Wandering Destination : Vikramkhol Cave


Wandering Destination: Vikramkhol Cave






Vikramkhol caves located in the Sundargarh district is known for the prehistoric rock art and rock inscriptions found reserve forest of Belpahar.


The ancient cave located in Banjari village bears a script written by then resident humans far back in the 4000 B.C (Mesolithic Period). Details about the caves were first published in Indian Antiquary in 1935 by historian K.P.Jayaswal.



The size of the inscriptions is 37 meters in lengths, 5.65 meters in breadth and 8 meters in height. All these engravings both figurative patterns and motifs were pigmented with ochre color. As per IGNCA report [4], at present there is a single specimen of the painting of a honeycomb pattern drawn in bichrome of dark red and white and a host of engravings. A replica of the inscription is exhibited in State Museum of Odisha located in Bhubaneshwar.






The ancient symbols engraved on the walls of the cave of are

  • Paintings of flora and fauna (footprints of animal, deer, cobra hood marks, cupules, cobra hood marks, palm,  and floral design)
  • Geometric shape (triangles with or without a depression at the center, obliterated portion of a rhombic pattern, honeycomb pattern, dots, Roman, and Brahmi alphabetic form, oval carpet shape)
  • Circular holes dug in the wall where weapons, dress and other articles of use were being kept suspended
  • Floors, where circular holes have been dug to pound the grains


















Even though Vikramkhol is a tourist place, it lacks the protection to the artwork and lacks the facilities for the visitors. Rock shelters discovered are deteriorating because of lack of attention. The inscriptions are open to the air, maximizing chances of fading over time or vandalism by the visitors. As it is located inside Reserve Forest of Belpahar range, the remote access to the place has also contributed to neglect by Government Agencies.














How to reach:


The caves are about 33 Km from the nearest town of Jharsuguda in Odisha. On NH49 cross the Belpahad railway crossing and at about 2 Km leave the highway to go towards Hemgir.  Continuing on the road for 7 Km, one can see a temple on the road, turn left to enter the forest and follow the dirt road for 3 Km to reach Vikramkhol.

Always keep left once you leave the main road.


A video showing the entrance to the cave road:










Some important tips:

  • Just after the rainy season, the 3-Km road from Grindola to the cave is not motorable. People are advised to keep your car on the main road and walk the distance through the cave.
  • Forest roads are not mapped on google map. Seek directions from the locals. They are very helpful.
  • Carry water and food especially if you are walking. There is no arrangement for food and water at the cave.
  • Photography is allowed.
  • No entrance fee.




More reading:

[1] http://sundergarh.nic.in/rock.htm

[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292981343_Glimpses_of_the_Rock_Paintings_and_Rock_Engravings_of_Odisha

[3] http://www.ccsp.it/web/INFOCCSP/VCS%20storico/vcs2009pdf/Pradhan.pdf

[4] http://ignca.nic.in/asi_reports/orjharsuguda002.pdf

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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.




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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


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The worshipers !



The worshipers !






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Rani Satiji Mandir, Birimitrapur


Rani Sati Temple, Birimitrapur

Rani Sati Temple, also known as second Jhun-Jhun Dham is located in Birimitrapur, a small town on the Odisha -Jharkhand border famous for limestone mines. Rani Sati Temple spread over two acres of campus run by a trust, headed by Gopalji Tulsian. Besides Rani Sati temple other temples in the premises are Sita Ram Temple, Ganesh Temple, Hanuman Temple, and Shiva Temple. 

Temple was constructed in 1967 and then was renovated in the years 1992 and 2000. The white marble temple structure is decorated with art works (especially one on the ceiling), costumed with silvery metal sheets and has a golden top. Day of attraction is on auspicious days like Bhado Amavasya or the no-moon day when special pujas are offered.


Timings:


Contact Info:

Shree Rani Satiji Mandir
"Jhunjhunu Dham"
Main Road,Birmitrapur(Odisha)-770033
Tel No:0661-3209970/2610627
Email: ranisatimandir@gmail.com

Notes:

  • Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
  • No separate parking facility available.

How to reach:

Rani Satiji Mandir is about 35 Km from Rourkela on NH23 towards Ranchi. Private/hired vehicle is the best way to reach the temple. Bus service from Rourkela to Birimitrapur is also available. A passenger train from Rourkela runs daily to Birimitrapur Railway station in the morning.





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Wandering Destination: Tirathgarh waterfalls


Wandering Destination: Tirathgarh waterfalls





The Teerathgarh Falls is a block type waterfall on the Kanger River in Bastar district of Chattisgarh which falls from about 90 meters. It further divides into two waterfalls and the water then runs through the valley of limestone deposits full with thick forest cover. 

A small temple on a large rock opposite the falls is surrounded by the ruins of a 1,000-year-old Hindu civilization. In monsoon, the water flow is heavy and muddy. After Winter season, the water recedes and one can cross the fall and experience the complete enchanting view. 











Photography Tips:

  • As the distance between the viewpoint and the fall is too small, carry a wide angle lens or fish eye lens to capture complete fall.
  • In monsoon season, when the fall is at peak, the vapors evaporating wets the camera. Keep a waterproof cover and a dry cloth to wipe water droplets.
  • After the trip, immediately clean the camera.
  • Best season to visit the fall between June to December.
  • If you don't love the crowd, avoid weekends and holidays.
  • Reach early to get "human-free" pictures.


Entry Fee and timing:

  • A nominal fee (five rupees for adults and ten rupees for the camera) is charged to enter the waterfall area. 
  • Parking facility is available just near the fall and is charged.
  • Local food is available at the restaurants near by.

Attraction nearby to Jagdalpur:


Related photo essays:


Video of the fall:



How to reach:

Jagdalpur is the nearest city where from a vehicle can be hired. Fall is located 35 kilometers away from the Jagdalpur city. A personal vehicle is the best choice in this part of the area (to visit common tourist places). 









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