Rampayli Ram Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the village of Rampayli in Waraseoni tehsil, Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. The temple is situated on the banks of the Chandan River, about 25–30 km from Balaghat town.
The main deity of Rampayli Temple is Lord Rama, worshipped along with Goddess Sita. Lord Hanuman is also worshipped here with great devotion. Lord Rama is believed to be present here in his vanavasi (forest-dwelling) form, symbolising righteousness, patience, and dharma. Devotees pray here for peace, family harmony, courage, and spiritual strength.
Rampayli Ram Temple is believed to be around 600 years old. According to historical references, the temple structure was built or renovated during the Maratha period, possibly under the Bhosale rulers. Over centuries, the temple has remained a continuous centre of worship and devotion, attracting devotees from Balaghat and surrounding districts.
The temple architecture is simple yet spiritually significant. One unique feature of this temple is its scientific alignment — it is believed that the first rays of the rising sun fall directly on the feet of Lord Rama, highlighting the shrine’s sacred design. The temple complex includes the main sanctum and nearby shrines, all harmoniously placed along the riverbank.
According to ancient local belief and oral tradition, Rampayli is closely connected to the Ramayana period. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana, stayed at this sacred place during their 14-year Vanavas (exile). At that time, the region was lush with forests and teeming with flowing rivers, making it an ideal place for meditation and relaxation.
The original name of Rampayli is believed to be “Ram Padavali”, which means the place sanctified by the footsteps of Lord Rama. Local devotees strongly believe that Lord Rama placed his divine feet on this land, making it sacred forever. Over time, Ram Padavali gradually became known as Rampayli.
It is also believed that during their stay here, Lord Rama performed prayers on the banks of the Chandan River. Some traditions say that Rama worshipped Lord Shiva by creating a Shivalinga from sand, similar to other Ramayana-related sites across India. This strengthens the belief that Rampayli was a spiritually important halt during Rama’s journey through central India.
Another unique belief associated with Rampayli is the harmony of faiths. For centuries, people of different communities have respected this sacred place. There is a strong belief that no evil intention survives here, and the land protects truth, dharma, and devotion. Many devotees narrate experiences of answered prayers, protection from danger, and peace of mind after visiting this temple.
Ram Navami is the main festival celebrated here with special pujas and aarti. Hanuman Jayanti, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti are also observed with devotion. Regular worship on Ekadashi, Purnima, and Amavasya days draws steady devotees throughout the year.
