A Scenic Spot - Budhokhol (Buguda, Ganjam District, Orissa)

Budhokhol, variously spelt as Buddhokhol, Buddhakhola or Brudhkhol is situated at a distance of 70 km from Berhampur. Just 3 km north of Buguda, in Ganjam District, Orissa. The place comprises of lush green forests, caves, few Budha statues with five Shiva Temples situated at a height on the backdrop of a waterfall. Deep in to the forest you will find caves (Sidha Gumpha). A favourite picnic spot for students of Orissa.

The place is famous for a cluster of five Shiva temples with exquisite sculptures, situated on the top of a hill, dedicated to Lord Siva, popularly known as Pancha Mahadeva. This scenic spot situated amidst natural surroundings is frequently visited by tourists and picnickers. The 30 ft high Kuvareswar Temple is worth visiting. The sight of snakes coming to take the milk offered to Shiva will be an awesome experience.

At the upper most part of the hill a perennial stream forms a waterfal. A number of Buddhist remains have been found at the place which give the impression that it was a Buddhist settlement in ancient days. Not far from the place there are numerous caves one of which is called Siddha Gumpha where Buddhist monks were said to have performed meditation in old days. On Sivaratri, Mondays of Kartika and Kartika Purnima days a large number of people gather here to offer Puja at the temple.

Numerous Buddhist remnants found here provides an impression that it was an ancient Buddhist settlement. There are several caves near this place of which Siddha Gumpha is the prominent cave where Buddhist monks used to perform meditation in old days.

Budhokhol can be reached by good motor-able road from Berhampur. Berhampur Railway Station (on the Bhubaneswar-Vizianagaram line) is the nearest railhead (70 km).

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Other nearest places to visit: Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda, and Shinghashini

Biranchi Narayan Temple:
Biranchi Narayan Temple, popularly known as ‘Wooden Konark’ is an ancient shrine situated at Buguda. It was built by King Srikar Bhanja in 1790.

The presiding deity here is Biranchi Narayan. The image of Lord Biranchi Narayan was recovered from the ruins of Malatigarh. Biranchi Narayan Temple is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses. The temple is noted for its exquisite wood carvings and beautiful wall paintings. Maghasaptami, Samba Dashami, Rath Yatra, Danda Yatra (April), Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the major festivals celebrated here. There is a Jagannath Temple situated at the other end of the main road.

Shinghashini:
20 km from Buguda, a domestic picnic spot aromatized with wild flowers and verdant forest. Presence of Goddess “Shinghashini” make visitors of all ages to itinerary again and again.

About Buguda:
Buguda is a small town situated about 70 km from Berhampur, in Ganjam District of Orissa. The place is of great historical as well as archeological importance - major point of attraction are the post Gupta paintings and the ever absorbing copper and wooden carvings of Biranchi Narayana Temple, built in 1790. This is considered a land mark in the history of mural paintings and carvings.

Chandan Yatra and Construction of Lords’ chariots begins

The famous Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath began on Thursday on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya.

As per the tradition, the representative idols of Jagannath, Madan Mohan, Laksmi and Saraswati, accompanied by Panch Shivas, were taken in a procession on separate palanquins on the shoulders of temple servitors called Vimanbadus to the Narendra Tank where the deities were given a sandalwood paste bath and taken on a boat ride to beat the summer heat.

Members of various Jaga Ghars (schools of physical exercise) participated in the procession displaying their martial art skills along the Grand Road, popularly known as Bada Danda.

The deities would return to the temple late in the night. The routine would go on for 21 days everyday before culminating after the traditional Bhaunri khela. Construction of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra for the annual Rath Yatra began here on the Akshay Trutiya day on Thursday by the traditional temple carpenters.

The construction work began after the temple priests handed over the Agyanmala to the chiefs of the carpenter community. They were given pagri from the temple administration to begin the work. The three chief carpenters, after fashioning sarees on their heads, put their axes on the timber logs kept on the Rath construction yard.

The Rath Yatra is scheduled on July 4 while the Bahuda Yatra and the famous Sunavesha of the three deities would be held on July 12 and 13 respectively.

