My visit to Brahmagiri on first day of 2025:
( by Lokanath Mishra)
I, began the new year 2025 by visiting first the Khandav bana of Brahmagiri, Where Thakur Shree Abhiram Paramahansa Dev started his meditation at the age of 11 years and worshipped Goddess Vanadurga (Purnamasi). Then visited the famous Arjuna Temple which is Located within the Khandav bana, where Mata Purnamasi is worshipped.
After finishing the darshan of Prabhu Shri Arjuna, then proceeded to the Temples of Prabhu Yudhistir and Prabhu Nakul. In all temples I made darshan and offered prayers for the welfare of human beings.
My visit was a great way to connect with the spiritual heritage of the Brahmagiri area and pay respects to the revered saints and deities. May the blessings of the divine be with all the human being throughout the new year!
The worship of Panchu Pandav (the five Pandav brothers) in the form of Shiva Lingam and Mata Draupadi as Harachandi in the Brahmagiri area is rooted in both historical and mythological significance.
According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas spent their exile period in the forests of Odisha, including the Brahmagiri area. This region is believed to be the site where they performed their spiritual practices and worshipped Lord Shiva. Mata Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, is worshipped as Harachandi, a form of the goddess Durga. This association is rooted in the mythological story of Draupadi’s unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna and her unshakeable courage in the face of adversity. The Brahmagiri area is home to several ancient Shiva temples, dating back to the 9th-10th centuries CE. These temples were likely built during the Somavamshi dynasty, which ruled Odisha during that period. The worship of the Pandavas in the form of Shiva Lingam is part of the Pandava cult, which was prevalent in Odisha during the medieval period. This cult emphasized the spiritual significance of the Pandavas and their connection to Lord Shiva.
The worship of Mata Draupadi as Harachandi reflects the syncretic tradition of Odisha, where Hindu and tribal deities are often worshipped together. This blending of traditions has resulted in a unique cultural and spiritual heritage in the region.
In summary, the worship of Panchu Pandav and Mata Draupadi in the Brahmagiri area is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Odisha. The historical and mythological significance of this worship highlights the importance of this region in the context of Indian mythology and history.
The temples in the Brahmagiri area, including the ones dedicated to Panchu Pandav and Mata Draupadi, are believed to have been built during the reign of the Somavamshi and Eastern Ganga dynasties, which ruled Odisha from the 9th to the 15th centuries CE.
The Somavamshi kings were known for their patronage of Hinduism and temple architecture. They built several temples in Odisha, including the ones in Brahmagiri.
The Eastern Ganga kings, who succeeded the Somavamshis, continued the tradition of building temples in Odisha. They built several temples in the Brahmagiri area, including the ones dedicated to Panchu Pandav and Mata Draupadi.
Some notable rulers who might have contributed to the construction of these temples include:
1. Janmejaya I (941-977 CE): A Somavamshi king who built several temples in Odisha.
2. Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078-1147 CE): An Eastern Ganga king who built the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri.
3. Narasimha I (1238-1264 CE): An Eastern Ganga king who built several temples in Odisha, including the ones in Brahmagiri.
Notable people in Brahmagiri’s past include:
– Sage Gautama Maharishi: A revered Hindu saint who, along with his wife Ahalya, is said to have lived in Brahmagiri. He was one of the seven noted Hindu sages (Saptharshi mandalam) .
– Ahalya: The wife of Sage Gautama Maharishi and a significant figure in Hindu mythology .
– Emperor Ashoka: Although not a resident of Brahmagiri, Emperor Ashoka’s rock edicts were discovered in the area, indicating the region’s significance during the Mauryan empire .
– Benjamin L. Rice: A British archaeologist who first explored the Brahmagiri archaeological site in 1891 and discovered Emperor Ashoka’s rock edicts .
– Mortimer Wheeler: A British archaeologist who further excavated the Brahmagiri site in 1947, uncovering significant archaeological findings .
– Amalananda Ghosh: An Indian archaeologist who conducted excavations at Brahmagiri in 1965 and 1978, shedding more light on the region’s history .
Two revered figures from the Brahmagiri area:
Parama Hansa
Parama Hansa was a 16th-century Odia saint and poet from the Brahmagiri area. He was a prominent figure in Odisha’s Bhakti movement, emphasizing devotion to Lord Jagannath.
Parama Hansa composed several devotional poems and songs, including the “Parama Hansa Gitabali,” which is still revered today.
He was known for his spiritual wisdom, compassion, and simple living. His teachings continue to inspire devotees in the region.
Atibadi Jagannath Das
Atibadi Jagannath Das was a 16th-century Odia poet, saint, and philosopher from the Brahmagiri area. He was a prominent figure in Odisha’s Bhakti movement and a leading exponent of the “Panchasakha” school of thought.
