Description

 Location and Administration

Rathua is a picturesque village located in the Jammu tehsil of Jammu district in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Positioned approximately 15 km from Jammu city, Rathua holds administrative significance as a Gram Panchayat (as per 2009 statistics). It falls under the Marh Assembly Constituency and the Jammu Parliamentary Constituency.

• Village Code: 005855

• Pincode: 181206

• Geographical Area: 192.2 hectares

• Nearest Town: Jammu (15 km)

 Demographic Profile (Census 2011)

Demographic Factor Data Total Population 1,044 Male Population 547 Female Population 497 Households 203 Sex Ratio 908 females per 1,000 males Children (0–6 years) 126 Scheduled Castes (SC) 214 Scheduled Tribes (ST) 30 Literacy Rate 67.91% (Male: 73.86%, Female: 61.37%)

 Occupation and Work Profile

Out of the total population, 293 individuals are engaged in various work activities:

• Main Workers (employment for 6+ months/year): 246 (84%)

• Marginal Workers (employment for less than 6 months/year): 47 (16%)

Work Classification:

• Cultivators: 109

• Agricultural Labourers: 32

• Other Workers (non-farm activities): 99

(No specific mention of trades like pottery, weaving, or carpentry.)

 Connectivity and Nearby Areas

 Transport Facilities (As of 2011)

• Private Bus Service: Available within the village

• Public Bus Service: Available within 10+ km

• Railway Station: Available within 10+ km

Nearby Villages

Rathua is surrounded by several other villages, forming a vibrant rural cluster:

• Salal Pur

• Bhangor

• Rattan Pur Gordiyal

• Saharan

• Chak Lahori

• Chak Taru

• Tikri Dayalan

• Tikri Rakawalan

• Gho Manhasan

• Chak Laldin

• Chak Dai

Baba Bhoto Ji Temple and Kalu Kutta: Legacy of Devotion and Faith

 Historical Significance

The Baba Bhoto Ji Temple, located near Gho Manhasan, close to Rathua village, is a revered shrine dedicated to Baba Bhoto Ji—a saintly figure and Kuldevta (ancestral deity) for several Mahajan subcastes.

 Kuldevta of Mahajan Subcastes

Baba Bhoto Ji is worshipped as the Kuldevta by several Mahajan clans, including:

• Lehrhe

• Bherhe

• Barhbhagge

• Kankaal

• Malgotre

• Kharhkiye

• Khamiriye

These communities maintain deep spiritual and ancestral ties with the temple and its traditions.

Kalu – The Faithful Dog

One of the most unique and emotionally powerful aspects of the Baba Bhoto Ji Temple is the shrine dedicated to Kalu, the loyal dog of Baba Bhoto Ji. According to local lore, Kalu sacrificed his life to protect Baba Bhoto Ji from danger—a story passed down through generations and etched in the cultural memory of the region.

 Symbol of Loyalty and Devotion

Kalu is not merely remembered—he is honored as a sacred protector, and his presence in the temple complex symbolizes:

• Unwavering loyalty

• Sacrifice for righteousness

• The sacred bond between humans and animals

The “Kalu Kutta” shrine stands as a rare cultural monument, reflecting the community's reverence for loyalty, love, and selflessness.

 Baba Bhoto Mela – Annual Festival

Rathua and surrounding villages come alive in mid-November during the “Baba Bhoto Mela”, an annual fair that:

• Celebrates the legacy of Baba Bhoto Ji and Kalu

• Attracts devotees from across the Jammu region and beyond

• Encourages communal harmony and shared heritage

Festival Highlights:

• Religious processions

• Traditional rituals

• Community feasts and gatherings

• Cultural performances

 Heritage and Community Unity

The Baba Bhoto Ji Temple, along with the memorial of Kalu Kutta, serves as a powerful cultural and spiritual landmark for the people of Rathua and neighboring villages. It represents:

• Spiritual faith passed across generations

• Heritage preservation rooted in devotion

• Unity among clans and communities who continue to honor their Kuldevta

Conclusion

This rich blend of historical, spiritual, and folkloric heritage makes Rathua not just a village on the map—but a vibrant center of community identity, faith, and storytelling. The story of Baba Bhoto Ji and Kalu Kutta is a poignant reminder of the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and unity that define the region’s cultural ethos.

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