Devotion Knows no Pain

Balasore. Penance and discipline have steeled their body against the scorching heat as they move out in processions by piercing their bodies with nails and dancing barefoot under the hot sun. They claim for their devotion towards the God, they don’t experience any pain.

Come Biasakh (the first Oriya month in between April and May), the premises of Chandaneswartemple turns alive as lakhs of devotees throng the Shiva temple to observe a unique celebration called “Chadak Mela”. Here hunbreds of devotees pierce their bodies with nails and walk along the temple premises seeking blessing from the almighty.

The festival is observed in two phases- “Nila Parva” and “Pata Parva”. “Nila Parva” was concluded with the secret marriageof Lord Shiva yesterday while in “Pata Parva”, the patuas (devotees) got the nails piercied in their skins and movedout in procession today. Over two lakh devotees witnessed it.

The celebration stars a month before Baisakh Sankranti. “The yatra, an annual phenomenon, is said to have originated here some200 years ago. The participants, called patus are usually those who have taken a vow to participate in the yatra for the fulfilment of their wishes. However, these is no caste bar,” said Bibhudutta Mishra, a priest.

The patuas wear saffron coloured clothes and stay away from their families whilre worshipping Lord Shiva for a month. They take vegetarian food only once a day. Despite the strict conditions, the number of participant has been increasing over theyears. This year over 60,000 devotees had registered their names to offer puja.

The festival is a unique festival in Orissa as unlike other Shiva pithas, fishes are sacrificed here here in Chandaneswar Shiva temple. “Animals are often sacrified at the altar of shakti pithas. But here in the shiva pitha two big gadgon fishes are sacrificed to appease demon princess Kamina whom Shiva marries secretly once in a year,” said chief priest of the temple Jayram Panda.

by Hemanta Kumar Routa

Ready for Patua Yatra

Come Maha Bisuva Sankranti in Baisakh, Devotees throng Gangaswar temple of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati at Matanagar under Mirjapur gram panchayata to participate in the Patua Yatra.

The Yatra, an annual event, is said to have originated here some400 years back and is famous for its Patua nacha. The dance presented here is in four different forms – Charki Patua, Kanta Patua, Khanda Patua and Agni Patua.

Different rituals are followed for separate dance forms. In Charki Patua, two Patuas are hung from the hooks suspended from the two sides of a wheel supported on on a pillar, which is continuously rotated. The Kanta Patua have to lie on thorny bushes with the priest walking on their back. While Khanda Patua dances over swords, the Agni Patuas walk over a bed of burning charcoal, which is 20 to 30 feet in length.

The participants or dancers, called Patuas, are usually those who have vowed to participate in the dance for fulfilment of their wishes and there is no caste bar for participation. The Patuas arrive at Gangeswar temple five days prior to the Maha Bisuva Sankranti and observe many rituals which are meant for “purification” of body and mind.

During the dance, the Patuas are said to be transported to a spiritually enchanted state, called Kalisi. During the festival, people invite these dancers to their homes to seek their blessings.

At the end of the festival, the Patuas take a holy dip in “Patua Pokhari” at Dharmghatpur.

by Arbinda Panda

Attractions of Orissa

When to Visit Bhubaneswar / ORISSA
Bhubaneswar and other part of the Orissa can be visited round the year, but the ideal time would be from October to March when the rains are over and the temperature is just right. Remember, summer is extremely humid and hence an enervating time for travelers not used to the heat and humidity

Around / About Bhubaneswar
The city is too spread out to go about on foot. Most convenient and comfortable thing to do is rent a car, because there is no regular bus services or metered taxi in the city . Rented Cars are all chauffeurs driven and usually rented by the day, kilometers and hours. Sightseeing too is far easier this way, but what you need is a guided driver to drive you around the places. Swosti Travels can be contacted for the same. We have a fleet of comfortable & luxury cars & coaches with experienced & knowledgeable drivers who can take around not just in Bhubaneswar but any part of Orissa. For more details about our cars & coaches, please contacts us.

