About Rupnath Temple and Ashokan Inscription
Rupnath Temple and Ashokan Inscription is a heritage and pilgrimage site in Rupnath village, Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. It is notable for a Minor Rock Edict of Emperor Ashoka from the 3rd century BCE engraved on a rock, and an ancient Shiva temple beside three sacred kunds and a seasonal waterfall. Set in the forested Kaimur hills, it combines archaeological, religious and natural interest.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a forested hill setting with a small Shiva temple complex, three water kunds (Ram Kund, Sita Kund and Lakshman Kund) fed by a seasonal waterfall, and a large rock bearing the Ashokan Brahmi inscription near the temple. The site involves a short walk over rocky and stepped terrain to reach the temple and inscription. The surroundings are natural and relatively undeveloped with forest views and quiet surroundings.
Key highlights
- 01
Minor Rock Edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed in Brahmi script dating to 3rd century BCE
- 02
Ancient Shiva temple (Rupnath Mahadev Temple) beside sacred kunds
- 03
Three natural water kunds - Ram Kund, Sita Kund and Lakshman Kund
- 04
Seasonal waterfall and forested Kaimur hill landscape
- 05
Archaeological importance as one of the earliest Ashokan inscriptions found in Madhya Pradesh