Dhubri, February 24: An atmosphere of reverence and astonishment has enveloped Dhubri after a mysterious footprint resurfaced on a massive riverside stone at the historic Netai Dhubuni Ghat along the banks of the Brahmaputra.
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| The alleged ‘Siddha’ footprint believed to be of Netai Dhubuni seen on a riverside stone at Pathar-ghat, Dhubri, after nearly three decades. (Screenshot from viral video) |
The mark, clearly visible to visitors, is widely believed by locals to be the sacred “Siddha” footprint of Netai Dhubuni - a revered divine figure deeply rooted in the district’s folklore. The reappearance is particularly significant as elderly residents recall a similar footprint being seen at the same location nearly three decades ago.
Since Sunday, streams of devotees have gathered at Pathar-ghat (Stone Ghat), offering prayers and lighting incense sticks. For many, the emergence is seen as an auspicious spiritual sign and a reaffirmation of faith.
The Rajak (Dhobi) community, who revere Netai Dhubuni as their Kul-Devi (clan deity), expressed deep emotion over the development. According to local belief, Netai Dhubuni was a celestial washerwoman endowed with immense spiritual powers. References to her appear in texts such as the Manasa Mangal and the Padma Purana, where she is associated with the legendary tale of Beula and Lakhinder. Folklore holds that Beula, in her quest to revive her serpent-bitten husband Lakhinder, reached this very ghat and, with Netai Dhubuni’s divine assistance, obtained the sacred mantra that restored him to life.
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For generations, members of the Rajak community have regarded the ghat as sacred ground, believing it to be the place where their goddess once walked. Many also assert that the name “Dhubri” itself is derived from “Dhubuni,” underscoring the town’s cultural and mythological ties to the legend.
While historians may debate whether the footprint is a divine manifestation or a natural formation, for devotees it represents a living symbol of identity, faith, and heritage. As word spreads, the riverbank has transformed into a site of renewed spiritual gathering, where legend and devotion continue to converge on the timeless banks of the Brahmaputra.
