Toshali Sands

Keonjhar and Religion
Once Keonjhar, a lesser known tract today, was a flourishing centre and an amalgam of different religious sects. Dominant sects like Shakti Cult, Saivism, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and Vasihanvism had their ascendancy and influence in the socio-cultural thought of Orissa and the findings of which are still felt in different pockets of monasteries, temples, sculptures, paintings and ethnic tribals that exist in this region.

Sri Baladev Jew Temple
The temple was conspicuously conceived in line with the Sri Jagannath Temple of Puri where Lord Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are the presiding deities. The marvel of artistry and aesthetic designs are rally wonderful to watch. The temple built in Rekha style is situated to Lord Vishnu and was built in 1671 A.D. by Laxmi Narayan Bhanj which took about 10 years to complete. The temple consists of Vimana, Jagamohana and Nata Mandira. The height of the temple is about 135 ft. And built in white marvel where the walls are highly ornamented with exquisite are and architecture reflecting the contemporary motifs and traditions of the society.

The famous Car Festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm annually in the month of June and July where lakhs of devotees visit the place.

Ghatagaon - Tarinia Temple
It is know that in the 3rd quarter of the 15th century, Goddess Tarinia was worshipped here. The all-pervasive temple of Goddess Tarinia is situated on State Highway No. 11 on the Keonjhar - Anandpur- Cuttack Road, 45 kms from Keonjhar; a famous seat of Shakti Shrine where the deity is worshipped with much of reverence and is the presiding deity not only of the district but also to the whole of Orissa. Devotees from all walks of life throng in groups and offer coconut as a token of sacredness. It is known that King Govinda Bhanj had brought the deity from Kanchi during the invasion of South by Purushottam Dev of Puri. For a nights stay a Panthasala has been constructed by the Tourism Department and other hotels provide accommodation for visiting budgeted tourists. The terracotta village of Batra Harichandapur nearby is a handy spot for beautiful terracotta artifacts, a memorable souvenir for visitors.

Sidhhamath
Situated in a natural setting Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Hanuman, Siddha Kali were constructed during 16th century A.D. by Laxmi Narayana Bhanj. The old temple is dedicated to Sidhakali, a seat of Saktrsam and the deities are worshipped with a great reverence.

Gonashika
The sacred river Baitrani has originated from a stone in the Ganhdamardan Hills which looks like the nostrils of a cow. Baitrani takes rise and goes down for about half a kilometer and at the point of eruption known as Gupta Ganga, a sacred place. It is 45 kms. from Keojhar and is situated amidst dense forest and picturesque mountains endowed with medicinal herbs. It is said that the river is 12 years older than river Ganga. It is Famous for the temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev which was constructed by Lasminarayan Bhanj in the village Gonasika.

Sanghagra

The terms Ghagara has been derived from Ghargara (sound of falling water). On the top of the mountain Gobara in close proximity to Keonjhar on N.H. 6 this wonderful waterfall is situated amidst lush green forests. The height of the waterfall is 100 ft and 5 km. from the town of Keonjhar. The landscape near the fall is beautifully carved out of green turf, famous for weakened outings and picnics. This places is a natural option and must see for each and everybody.

Bhimkund
Known from Puranic tradition that Bhima, the second Pandava had slept on the slow river streams as a result the blocked water flown in to the earth there is known as Bhimkund. The Makar Sankaranti festival is observed here with Pump and gaiety among the local people. It is 58 km. From away Keonjhar via Dhenkikote and also approached from Karanjia side - 40 kms.

Nilakantheswar
The temple of Nilakantheswar dedicated to Lord Shiva is said to have been built by Gadadhar Bhanj on the top of the hill (1800 ft.) One has to climb nearly more than 300 steps. An annual fair is also held there is January. The place is 39 kms from Keonjhar and 9 kms. from Dhenkikote, situated at Barahatippa.

Handibhanga: This beautiful waterfall situated in Bahalda village in Joda Basantpur Road. It is approachable via Palaspanga, 70 kms from Keonjhar and 3 kms. from Joda famous for picnic and sightseeing. The height of the waterfall is 30 meter.

Murga Mahadev
The images of Shiva are manifested in different form in different places. The image of Shiva in this place looks like a deer for which it is known as Murga Mahadev. The temple is situated on the bank of a small waterfall and perennial spring which has flown from Thakurani Hills. A great number of tourists flock in groups for picnic and recreation. It is 70 kms. from Keonjhar via Bileipada (IPITATA).

Sitabinjhi
Famous for forescro painting a unique specimen of Orissina art during the 4th Century A.D. Situated on the bank of the river Sita. It is also revealed that Sita had given birth to Lav and Kush in this place. Two huge boulders called Ravanachhaya, one resting on the other form a rock shelter providing a Sunshade and on its ceiling is the ancient painting depicting a royal procession may be for Disa Bhnja. The nearby Chikinia Park is famous for outing and picnic. It is 32 kms from Keonjhar and 22 km. from Dhnkikote.

Kushaleswar
A famous Siva Centre, situated on the bank of the river Kusai in Deogaon is a place of pilgrimage. But in Panchamukhi style because the face of the presidin deity Kushaleswar is to the east, Parvati to the north, Kartikeya and Bhairava to the west and Ganesha to the south. The temple was built during 9th century A.D. where lakhs of tourists visit during the Shivaratri Festivals. A Panthasala is coming up shortly. A stone embankment was constructed during the 9th century A.D. It is believed to have been constructed to save the temple from corrosion and is 2nd of its kind in the State. The temple of Kushaleswar is 90 kms. from Keonjhar and 8 kms. from Andapur.

Chakratirtha
A Jain centre where Jain ascetics are still there in caves. It is 85 kms. from Keonjhar and 12 kms. from Anandapur situated in the Boula Mountian. Askashganaga Waterfall is situated there, a beautiful place for picnickers during the winter. Gadachandi is also another beautiful place situated on the Boula Mountain famous for Makar Mankranit Mela. Thousands of local visitors visit this place. The spectacular view of the area provides a thrilling experience during the wither. In Podasingidi, in an area of one mile one would find a broken fort where remains of Jaina images made a gravel stone, chlorite and sand stone of Yakhya, Yakhis are lying and people still worship them as ‘Boulasuni’ as an image of Jains. The image of Rishaba seated on a lotus shaped pedestal is also found there. As the Jain ascetics are known as Tirthankaras, this Jain Vihar is famous for Chakratirtha.

Khandadhar: The name is justified here as the water flows from top like a sword. The height the fall its 500 ft. the beautiful waterfall, is the tallest in the district. Situated in dense and inaccessible roads. It 60 kms from Keonjhar.

Hadgarh
The Hadgarh Dam is constructed on the river Salandi. 115kms from Keonjhar and 35 kms. from Anandapur and Anandapur - Bhadrak route by taking a diversion from Cheenapadi. The natural settings of the locality along with the Sanctuary are extremely beautiful which attracts quite a few travellers round the year. One Irrigation IB is available for night stay.