Deulajhari
Deulajhari is the ancient citadel of Saivism. Legends, till green among the folks lace the temple and make it a lively place of spiritual attainment. The legacy of traditions and worships in the temple mirrors a heritage in its past and present flowing in to eternity. The temple has been consecrated amidst dense indigenous-jasmine forest (locally known as Kiabana) that stand as the high walls. To the south of the temple flows the sacred river Chitrotpala, and in the north stands the towering hills of Panchadhara.
The uniqueness of the place lies in its hot springs that surround the temple. As per the ancient records there are eighty-four such springs. But many of them have been overshadowed in the jasmine forest. Now twenty-four springs are alive. Among these the springs bearing the names like Agnikunda, Taptakunda, Himakunda, Amrutakunda and Labakusakunda are prominent ones. The temperature of water in these springs varies from 40 degree Celsius to 62 degree Celsius. In some old historical records the temperature was recorded as high as 134 degree Celsius. The scientific survey reveals that the underneath sulphur layer of earth make the water hot. But the wonder of the nature is that at the same spot we find two springs one containing the hot and the other the cold water. In front of the temple there are two such twin springs containing the hot and cold water. This twin spring is a mystery of the nature. There is constant inter-flow of water between them. But the temperature of both the springs remains constant.
The temple complex covers an area of twenty-four acres of land. The presiding deity Sidheswar Baba adores the main temple. The other important temples in the complex are Kedareswar Baba, Enkari Mata Maa Mahaswari, Sri Maheswar Baba, Sri Jogeswar baba and Maa Khambeswari.
Mythologically, the place is related to the age of Tretaya in which the lord Rama along with Sita Devi and the younger brother Laxman worshiped the Lord Shiva at this place in course of their fourteen years exile life. In the world of spiritualism the place is also viewed as the Adipitha of Lord Jagannath. But how and when this pitha became the saivic place of worship is yet a topic of research among the spiritual fathers.
Historical records show that the presently standing main temple was built by the King Kishore Chandra Deo of Kadamba Dynasty in the year 1936. Subsequently adjacent temples in the premises were built by other benevolent persons and devotees.
Fasts and festivals throughout the year keep the temple and its surroundings lively. The appearance of many saints, sadhus and preceptors at many times fill the atmosphere with divine reverence. In each Amabasya (new moon) and Sankranti (1st day of the month) people from far off villages gather here to offer their obeisance to Sidheswarbaba, the sylvan deity of the temple. Apart from this a large number of people gather in the temple during the months of Baisakha(summer season), Kartika (dewy season) and Magha (winter season). The important fasts and festivals are Panasankranti, Sitalasasthi, Kartika Purnima, Makarmela, & Sivaratri. The other significant feature of this place is Barunisnahanayoga. The Jagannath Panjika is the prevalent Panjika of the temple. As per this panjika in the year 1971 there was a Barunisnahanyoga at this place. The devotees take holly bath in the Baruni stream that flows near the temple.
From the viewpoint of medical science the place bears a great importance. The silent nature with its lackadaisical posters gives a healing touch to the persons suffering from many mental and neurological problems. The water of the hot spring cures skin and nerve diseases. The place also offers many interesting features for Botanical research. The soil and water of the region is not suitable for the growth of normal trees. Yet the place is full of with shrub, greenery and flowers. This geo-climatic condition is a fertile ground for many medical as well as botanical researches.
How to go
Ideally located on the National Highway No. 42, Angul which is 160 km from Bhubaneswar is an important road junction of the State connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal,Sambalpur and Rourkela etc. It is a railhead on the S.E. Railway.The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar which is 160 km from Angul.
Where to stay
Circuit House (Sub- Collector) Ph: 30310
Inspection Bunglow ( PWD) Ph: 30407
Forest Rest House Ph: 303222
Assistance
Tourist Office, Dhenkanal, Ph: 4670, Gram: Orrissatour
