Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Shiva At Bhanjanagar Reservoir
Bhanjanagar is located between Berhampur and Phulabani and is known for the old reservoir that serves both domestic as well as irrigation purposes of the communities living in and around the areas of Bhanjanagar, Berhampur and adjoining areas.
Origin
Right from 2006, employees of the Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division started to put away their one day salary voluntarily in a bid to build a statue of Shiva on the Baleshwar Hill. After three years of their hard work, the work was completed and work on the surrounding area was started. Finally, the 61 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva sitting majestically on the tiger skin was opened up to the tourists in 2013 on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. Before opening up the statue to the pilgrims, there were very staunch rituals that were conducted for a continuous five days.
Major Attractions
Statue of Lord Shiva
The statue of Lord Shiva is 61 feet in height and stands proudly on the Baleshwar hill. This statue has the credit of being the tallest Shiva statue in Odisha, the sixth in the entire country and the eighth in the world. The other important point to be noted is that the statue has been built and maintained by the board members of BIDECA - which is Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division Employees cultural Association. This has been solely built by the employees and they have set away one day’s salary every month to get this constructed. The mighty statue seems to be overseeing all the life many feet below and showering his abundant blessings on them.
The 61 feet Shiva statue is also flanked by a Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva that is 15 feet tall. On top of the hill one can also see a temple dedicated to Lord Chandra Sekara Mahadeva. These serve as major attractions for tourists who come to visit the statue of Lord Shiva.
Bhanjanagar Reservoir and Park
The reservoir is a major tourist attraction for people in Bhanjanagar and other parts of Odisha. The reservoir is almost 25 sq. miles. This is a very old reservoir that has been in existence since 1894 and serves the purpose of supplying drinking water in Bhanjanagar as well as the source of water for the cultivation of crops in the Bhanjanagar, Behrampur and Chhatarpur belt. The reservoir is the primary reason for the entire region to be fertile and lush. The reservoir and the tranquility to the place around add more beauty and charm to the Shiv idol on the top of the Beleswar Hill. In an attempt to further enhance tourist activity in and around the place, there are more attractions like boating that have been initiated. The revenue from these projects is directly used to improve the facilities at the park and the temple premises.
Very recently, there is a park that has opened up to entertain kids who accompany their parents to the spot and this is proving to be another interesting venture as there are many play things to distract the children.
Where to Eat
Finding vegetarian food on the hill top is slightly challenging. However, there are small motels offering quality food at foothills. If the tourists come out further into the city, then there are additional options and can find decent hotels that offer good food.
Where to Stay
Hotels in Bhanjanagar offer packages for accommodations with options of pick up from the airport or the railway station and then sightseeing tours as well. It is better to take these package offers as the tourists can then avail of better deals and they will also have a guide who can show the place around better.
Temple Timings
The tourists can visit the statue at any time of the day, but the temple is open from morning to afternoon and again for evening to night. So, the pilgrims can plan their trip in such a way that they are able to see both the statue as well as the temple when they visit the site.
How to Reach
Road
Connected by state highway 7, the statue is seen to the north of the Bhanjanagar and just by the side of the reservoir. There are bus routes plying on Brahmapur and Phulabani sectors and these have stops at Bhanjanagar.
Rail
Brahmapur or Berhampur which is also famous as the city of silk has the nearest railway station if you plan a trip to Bhanjanagar. The site is about 80 kms away from the railway station.
Nearest Airport
Biju Patnaik Airport is the closest airport to Bhanjanagar and is about a hundred and sixty seven kilometers away.
Photo Gallery