subarnapur

Location: Subarnapur District, 277-kms from Bhubaneswar, Orissa
Also known As: Paschima Lanka
Language Spoken: Oriya, Hindi, English and Tribal languages.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Situated on the confluence of the rivers Mahanadi and Tel, Sabarnapur, known as Paschima Lanka in scriptures is the headquarters town of Subarnapur district. A small but nicely laid out town; it enshrines goddess 'Lankeswari Darha'.
Cruising and fishing in the gorge by country boats afford pleasant experiences. The soaring pinnacles of various temples like 'Subarnameru', 'Rameswar', 'Pancharath' etc. adorn the skyline of Subarnapur. The temple of 'Gnyanadei Maluni', which has no opening at all, bespeaks of the tantric practices that once flourished in this land.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Binika (32-kms): The name Binika has been derived from Binitapura, which was a prosperous town in eastern India in mediaeval times. In earth 10th century AD it was the Headquarters of 'Somavamsi Kesharies' of south Kosala. The ruins of 'Tarapurgada', a medieval fort, are found with a deep moat connected with the Mahanadi along with other relics of historic importance. 4-kms. To the South of 'Binika', 'Papakshaya Ghat', on the river Mahanadi, houses the shrine of Lord Gopal. The popular belief goes that a dip in the Mahanadi at this Ghat washes way all sins.

Charada (35-kms): It is famous for the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Kapileswar Shiva. 'Ananga Bhima Deva' II (1211-1238 AD) is known to have constructed this temple after a win over the 'Kalachuris'. The image of Goddess Charadei, the presiding deity of the place dates back to 5th/ 6th century AD festivals like 'Shivaratri', 'Hanu Yatra' etc. are celebrated here with great fervor.

Khaliapali (25-kms): Khaliapali, noted for the Monastery of Bhima Bhoi, is a religious center of 'Mahima' cult. After the death of Bhima Bhol a follower made Khaliapali their principal religious center. 'Magha Chaturdasi' festival is celebrated here with great pomp and pageantry like 'Joranda' in Dhenkanal district.

Baidyanath (14-kms): Baidyanath, a place of historic importance, is situated picturesquely on the left bank of river Tel. Lord Kosaleswar Shiva; the presiding deity of the place is worshipped in a modern shrine after the fall of the old one. But the existing porch reveals excellent craftsmanship of mediaeval art dating back to 10th century AD the place draws an enormous crowd on the occasion of Shivaratri.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar, which is 277-kms away from Subarnapur.

Rail: Nearest railhead is at Balangir on SE Railway, 48-kms from the town.

Road: Subarnapur is connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhgampur and other places.

Nearby Cities

Baidyanath: 14-km
Khalipali: 25-km
Charada: 35-km
Binika: 32-km
Balangir: 48-km