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.