Nrusinghnath
Located in the sacred Gandhamardan Hills Bargarh District Odisha, which according to legends, Hanuman carried on his shoulders from the Himalayas as described in the ancient epic Ramayana, it is an important pilgrimage site. The present temple located at the source of the Papaharini stream is a 14 th century structure built on a more ancient site. The temple is unique and the 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 well preserved relief structures are found. This paradise is located at a distance of 120 km from Bargarh. A murmuring rivulet enshrines the shrine forming a series of waterfalls at different stages- Bhimadhar, Gadadhar, Guptadhar, Pitrudhar, Kapiladhar and Chaldhar. Green forests where wildlife roam free, the spectacle of the Harishankar temple on the ranges just opposite to the Nrusinghanth temple and many picturesque Buddhist monument in between these two opposite ranges make a travel to this place really worthwhile. One can enjoy the waterfall and offer his devotion to the Lord at the same time. Needless to say, the place ranks high among tourists and picnickers.
There is also a excellnt garden named Hanuman Vatika just near the temple. A small market is placed their, where you can buy toys, bangles, some local gifts and religious items. You can take Prasad just outside of Temple Main Gate (Singha Dwara or Lion Gate).
Nrusinghnath, the only instance of its kind in the world, is a place where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in a feline incarnation. As it is a lone pilgrim spot, it captivates and draws the attention of many people with its magical charms.
On the opposite slope of the hill on which the temple is located, is the Harishankar Temple as well Harishankar Waterfall. 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, referred to by the seventh-century Chinese traveler Hiuen T’sang as ‘Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li’. The trek along this plateau is a long one, but for the serious student of history, it is an unforgettable experience.
How to go & Where to stay
The Bargarh district headquarter is on the National Highway No.6 running from Kolkata to Mumbai, hence well connected to the rest of the country with comfortable road. There is a Railway Station and the nearest Airport is Raipur (220 Kms) & Bhubaneswar (350 Kms).
Nrusinghnath is about 110 km from Bargarh and 64 km from Sambalpur via Baragarh. Bargarh town is on the National Highway No. 6 and 59 K.m from Sambalpur.Both Sambalpur and Bargarg are well-connected by bus to other major cities of the state such as Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Rourkela and Cuttack.The best period of the year to visit this place is between October to March. During this period the Dhanu Yatra Festival (World’s biggest open air theatre) is observed here. There is an Inspection Bungalow at Paikmal, which is 50 km from Khariar Road Railway Station and 29 km from Padampur.
There is a Panthashala(Tel: 06684-222436) at Nrusinghnath for accommodation.
