Demand to Rename Jabalpur ‘Oshoppuram’ Gains Momentum Among Osho Followers

A demand to rename Jabalpur as ‘Oshoppuram’ is gaining momentum, with Osho followers from India and abroad, people associated with the spiritual world and some prominent citizens of the city calling for the change. Supporters believe that Acharya Rajneesh, known as Osho, his philosophy and his deep connection with Jabalpur could give the city a distinct identity on the international spiritual tourism map.

The campaign is being described as an effort to establish Jabalpur, also known as Sanskardhani, as an international destination linked to Osho’s life and teachings. Those supporting the demand say the city has the potential to gain a new global identity by highlighting the places connected with Osho and developing them as important historical and spiritual sites.

Osho spent an important part of his life in Jabalpur. His memories are still associated with several locations in the city. Devtal, Bhanwartal and Mahakoshal College are among the places described as important stops connected with his life.

Osho’s followers believe these locations can be developed and presented as part of a wider spiritual tourism circuit. According to them, this could help Jabalpur find a place among the world’s major spiritual tourism centres. The proposal is linked not only to Osho’s personal history but also to the interest generated by his books, ideas and meditation practices.

Swami Shreela Prem Paras of Osho Home Ashram is taking a prominent role in raising the demand. He has said that it would be difficult to find a global brand like Osho in the next 100 years. Osho’s followers are spread across India as well as many countries around the world, according to the campaign.

Swami Shreela Prem Paras has also said that Osho’s books and ideas have a worldwide influence. He referred to Osho having written approximately 650 books in Hindi and English and having made 1000 paintings. He said people from India and abroad visit Jabalpur to see places connected with Osho’s memories.

The campaign has also received support from Swami Agah Bharti, who was close to Osho. The report mentions that Swami Agah Bharti had been Osho’s disciple from four years before Osho began giving sannyas. The report also mentions support for naming Jabalpur ‘Oshoppuram’ from well-known Bollywood director Subhash Ghai and some film artists.

Supporters want Jabalpur to be developed on the lines of Kashi, Vrindavan and Ayodhya. They believe that giving the city the name ‘Oshoppuram’ could help create a distinct spiritual identity for it and increase the attraction among Osho followers from India and abroad.

According to those backing the idea, greater interest in Osho-related sites could encourage tourism. They also believe it could create new opportunities for employment and economic activity at the local level.

The demand, however, is being presented as more than a proposal to change the city’s name. Supporters describe it as a broader vision to establish Jabalpur’s historical and spiritual heritage at the international level. They believe the city’s connection with Osho can become the basis for a wider identity linked to spiritual tourism.

The next step will depend on the level of support the idea receives from the city’s citizens, public representatives and the government. The question is whether Jabalpur will eventually be known as ‘Oshoppuram’ and gain a separate place on the world’s spiritual map.