Jagannath Das composed several influential works, including the “Bhagabata” and “Artha Koeli,” which are considered classics of Odia literature.
He was known for his philosophical insights, emphasizing the importance of devotion, knowledge, and self-realization. His teachings continue to influence Odia culture and spirituality.
A fascinating aspect of Atibadi Jagannath Das’ life:
During his journey to Puri Jagannath Temple, Atibadi Jagannath Das is believed to have stayed in the village of Kasi Jagannath Pur, which is situated near his native village of Kapileswar Pur and on the way to Puri.
Kasi Jagannath Pur, a small village a Sasan of Shola Sasan of Mukti Mandapa holds great spiritual significance due to its association with Atibadi Jagannath Das. The village is said to have been blessed by his presence, and locals believe that his stay in the village imbued it with divine energy.
Atibadi Jagannath Das’ journey to Puri Jagannath Temple was a pivotal moment in his life. His stay in Kasi Jagannath Pur was likely a moment of spiritual preparation and introspection before reaching the revered temple. This episode highlights the strong connection between Atibadi Jagannath Das and the Puri Jagannath Temple, which was a central part of his spiritual life.
The villagers of Kasi Jagannath Pur still fondly remember Atibadi Jagannath Das’ stay in their village. They celebrate his life and teachings, and the village has become a place of pilgrimage for devotees seeking to connect with the revered saint.
Abhiram Paramhansha was a spiritual leader, freedom fighter, and author from Odisha, India. He was born in 1904 in Karamala village, Brahmagiri, Puri district. Abhiram Paramhansha was a devout follower of Goddess Vana Durga and composed the influential book “Kali Bhagabat,” which contained metaphysical thoughts and allegorical references to India’s struggle for independence.
The book was published in 1933 but soon came under police scrutiny due to its perceived anti-British sentiments. Abhiram Paramhansha, along with the publisher and printer, was arrested, charged, and sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment.
After his release in 1935, Abhiram Paramhansha returned to his ashram in Karamala village, where he continued to spread his teachings. He passed away on November 27, 1963, but his legacy lives on, inspiring countless followers who revere him as both a spiritual teacher and a freedom fighter.
Key aspects of Abhiram Paramhansha’s life and teachings:
1. Spiritual leadership: Abhiram Paramhansha was a respected spiritual leader who emphasized the importance of devotion, spiritual growth, and self-realization.
2. Freedom fighter: His book “Kali Bhagabat” contained allegorical references to India’s struggle for independence, earning him recognition as a freedom fighter.
3. Author: Abhiram Paramhansha wrote “Kali Bhagabat,” a influential book that combined metaphysical thoughts with subtle references to India’s freedom struggle.
4. Devotion to Goddess Vana Durga: Abhiram Paramhansha was a devout follower of Goddess Vana Durga, who is said to have appeared to him and imparted divine knowledge.
Modern Brahmagiri:
Brahmagiri, a historic and culturally significant region in Puri district, Odisha, has evolved over time while preserving its rich heritage. Here’s a glimpse into modern Brahmagiri:
Infrastructure and Economy
1. Improved connectivity: Brahmagiri is well-connected to major cities like Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack via road and rail networks.
2. Agriculture and fishing: The region’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with paddy, sugarcane, and vegetables being major crops. Fishing is also a significant occupation, with the nearby Bay of Bengal providing abundant marine resources.
3. Tourism: Brahmagiri’s historical and cultural significance has led to a growing tourism industry, with visitors attracted to its ancient temples, scenic beaches, and spiritual sites.
Education and Healthcare
1. Educational institutions: Brahmagiri has a range of educational institutions, from primary schools to colleges, offering education in various fields, including arts, science, and commerce.
2. Healthcare facilities: The region has access to basic healthcare facilities, including government hospitals, community health centers, and private clinics.
Cultural Significance
1. Festivals and celebrations: Brahmagiri continues to celebrate traditional Odia festivals like the Jagannath Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, and Ganesh Chaturthi with great fervor.
2. Cultural events: The region hosts various cultural events, including music festivals, dance performances, and theater productions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
Challenges and Opportunities
1. Environmental concerns: Brahmagiri faces environmental challenges, such as coastal erosion, pollution, and climate change, which impact its ecosystem and livelihoods.
2. Sustainable development: Efforts are being made to promote sustainable development, including eco-tourism, organic farming, and renewable energy initiatives, to ensure the region’s economic growth while preserving its natural resources and cultural heritage.
In summary, modern Brahmagiri is a vibrant region that blends its rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure, economic development, and social progress, while facing challenges and opportunities in the areas of environmental sustainability and sustainable development