		Bhubaneswar This city of Temples is well known for exquisitely carved temples like Lingaraj temple, Mukteswar temple, Rajarani temple and many more. The city is bustling with Educational & Research Institutions, hospitals, IT related establishments and climatically favourable place. Other places of interest in and around the city are Dhauli, khandagiri & Udaygiri, Nandankanan.
		Dhauli Famous for the historic rock edict of Ashoka and the place of Kalinga. The Shanti Stupa – a 20th century structure by Japanese collaboration has great aesthetic appeal.
		Khandagiri & Udayagiri Known for well carved, polished Jain caves and rock edict of Kharavela. Most famous caves are Hati Gumpha ( Elephant cave) and Rani Gumpha (Queen’s cave).
		Nandankanan A beautiful natural setting is carved out of Chandaka Forest is one of the finest parks in the country. The white tiger safari, lion safari and many endangered species attract the attention of visitors. Boating, Toy trains, Cable cars and the Botanical garden are the added attractions.
		Chilka Largest inland lake of the country and this brackish water lagoon is home to diversified classes of fauna. This is also an important sanctuary and water resort for migratory birds. Other places of interest in and around Chilka are : Parikuda and Maluda: Populous island inside the lake. Kalijai: Rocky Island associated with many legends. Satapada: A retreat in the bosom of nature to witness thrilling sights of Dolphins.
		Konark Famous Konark temple here, is conceived has a gigantic chariot for ‘Sun God’. This ‘Black Pagoda’ ‘The Epic on Stone’ is a superb architectural monument bustling with power and grace beside the enchanted shoreline. Other places of interest in and around Konark is: Chandrabhaga: The beach here is longed for the scenes of sunrise on sea.
		Puri Famous for the temple of Lord Sri Jagannath. A tourist destination for the Golden beach with Sun, Sea and Surf. This ancient town is one of the pithas established by Shankaracharya. Other places of interest in and around this pilgrim town are: Sakhigopal Temple: This temple is well known for worship of Radha and Krishna. Lokanath Temple: This temple at Puri is the seat of Lord Shiva.
		Bhitarakanika This marine sanctuary of 672 sq.kms. is in the estuary of Brahmani River. This mangrove-dominated sanctuary harbours a wide variety of reptiles, birds and mammals.
		Nrusimhanath Temple The 15th century temple at the foot of Gandhamardan mountain is a famous pilgrimage destination.
		Simlipal One of the biggest wild life sanctuaries of the country well known for its sylvian beauty of valleys and waterfalls. This mesmerize the visitors. Other places in and around Simlipal are: Barehipani: The waterfall within a thrilling surrounding amuses visitors. Joranda: This waterfall is also full of amazing sights. Chahala: A place to witness wild life live.

Oriya Festivals For The Year 2007

Oriya Festivals For The Year 2007
January
New Year Id-ul-juha Makara Sankranti Pongal Saraswati Puja Netaji Jayanti Republic Day Muharram	1 January 1 January 14 January 15 January 23 January 23 January 26 January 30 January
February
Agi Purmina Magha Saptami Kumbha Sankranti Pankodhara Ekadasi Mahasivaratri Phagu Dasami	1 February 4 February 13 February 13 February 16 February 26 February
March
Dola Purnima and Chandragrahana Holi Mina Sankranti Suryoparaga Ashokastami Rama Navami	3 March 4 March 15 March 19 March 26 March 27 March
April
Utkal Divas Chaitra Purmina, Hingula Yatra Good Friday Pana Sankranti, Hanuman Jayanti Akshaya Trutiya and Chandana Yatra Sudasa Brata	1 April 2 April 6 April 14 April 20 April 26 April
May
Shramika Divas Buddha Purmina Brusa Sankranti Sabitri Amabasya	1 May 2 May 15 May 16 May
June
Pahili Raja Raja Sankranti Sitalasasthi Debasnana Purnima	14 June 15 June 20 June 30 June
July
Netrotsav Rath Yatra Karkata Sankranti Bahuda Yatra Vyasa (Guru) Purmina	15 July 16 July 17 July 24 July 30 July
August
Chitau Amabasya Swadhinata Divas Simha Sankranti Sudasa Brata and Jhulana Yatra Gamha/Rakhi Purnima	12 August 15 August 17 August 23 August 28 August
September
Khudurukuni Osa Janmastami Suryoparaga, Satapuri Amabasya Balitrutiya Ganesh Puja Kanya Sankranti/Biswakarma Puja Radhastami Indrotsav Purnima	2 September 3 September 11 September 14 September 15 September 17 September 19 September 26 September
October
Gandhi Jayanti, Shastri Jayanti Id-ul-Fitr Garvana Sankranti Maha Navami Dasahara, Kumara Purnima, Gajalaxmi Puja	2 October 13 October 18 October 20 October 21 October 25 October
November
Sishu Divasa Bichha Sankranti Aanla Navami, Radhapada Darshan Bada Osa Rasa Purnima, Kartikeswar Puja, Bali Yatra Chhadakhai	14 November 17 November 19 November 23 November 24 November 25 November
December
Prathamastami Manabasa Gurubara Osa Dhanu Sankranti Id-ul-zuha Pandu Osa Christmas	1 December 6 December 16 December 21 December 23 December 25 December
Marriage Dates (2007)
January: 15,16,17,23,24,25,28,29 February: 4,6,7,8,9,10,15,19,21,24,25,26 March: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 April: 19,20,21,26,28,29,30 May: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,12,13 June: 19,20,21,22,23,25,27,28 July: 1,2,6,7,8,11,12 November: 22,25,26,30 December: 2,3,4,5,6
Bratopanayana (2007)
January: 24,25,29 February: 7,8,9,21,22,26,28,29 March: 1,8,11,12,25,28 April: 4,5,8,12,29,30 May: 9,10 June: 24,25,28 July: 4,5,8,9,12,15

