Second Highest Mountain Peak of ODISHA, India
MAHENDRA GIRI PEAK.
History:-
Mahendragiri peak of Eastern Ghats is associated with many mythological legends as per Hindu Puranas and stories. It was said since a long as once Lord Parshuram used to stay and meditate Lord Shiva for a long time on this mountain; after which he received the Parsu(double-axle) from the God.
In addition, during Dwapara Yug, Mother Kunti along with her five sons used to stay here for a certain time during their 12 years of Vanvas(exile); and Bhima used to worship the Lord Shiva here too.
The holistic place is though famous for the temple of Lord Shiva and Parshuram. Parshuram temple is at below the mountain, near Tumba village; whereas temples of Kunti, Yudhistir and Bheema are on the hilltop. In Kunti temple, there is a Gokarneswar Linga (ear of cow shaped); in which whatever amount of water poured, gets disappear.
I rode to Mahendra Giri on bike. This route is most toughest route of Odisha.
This is last part .
Mahendra Giri is second highest mountain peak of Odisha at 4925 feet above sea level. It is in Gajapati District of Odisha.
It has triple top. And the view of top is mesmerizing.
This is view of MahendraGiri from far.
There are three peaks at MahendraGir.
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Bhima Temple peak
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Arjun Temple peak
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Jagannath Tempe Peak
This view is from first peak ie Bhima Temple peak.
How to reach Mahendra Giri? :-
There are two roads to reach Mahendra Giri top. One is via Samantiapalli – Gopinathpur which can be via Barhampur or via Ichchapuram. Another one is via Kainpur which can be via Gandhahati- Paralakhemundi- Palasa or via Goppilli- Palasa. But either way you need to reach at Burakhat which is the base.
There is no option for night stay at Burakhat. But you can stay at Ashram near Kunti Temple or if you have tent with you, then its better. Old water wells are there near Ashram so plenty of water available there. But Ashram can accommodate around 20 people in a big hut. Blankets are there at Ashram. But if you carry vegetables and some food for Ashram, then it will be of great help to Ashram.
Sri Bhaskar Baba is currently in charge of this Ashram.
Last 5 km from Burakhat to Mahendra Giri top is a basically an off road, where people go trekking. 4x4 vehicles can go there.
Sunset from MahendraGiri is mesmerising.
There is an Ashram near Kunti Temple. You can stay there for night. There are three big well there for water.
This is view from Ashram.
View from First top.
This 3 rd top ie Jagannath Temple Top.
This lion king moment of mine was captured from Second top.
Where is this Mahendra Giri ?
Mahendra Giri Google co-ordinates / address:
18.967082, 84.365730.
Do visit this hidden beauty of Odisha, India.