Wandering Destination: Siva Temple, Burla, Sambalpur

Wandering Destination: Siva Temple, Burla, Sambalpur

A small Siva Temple is located near the Nehru Tower of Hirakud dam. Temple built by Rotary Club is located on a small hill and is visible when you descend from Nehru tower to go towards Burla. The ceiling of the sanctum of the temple is painted with pictorial depicts using vibrant colours. Premises of the temple hosts small temples of other deities as well. Temple is a calm place to visit in the evening. Hardly few people visit the temple in the evening.

Location:

Wandering Destination: Ghanteshwari Temple

Wandering Destination: Ghanteshwari Temple

As the name suggests, Ghanta means bells. The title "Ghanteshwari" is originated from the fact that, devotees tie a bell when they visit with some wish. Hundreds and thousands of bells are tied to the holy tree under which the idol of the goddess is situated. Even the breeze rings the bells to create a sweet tinkling sound from the thousands and tiny and big bells. 

In front of the temple is the Mahanadi river bed. The width of the river is large which with the green mountains in the backdrop with some white clouds on the rich blue sky is a beauty to watch on a clear day. However, in earlier times, this beautiful place was dangerous to the sailors.

One story behind the concept of bells goes like this: The Mahanadi river earlier used to have whirlpools which have claimed many lives. An idea of a ‘lighthouse without light’ was born. It was decided by the sailors to build a warning system to intimate the sailor as he approaches the very dangerous spot near Ghanteshwari Temple. To warn any sailor nearing this spot bells were ranged with full force to produce a loud sound. 

Due to the Hirakud Dam built for the flood control, the water level in the bed is now controlled. Controlled flow of Mahanadi obsoletes then much-needed warning-mechanism, however, faith and beliefs of people in Maa Ghanteshwari are still strong. Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily and pray to their beloved goddess.

Video:

How to reach:

Ghanteshwari Temple is located in the backyard of Chiplima Hydroelectric Power Station 13 Km from the NH6 (33 km southwest of Sambalpur). Parking is provided by the local governing body at 20 Rs. per car and for 10 Rs. per bike.

Wandering Destination: Chiplima Power Station

Wandering Destination: Chiplima Power Station

Schematic of a typical hydroelectric plant construction

A hydroelectric powerhouse at Chiplima (Power House – II under stage III) is an outcome of renovation carried out by Odisha government under 11th five-year plan. The Chiplima powerhouse was earlier a part of HPS Burla. As a part of the restructuring, Chiplima Power House (Power House No. II) has been separated from HPS, Burla, with effect from 01.07.2009 and renamed as Chiplima Hydro Electric Project. Currently, three generating units with installed capacity of 72 MW (3 x 24) makes the power. The plant uses Kaplan turbine spinning at 350 RPM and uses a head of 72 feet.

Powerhouse is located near famous Ghanteshwari Temple. To enter inside the generation unit, prior permission from authorities should be obtained. However, a spectacular view of the reservoir and the Mahanadi basin is seen while crossing the dam wall to reach the Ghanteshwari Temple. 

Pathway to cross the reservoir to reach Ghanteshwari Temple

A view of 11/132 KV substation feeding power produced tot he grid

Huge 75 Tone crane installed over dam wall

How to reach:

The power house is located very near to Ghanteshwari Temple. Leave NH53 at Goshala to reach the plant located at about 13 Km from the diversion.

Reference:

http://www.ohpcltd.com/Chiplima

The leaning temple of Huma, Sambalpur (Odisha)

The leaning temple of Huma

Leaning tower of Pisa (Italy) is known well to masses, but have you heard about the only leaning temple of the world. Interestingly the edifice of the temple leans, however, the pinnacle of the temple is perpendicular to the ground.Further surprise comes with its location. It is near Sambalpur in Odisha. The Leaning Temple of Huma, dedicated to lord Shiva, near Sambalpur is the only leaning temple in the world. It is located in Huma, a village situated on the bank of the Mahanadi,

Construction:

Apart from the main temple of Lord Vimaleshwara inclined towards the North-east side i.e. the river side, the complex has two other important temples: Bhairavi Devi and Bhairo Dev. As per to historical records Ganga Vamsi Emperor Anangabhima Deva-III built this temple. The temple was rebuilt or renovated by King Baliar Singh (1660-1690 A.D.), the fifth Chauhan king of Sambalpur. The rest of the temples were built during the rule of King Ajit Singh (1766-1788 A.D.) of Sambalpur [1]. However there are different claims and controversies claiming the various builders.

