Author Archives: Sevak

Bidal Narasimha

Nrusinghanath Temple – Bargarh

Snap31

The Story of cat form of the Lord Marjara Kesari at Nrusinghnath

http://www.gopaljiu.org/phocadownload/bindu201.pdf

In the Bargarh district of extreme western Orissa is the ancient temple of Lord Nrusinghnath, also known as Bidala Nrusingha, Marjara Kesari, and Marjara Nrusingha. (In Oriya language, bidala and marjara mean “cat”, and kesari means “lion”. Also, Orissans pronounce “Narsimha” with a distinct “u” sound, hence the different spelling). Situated about 300 kilometers from the famous temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri, the Nrusinghnath temple is on top of the famous Gandhamadan hill, where ancient rishis are said to have come to meditate. Some literatures say that gigantic Gandhamardan hill was originally in the Himalayas, but a piece of it fell down in this place when Hanuman was carrying it to Lanka with the herbs required to heal Lakshman.

Snap17

Gandhamadan Hill is also said to be one of the places where the Pandavas visited during their exile. The local tradition about this deity was compiled in the middle of the 18th century by the poet Yuga Das Kondh in his Nrsimha-carita.

Snap18

It is said that in Treta-yuga, there was a rishi named Udanga who was performing austerities on the bank of the Godavari river. He had an attractive young daughter named Malati. One day, Ravan happened to visitand saw the beauty of the young girl. Ravan raped her and threw her into the Godavari River. The Godavari took compassion on her and brought her to the shore. When Malati came to her senses, she began searching for her father and crying. Indura, the mouse carrier of Ganesh, heard her cries and offered to help her reach her parents if she would agree to enjoy with him. From Ravan and Indura, a demon was born named Mushika Daitya (literally, “mouse demon”).

Snap19

The new-born baby was so ferocious that as soon as he came from the womb he immediately devoured his mother. Then he began to perform austerities to please Lord Shiva. Shiva was pleased with him and gave him the boon that he would have no cause of fear from anyone except for Lord Nrisinghadev from Satya-yuga.

Seeing his power, the devas became frightened and appealed to Lord Ramachandra to rescue the universe. Accordingly, Lord Ramachandra manifested the form of Nrisinghadev to catch the demon. Mushika Daitya became fearful and ran from place to place seeking shelter, until finally he appealed to Gandhamadan Hill. The personified Gandhamadan granted shelter to Mushika Daitya, who then entered within a crack in the hill. When Lord Ramachandra later arrived, Gandhamadan requested him not to enter inside the hill to seek out the demon. Lord Ramachandra then assumed the form of Marjara-Keshari, with the head of a cat and the body of a lion, and began guarding the area by the sudanga, or inner door of Gandhamadan. Just as a cat sits quietly by a hole, waiting for a mouse, similarly, Lord Marjara Kesari is still sitting and waiting for the demon Mushika to come out.

Thousands of years later, in Kali Yuga, there was a tribal man named Hari Kondh and his wife Yamuna living near the Gandhamadan Hill. They used to go out every day to collect roots, which they would sell to maintain themselves. One day,Yamuna was digging for roots when she saw blood coming from the ground. She became frightened and ran to tell her husband, when the couple came back to the spot they found milk pouring out. Then they heard a voice, “I am pleased with you. I am Narayan in my cat-lion form, waiting to kill the demon Mushika. Take me from the ground here and have a temple built to protect me.”

They dug in that place and unearthed the deity, and they informed the Chauhan king Baijal Dev, who built a temple for the deity in the 15th century. Since then, the descendents of Hari Kondh are said to have carried on the worship of Lord Nrusinghnath.

There are many interesting and unusual features to this temple. Without anything else to offer the Lord, Hari Kondh and Yamuna are said to have given local wild oranges to Bidala Nrusingha. To this day these fruits are offered to the Lord and are considered as sacred as water from the Ganga. Nrusinghnath is considered to be sacred for both Vaishnavas as well as the followers of Lord Shiva. On the southern side of the hill is a deity of Shiva named Hari Shankar, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lakshman. There are also deities of Shiva named Gupteswar and Jala Mahadeva on the tops of two nearby hills. The Nrsimha Carita describes that Bidala Nrusingha has the goddess Chandi on his chest, Somlai on his back [Somlai is a deity of Shakti worshiped in western Orissa], and 64 yoginis in each one of his hairs.

