Nrusinghanath Temple : An important pilgrimage place to visit.

Sri Nrusinghanath Temple is located in the sacred Gandhamardan Hills, which according to legends, Hanuman carried on his shoulders from the Himalayas as described in the ancient epic Ramayana, the temple at Nrusinghanath is an important pilgrimage site. It is also an exceedingly fascinating and beautifully located temple and is worth the journey to this rather remote spot. The present temple, located at the source of the Papaharini stream, is a 14th century structure built on a more ancient site. The four pillars within the Jagmohana suggest that the earlier temple was built in the 9th century. The beautiful doorframes have been dated to the 11th century. It is said to be the oldest temple after the Shri jagganath temple, puri. The King of Patna, Baijal Deva laid the foundation of this historic temple in early 15th century CE. It is only 45 feet in height, divided into two parts: the first being the seat of the Lord Nrusinghnath, the second allotted to Jagamohan (antechamber having 3 gates and each supported by 4 pillars.

Legend

Around six hundred years ago, a woman Jamuna Kandhuni as referred in the book “Nrusingha Charitra” composed a Kavya that sings the glory of Marjara Keshari in regard to suppression and repression of torture and tyranny of Musika Daitya. According to the legend,when people were greatly afflicted by Musika Daitya (the incarnate Mouse Demon), Vishnu Mani in the appearance(Incarnation) of Marjara Keshari,in His Feline Form,ran to eat the demonic mouse form – Musika Daitya who never came out from the tunnel and Marjara Keshari waited from that day. The temple is reputed from that day with this mythologicla history. This story is symbolic of the grounding the demonic evil power of tyranny and torture that never dared to come out further and Lord Nrusinghnath alias Marjara Keshari has been guarding it since then. According to Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, this place was a centre of Buddhist scriptural learning. Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity of Orissa and a great fair is held in his honour on the 14th day of bright fortnight in the month of Vaisakha. According to Oriya and Devnagari inscriptions, the temple was built by Baijal Dev in early 15th century AD. The temple is constructed in Orissan style of architecture.

Natural surrounding

The place have an ancient temple, waterfall, and could do some trekking for those who like it. The ambience is scenic and wonderful, The place is cool due dense forest cover and hilly terrain. It’s a very beautiful place. It has waterfalls. If you go there must take a bath. Many stalls are there to buy things. It is a famous picnic spot also.

The vivacious environs of this waterfall in Odisha are such that travellers flock in numbers every year just to feel refreshed. Nrusinghanath Waterfall is settled close to the famed Nrusinghanath Temple which finds its place at the foothills of Gandhamardan Hill towards the north. Surrounded by dark forests and hilly terrain, the waterfall is a must visit place in Bargarh District for those who love natural settings and like spending time close to mother nature. The best time to visit here is considered to fall between October to March, where travellers can also take a sightseeing tour to Gadadhar, Pitrudhar, Guptadhar, Bhimadhar, Kapiladhar, and Chaladhar which are some other popular waterfalls at Nrusinghanath.

How to reach

By Road: The Temple is situated in Paikmal Block of Bargarh District of Odisha. It is about 110 kms from Bargarh Hqs. Buses also available from Balangir, Nuapada and Raipur.

By Air: One can take flight either to Bhubaneswar or Raipur airport.

By Rail: You can get train from Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Titlagarh, Kantabanji, Jharsugda, Cuttack, Bhubaneswa, Raipur(Chatisgarh).

Glory of Odisha back

After nearly two decades, a good news for Satkoshia Sanctuary of Anugul of Odisha. About 28 newborn cubs of gharial crocodile have been spotted playing on the back of a crocodile, which is extinct in the tributaries of the river. The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as the gavial or the fish-eating crocodileThe cubs are believed to have been born from the genus of two adult female gharial crocodiles and a male gharial crocodiles that has been living in the canyon for many years, while the gharial crocodiles are worried about how the cubs will be protected from the crocodiles of the ferocious species in the canyon of the river.

Satkosia gorge

Notably, this type of crocodiles is one of the most endangered species of crocodiles in Odisha.

The wild gharial population has declined drastically since the 1930s, and is limited to only 2% of its historical range today. Conservation programmes initiated in India and Nepal focused on reintroducing captive-bred gharials since the early 1980s. Loss of habitat because of sand mining and conversion to agriculture, depletion of fish resources and detrimental fishing methods continue to threaten the population. It has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007.

The crocodile expert from abroad stayed here and hatched the eggs. That is why Tikarpada has gained a lot of popularity in the name of crocodile farming.

But over time, that is likely to change. While the crocodiles are disappearing from their natural habitats day by day and the ferocious species of crocodiles, known as the crocodiles, continue to spread throughout the grove. According to the crocodile count, the number of alligators in Satkosia was more than a hundred, while the number of gharials were limited to two-thirds. Despite many years of waiting, no breeding was seen from these gharials. Authorities opposed the protest with all available police forces, special services and the army. In 2014, the state government launched a watch project to bring in new puppies from Nandankanan and breed them. Under the supervision of Prof. Sudarshan Maharana, Adviser to the Crocodile Expert Project, the cubs were brought from Nandankanan and left at various stages in the grove. They were warned not to fish by throwing nets. Although the crocodiles from Nandan Kanan have not breed, the natural environment has returned to the river crocodiles to breed the adult crocodiles for the tireless efforts of the forest department.

“Even though they have been living for many years, they have given birth to cubs,” he said.

In about 181, eggs were hatched in the river, leaving the cubs alone. In no uncertain terms, the cubs were not born. “The birth of a baby is very good news not only for Odisha, but also for India.

The cubs were found in a place named Balad Mara of Satkoshia forest. The forest department took photos of the cubs while they were playing on their mother’s back. The news of the birth of the baby crocodiles in Satkoshia sanctuary after many years is definitely good news.

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