Odisha

INTACH Team Stumbles Upon 1700-Yr-Old Hanuman Idol In Odisha’s Paralakhemundi

By
Sunil Patnaik

Berhampur: The researchers of Odisha chapter of Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have discovered a ‘neglected and dilapidated’ ancient Hanuman idol dating back to 4th or 5th century at Patikota village near JITM, on the outskirt of Paralakhemundi in Odisha’s Gajapati district, about 130-km from here.

According to INTACH researchers, the idol dates back to the period when ‘Mathara’ dynasty had flourished near Mahendragiri area and is more than 1700 years old. The idol structure which is lying under a tree is in a very neglected state and it might break into pieces if conservation steps are not initiated at the earliest, they added.

INTACH has requested the Odisha Government to initiate proper steps to preserve the ancient Hanuman idol.

The INTACH team including project coordinator Anil Dhir, Dipak Kumar Naik and Bikram Kumar Naik visited the place. They were accompanied by the local heritage and cultural researcher Bishnu Mohan Adhikari.

According to Bishnu Mohan Adhikari, rulers of ‘Mathara’ dynasty, including Ananta Verma, Chanda Verma and others, have had established many idols of Hanuman, Shiva and Bishnu in and around Mahendragiri area. “We still have 9 ancient idols of Hanuman at Paralakhemundi and more than 20 in Mahendragiri area,” he said.

He further claimed that the name of the present Patikota village was Parikutagada and every ruler of ‘Mathara’ dynasty worshipped the Hanuman idol prior to setting out for the battlefield. “The Hanuman was also called Paikaray Swamy for the purpose,” he added.

Sunil Patnaik

Recent Posts

Low Pressure Over Bay Of Bengal In 48 Hours; Check Forecast For Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a…

November 8, 2024

Congress Activists Hurl Eggs At Odisha HE Minister’s Residence In Bhubaneswar; Know Why

Bhubaneswar: Activists of the students’ wing of Odisha Congress staged a demonstration and threw eggs…

November 8, 2024

Love Jihad? Kashmiri Youth Held In Bhubaneswar For ‘Blackmailing’ Woman For Marriage

Bhubaneswar: Mahila Police in Bhubaneswar on Friday detained a Kashmiri Muslim youth, Samir Mansoor, for…

November 8, 2024

Woman RI Faints After Tehsildar’s Phone Call In Odisha; Husband Moves Police Alleging Mental Torture

Keonjhar: A woman Revenue Inspector (RI) reportedly fainted after Ghasipura Tehsildar in Odisha’s Keonjhar district…

November 8, 2024

Rs 7.3 Lakh Looted From GSK Employee In Broad Daylight In Odisha’s Balangir

Balangir: In a daring act, unidentified miscreants allegedly looted Rs 7.3 lakh cash from a…

November 8, 2024

Don’t Give Into Blackmailing, Immediately Report To Police: Cuttack DCP

Cuttack: Following the alleged gangrape of a college girl, Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena on Friday…

November 8, 2024

Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter Wants To Leave US; Here’s Why?

New Delhi: Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of Elon Musk, says she is leaving…

November 8, 2024

Fact Check: ‘Secret Memo’ Links Indian Diplomats With Violent Crimes In West?

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stated that a ‘secret memo’ that…

November 8, 2024