Other details – Sri Nrusinghanath, the great temple of Orissa in India, is situated at the foot hills of Gandhamardhan Hill in Bargarh. The King of Patnagarh, Baijal Singh Dev laid foundation of this historic temple in 1313 A.D. It is only 45 feet in height, divided into two parts: the first being the seat of the Lord Nrusinghnath, the second alloted to Jagamohan (anti-chamber having 3 gates and each supported by 4 pillars).

Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity of Orissa and a great fair is held in his honour on the 14th day of bright fortnight in the month of Vaisakha.

Snap20

Snap23

The Vidala-Nrusimha temple stands amidst the verdant beauty of the picturesque Gandhamardan hills. Nrusinghanath is a popular and attractive pilgrim point. Coupled with a series of beautiful waterfalls and some sculptures, its location offers an air of serenity and visual delight, making the trip worthwhile. The present temple, located at the source of the Papaharini stream.

Snap21

Site of the temple is unique. Stone steps wind up the hillside behind the temple, leading past a waterfall, and eventually curving under the falls to a spot where some beautiful, and very wellpreserved relief sculptures are found.

Snap22

The climb up and down journey to the carvings will take about an hour. Since shoes are not permitted on these sanctified pilgrimage steps, those with tender feet should take along a pair of heavy socks for the climb. On the opposite slope of the hill on which the temple is located, is the Harishankar temple. Between the two temples there is a 16 km plateau, littered with Buddhist ruins that scholars feel may be the remains of the ancient university of Parimalagiri.

Snap24

In temple complex you can see Chaldhar (waterfall), Bhimdhar (waterfall), 9th and 11th century god and goddess sculptures. A 16km stone step going towards Harishankar temple, in the way you can visit Sitakunda, Panchu Pandav caves, Kapildhar (waterfall), Suptadhar (waterfall), Satyaamb, Bhim Madua, Happy Point (top hill).

Snap26

There is also an excellent garden named Hanuman Vatika just near the temple. A small market is placed where you can buy toys, bangles, some local gifts and religious items. You can take prasad just outside temple main gate (Singha Dwara or Lion Gate)

Snap27

A huge number of monkeys are inside temple complex, so beware to them for your cameras, food items, prasad etc., You also can get accomodation in temple complex.

Snap28

You can also get free prasad (Harihar Pangat) at 12 pm inside temple complex. Temple remains open from 4 am to 12 pm and then 2 pm to 6 pm.

Snap30

How to reach: From Balangir, take road towards Padampur. Then on Padampur, left turn towards Paikamal (25kms). On Paikamal take left turn towards Nrusinghanath Temple Rd (3kms).

Snap31

The famous 15th century temple, Nurshinghanath is 164kms from Sambalpur. It is about 110 km west of Baragarh and 64 km from Sambalpur via Baragarh.

Nrusimhanath is famous for the Vidala Nrusimhanath temple and waterfalls.

It is about 32 km south-west of Padampur and 3 km from Paikmal. Khariar Road Railway Station is a railhead under the administrative control of South Eastern Railways. The station is located in the heart of the town.

Samta Express, Visakhapatnam-Raipur Passenger, Raipur-Khariar Road Passenger, Puri-Ahmedabad Express, Puri-Adi Express, Visakhapatnam-Durg Passenger and Kesinga-Khariar Road Passenger are the prominent running trains.

Computerized passenger reservation service offered. Contact: Sanatan Nayak (Tourist Officer) Phone : 0663-2411118 Mobile : 9437358226

Nipa Kunda

There used to be many kadamba trees on the banks of this kunda. Many of their leaves were in the shape of cups. It is said that Krishna and the cowherd boys would use the leaves of these trees to eat on. There is only one kadamba tree here now. Nipa means "kadamaba trees." This kunda is just about dried up. There is a well next to the kunda where water from Nipa Kunda can be gotten.

Getting there- This kunda is between the paved road and Govinda Kunda. If you are standing facing Govinda Kunda, this kunda is directly behind you, on the other side of the Radha Govinda Temple. Most people do not know about this kunda.

Bhadrak

Bhaktivinod Thakur lived for sometime in Bhadrak. (Ref books– Bhaktivinod Vani Vaibhav and Seventh Goswami). In March, 1860, Bhaktivinod Thakur ( that time Kedarnatha Dutta) moved his family to Bhadrak taking the position of headmaster for forty-five rupees a month. So he left Cuttack for Bhadrak where he had a house constructed and brought his family. Here His mother had contracted epilepsy, and the disease gradually grew worse. An Orissan brahmana came to Bhadrak to recite the Ramayana, and hearing the news of Kedaranatha’s mother’s disease, he made a preparation with sandalwood and oil mixed with conch powder and gave it to her. His mother was quickly cured and became very healthy again. Kedaranatha amply rewarded the brahmana, and everyone was satisfied and happy. During his stay in Bhadrak, Kedaranatha wrote a book called Math’s of Orissa which was published in 1860. One of the final requests of his grandfather had been that he tour the temples of Orissa, so when Kedaranatha journeyed to Puri, he visited all of the major temples in Orissa en route, keeping a careful record of all that he observed. The book was made of this records. Sir William Hunter, a reputed British historian, took note of and praised the book in his own book, Orissa, which was published in 1872.

