Toshali Sands

Gupteswar: The Hidden Cave Temple of Lord Shiva

Surrounded by lush green forests, gurgling mountain streams and the serene river Kolab, Gupteswar would have shone on the tourism Map of the country. This place is famous for its religious significance of the place which houses the famous hidden cave temple of Lord Shiva.

The shrine is located at a distance of 80 kms. from Koraput and 55 kms from Jeypore amidst a thick growth of Sl forest. The place an be approached by a forest track which start from the east of the Ramagiri hill up to a distance of 19 kms. Due to its traditional association with Ramayana figures the places has become a Centre of Pilgrimage in the neighbouring tracts of Orissa and Chatisgarh where it is regarded as ‘Gupta Kedara’. The cave shrine containing the Shvia Linga is noticed at a height of 151 metres higher than the surrounding country side.

The Gupteswar temple draws over two lakh devotees from Andhra Pradehs, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh apart from the state, during Maha Shivarati. Devotees also visit the area all-round the years.

Pilgrims face difficulties at the religious site as the area lacks in basic amenities like drinking water, hotels and transport. A panthasala of the Tourism Department, sans water and electricity, is situated near the cave temple.

According to reports, the Directorate of Endowment earns about R. 1 lakhs from the temple during Mahashivaratri. But the amount is very small compared to that needed for maintenance of the temple and perpheral development.

When a four-day mela is held, the area is cleared and provided with electricity and drinking water.