Indus Valley Times

12 lawmakers visit the holy peak to spotlight its breathtaking splendours

By Nalini Sahu

Mahendragiri, Dec.17 : A 12-member delegation of Odisha legislators, led by steel and mines minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, undertook a two-day visit to the sacred and ecologically rich Mahendragiri in Gajapati district, underscoring renewed efforts to develop the ancient mountain into a prominent destination for spiritual tourism and nature-based travel. The delegation comprised 11 members from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and one legislator from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), reflecting a shared interest in highlighting the site’s immense cultural and environmental value.

Rising majestically to a height of 1,501 metres (4,925 feet), Mahendragiri is the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha and second only to Deomali in elevation. Commanding sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the mountain is celebrated not only for its scenic grandeur but also for its rich biodiversity and deep-rooted mythological associations. Over centuries, Mahendragiri has earned its place as a revered eco-heritage site, where dense forests, rare flora and tranquil surroundings converge with faith and folklore.

Among those accompanying the minister were fisheries and animal resources minister Gokulananda Mallik, government chief whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, and legislators Nilamani Bishoyi, Uma Charan Mallick, Rupesh Panigrahi, Babu Singh, Pratap Nayak, Bijay Dalbehera, Durga Prasanna Nayak, Dusmanta Kumar Swain and Chhabi Mallick. The visit followed the recent inauguration of 10 eco-retreat cottages by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, a move seen as a milestone in promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Describing the mountain as a timeless spiritual landmark, minister Jena said Mahendragiri represents far more than a geographical feature. “It is a living repository of mythology, spirituality and pristine natural beauty. Since ancient times, sages and ascetics have sought solitude here for penance and meditation, drawn by the serenity of the forests and the sanctity of the peak,” he said.

Mahendragiri occupies a prominent place in Hindu mythology and is believed to be the site where Lord Parashurama performed intense austerities. References to the mountain appear in ancient scriptures and Puranas, reinforcing its sacred status. At the summit stands an ancient Shiva temple, a focal point of devotion that attracts pilgrims throughout the year. The region is also dotted with several other shrines, including the Bhim, Kunti, Yudhisthir and Hanuman temples, along with the Gokarneswar Temple and the sacred pond Lalita Puskarini.

During festivals such as Mahashivaratri, the mountain comes alive as devotees undertake arduous treks through misty forests to offer prayers at the summit. “For many pilgrims, the journey itself becomes an act of devotion, blending physical endurance with spiritual fulfilment,” temple priests said.

Beyond its religious significance, Mahendragiri captivates visitors with its cool climate, rolling hills, medicinal plants and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. The mountain is also home to indigenous tribal communities, including the Sabar tribe, whose traditions and way of life reflect a deep harmony with nature and local spiritual practices.

With Mahendragiri included in the Ramayan Circuit announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the site has gained added developmental importance. Minister Jena said the state government is committed to developing Mahendragiri as a confluence of nature and spirituality, while ensuring that ecological balance and spiritual sanctity remain intact.

Standing at the crossroads of myth and modernity, Mahendragiri offers a rare ascent—one that leads beyond altitude into the soul of Odisha’s cultural and natural heritage.