In 1860, his first son, Annada, was born here in Bhadrak, and on 18th December he received a fifth grade teacher’s appointment in Midnapur. So for Midnapore having stayed in Bhadrak for over 9 months.

Many years later in November1877, Kedarnatha dutta was again transferred to Bhadrak and was promoted there as Deputy Magistrate. While he was resident in Bhadrak, Mr. Robbins wrote him a very affectionate letter from Orissa, practically begging him to return to Puri. On July 11, 1878, the Government issued the Thakura Summary Power and in August transferred him to Narail.

Srila Prabhupad with Jayapataka Swami on Bhadrak: Just a few hundred yards from the place of mandir, Lord Caitanya was staying for five days. Then about two miles away on another occasion; He stayed at a RadhaMadanamohan or some mandir. Lord Caitanya’s been going there on occasion. This place is mentioned in Caitanya-Caritamrta. And the people who have given us the temple, they are the descendants of the devotee with whom Lord Caitanya stayed with. They’re the same family. And so they’re very enthusiastic and they want to give all help. Although it’s a small place, they’ve already made a couple of members, life patron members, and they’re trying to collect donation. There’s a college there, and some of the professors of the college come regularly to the temple, and they are chanting japa and they’re bringing their students and other colleagues.

Prabhupada: Good field. Lord Chaitanya visits Bhadrak and gives his shawl. Lord Chaitanya visits Bhadrak with Ramananda Raya on his first attempt to go to Vrindavan.

Snap11

In the village of Santra, near Bhadraka, a devotee named Yasodanandana Nyayalankara installed the Deity of Madana Mohana.

One His way to Vrindavana, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed with Ramananda Raya at this temple for five days. The temple is situated on the bank of the river Kalindi (shalindi) and the ghat where Mahaprabhu bathed is still known as Gauranga-ghat.

Snap14

At that time Ganga-narayana Vacaspati, a descendant of the above mentioned Yasodanandana, was the sevaite of the Deity. Sri Caitanya mahaprabhu showered His grace upon Ganganarayana by giving His own cloth to the latter. That piece of cloth is still being preserved in the temple there in a box. Every year on the the day of Hera Pancami, on the occasion of the disappearance anniversary of Ganganarayana Thakura, this piece of cloth is taken out from the box for everyone to take darshan. Thousands of people come on this day for beholding the sacred darshan of Mahaprabhu’s cloth. Santia is four miles away from Bhadraka station.
 mahaprabhus-cloth-in-box (1)
While Bhaktivinod Thakur wasworking as headmaster in Bhadrak,he regularly visited this temple and used to sit at a particular place and do his bhajan.

Snap15

Lord Chaitanya bades farewell to Ramananda Raya in Bhadrak to make his attempt to visit Vrindavan. Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya lila16th Chapter describes the beautiful incident of separation-

Text 153
ei-mata cali’ prabhu ‘remuna’ aila
tatha haite ramananda-raye vidaya dila

Translation
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu finally arrived at Remuna, where He bade farewell to Sri Ramananda Raya.

Purport
It was stated in the firstchapter of Madhya-lila, verse 149, that Ramananda Raya was bade farewell from Bhadraka. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura states that in those days the place called Remuna also included Bhadraka.

Text 154
bhumete padila raya nahika cetana
raye kole kari’ prabhu karaye krandana

Translation
When Ramananda Raya fell to the ground and lost consciousness, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took him upon His lap and began to cry.

Text 155
rayera vidaya-bhava na yaya sahana kahite na pari ei tahara varnana

Translation
Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s feelings of separation from Ramananda Raya are very difficult to describe. Indeed, it is almost intolerable to do so, and therefore I cannot describe them further.

Jhulan (Govardhana) Shila

Radha Krishna On Govardhan

If you proceed along the side of Govardhana Hill you come to a large Govardhana-shila. On the shila is Radha and Krishna sitting on a swing being pushed by Radha's girlfriends. This shila is not so easy to find.