chhapra village in East Champaran district, built a 65-foot-tall temple dedicated to his wife, Sharda Devi, at a cost of Rs 65 lakh, using his entire retirement benefits.
A Lifelong Bond Forged Through Sacrifice
Balkishun's story is one of deep gratitude and unwavering commitment. He lost his father in childhood, which forced him to drop out of school. However, Sharda Devi sold her jewelry and urged him to resume his studies, working as a laborer to support the household. "She managed everything and pushed me forward. I became a panchayat secretary solely because of her sacrifices," Balkishun recounted, his voice trembling with emotion.
He emphasized that if a woman can consider her husband as 'Parmeshwar' (God), why can't a man worship his wife as a 'devi' (goddess)? "She wore simple 'markeen' fabric saris, never complained, and did more for me than a mother ever could. No one can repay such a debt," he said, highlighting her modest lifestyle and immense contribution to his life.
From Grief to Eternal Tribute
Sharda Devi passed away from a heart attack in 2022, just six months before Balkishun's retirement. She had been battling heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure since 2007. "I never saw God, but my wife was God in front of me," Balkishun told visitors, explaining his motivation. Devastated by her loss, he decided to use his Rs 65 lakh retirement savings to create a lasting memorial.
After nearly three years of effort, the temple was completed and inaugurated by then tourism minister Raju Kumar Singh in April last year. Locally dubbed the "poor Balkishun's Taj Mahal," it has become a site of devotion and discussion in the region.
Daily Rituals and Family Unity
The temple houses a life-size statue of Sharda Devi, where Balkishun performs daily rituals with flowers and vermilion. A lamp is lit every morning and evening, and offerings include a cup of tea—her favorite—along with lunch and dinner. This daily worship symbolizes his enduring love and reverence.
Despite the loss, the joint family of four sons and a daughter remains united under the shadow of this profound love. Balkishun's act serves as a powerful example of how personal affection can transform into lifelong worship, inspiring many in the community.
This heartwarming tale from Bihar underscores themes of sacrifice, devotion, and the timeless bond between spouses, resonating deeply in a world often focused on material expressions of love.