Only leaning temple in the world:

Temple complex as seen from Kali temple

The reason for having a leaning structure of the shrine is again shrouded in mystery.Only the edifice of the temple is leaning keeping the base perfectly perpendicular to the ground. This is baffling and thus put forwards some theories to explain the phenomenon. First and Obvious theory questions the foundation. As the temple is positioned on the rocky base on the bank of Mahanadi, reason of technical flaw doesn't hold good. Chauhan Kings were known to build several of the enormous temples. 

Rocky bed of Mahanadi

Second reason reason might be the natural calamities such as the flood or the earthquake. Flood cannot be again the cause as the main temple is tilted to one direction and other small temples are tilted to some other directions. Odisha is not lies in the earthquake prone zone, however reason is plausible. Archaelogist are also speculating some geological reason like uneven earth crust. The angle of inclination is yet to be measured [2].

Another appealing theory come from the belief that the architect has deliberately made a leaning design from the beginning. Deliberation is done in order to safe-guard the temple from the violent currents of the two rivers i.e. Mahanadi and Dhulijore during the flood in monsoon. This is why different structures are made leaning to different sides. This theory also explains why the degree of tilting remains unchanged all these years, and does not grow as in case of the other renowned tilting structures including the Leaning Tower of Pisa [2].

Legends about the temple and Mystery about the fish:

Apart from the leaning temple, a kind of reddish fish (popularly called Kudo) in the river is another attraction for tourists. The length of the fish seen is up-to six feet long.Tourist enjoy feeding the fishes which have become very good pets over the years. Feeding these fishes is considered very sacred. Also, it is a legend that the one who kills and eats the fish from this part of Mahanadi, doesn't survive much.

The worship of Shiva is said to have been initiated by a milkman, who crossed the Mahanadi daily to a place on the bank where the underlying rock cropped out. There are two varieties on who offered the milk. One says the milkman he offered his dole of milk, which was immediately consumed by the rock. Other story has it that a cow from a nearby village was regularly visiting the place and secreting milk over the Linga and her master saw rocks beneath consumes it quickly. This miraculous circumstance led to inquiries, which ended in the construction of the present temple [1].

Annual Fair:

An annual fair takes place at the foothill of the temple in March every year on Shivratri, which is a typical village fair. This fair attracts a huge crowd which includes foreign visitors. The Government of Odisha has proposed a hanging bridge to attract more tourists to the annual fair [1].

How to reach:

Nearest railway station: Sambalpur City and Sambalpur road

Private vehicles from station are available for hire.

Near by attractions:

Metakani Temple
Kali Temple
Ghanteshwari Temple

References:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Temple_of_Huma
[2] http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2013/Feb-Mar/engpdf/90-92.pdf

Metakani Temple, Sambalpur

Metakani Temple, Sambalpur

Maa Metakani temple is located in a forest at Rengali near to Ulunda in the Subarnpur district of Odisha. The name of the goddess is believed originated from a lady called "META".

About 2 Km drive through Rengali range after diverting from from the SH15 is the location of Metakani Temple

Temple is very popular among local people. Animal Sacrifices are done on regular basis. Photos are not allowed inside.

Temple gets flooded specially on the Tuesdays. 

Facilities are quite good at the place for: Parking, cooking food, offering pujas etc.

How to reach:

• Temple is at about 65 Km west from the Sambalpur City.
• Temple can be reached by road using private or public vehicle. Road condition is very good.
• Best season to visit is from September to February.

Odishi local delights

Odishi local delights

Morning tea at a vendor at Rengali

Midday meal at a lunch home in Ulunda. Paneer and Mushrooms were absolute organic and locally grown. Dal and rice served with flower tarkari, saag, salad, and flower pakoda.

lastly PAAN - Mouthful in just 5 rupees. When asked why such low rates? vendor replied "people in this part of Odisha wont buy in case !"

Kali Temple, Sambalpur (OD)

Wandering Destination: Kali Temple, Sambalpur (OD)

Kali Temple is located in the bed of river Mahanadi. Boatman takes ten rupees per pessanger for a round trip.

Its just 5 min away from Huma temple. On the way to Kali temple.

Idol of Ganesha at the entrance

Maa Kali statue

Lord Shankara stopped Kali by risking his life

View of Huma temple from Kali Temple

How to reach:

• Kali temple is near to Huma temple, 23 km away from the city of Sambalpur on the way to Subarnpur (Sonpur).
• Tourist can take Bus / private vehicles / auto rickshaw to reach the location.

Explore Mahanadi

Explore Mahanadi

Travel and explore one of the largest river in India - Mahanadi. Place: Near Huma Leaning Temple, Sambalpur.