Foreign tourists have nothing to do with Buddhist shrines

While the Orissa government has set up Buddhist circuit comprising Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Langudi Hills and has been investing huge money for the overall development of these renowned shrines to attract more tourists, ironically, not a single foreign tourist has reported to have visited any of these shrines during 2006, according to government reports.

While the Buddhist shrines in the state come next to Puri and Konark as one of the major tourist destinations, generally the overseas tourists prefer to visit these three places. Even the Buddhists move in to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Langudi Hills in large numbers.

But, while the state government claims to have invested huge money for the development of these Buddhist shrines, on the other hand, it says that there is not a single tourist visiting these shrines. This can, under no uncertain terms, be described as sheer unfortunate for the state.
Going by the tourists’ inflow statistics maintained by the state government, not a single tourist has visited any of these Buddhist shrines during the year 2006.

On the other hand, the tourists have visited Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Gopalpur, Taptapani, Chilika, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Ghatagan, Similipal, Chandipur, Cuttack, Paradip, Koraput, Jayapur, Angul and Kapilas during 2006. While a total of 52,39,896 tourists had visited the state in 2006, a total of 39,141 overseas tourists had visited the state in the same year.

The state government has claimed that the number of tourists have gone up in the state.
As per the statistics, in 2004 the inflow of the foreign and inland tourists to the state was 28,817 and 41,25,536 respectively. Similarly, in 2005, the inflow of the foreign and inland tourists to the state was 33,310 and 46,32,976 respectively.

As per the statistics for the year 2006, a total of 17,74,253 tourists have visited Puri of which 14627 are foreign tourists and the rest are inland tourists. Similarly, out of a total of 12,04,383 tourists visiting Konark, 7883 are foreign tourists followed by Gopalpur with 980 foreign tourists out of a total of 30727 tourists.

The number of foreign tourists visiting other tourist sites during 2006 are, Taptapani-155, Chilika-1667, Sambalpur-264, Rourkela-419, Similipal-182, Chandipur-189, Cuttack-182, Paradip-3431, Koraput-77, Jayapur-498, Angul-108 and Kapilas-15.

While 6,52,242 tourists comprising of 15287 foreign tourists have visited Bhubaneswar
Going by the statistics, there is an average rise of 5 to 6 lakh tourists’ inflow to the state every year.

However, the apathy of the tourists to visit the Buddhist shrines in the state has come as a rude shock to the state tourism. While the state government has earmarked Rs 7.16 crore in the state budget for the development of tourist sites, it has earmarked Rs 1.51 crore for the development of Buddhist shrines.

The fact is that while none of the tourists have visited these Buddhist shrines, then why the state government has been spending so much for the development of these shrines?

source: www.pragativadi.com