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

IPL Auction: KKR Break Bank For Venkatesh On Lucrative Day For Indian Players; Check Top Buys

Mumbai: The first day of the IPL mega player auction at Jeddah threw up several…

November 24, 2024

Odisha Govt Hands Over Case Of Attack On Dharmasala MLA To Crime Branch

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has handed over the investigation into the attack on Dhramasala MLA…

November 24, 2024

Commissionerate Police Issues Traffic Advisory During Winter Session Of Odisha Assembly; Details Here

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate of Police on Sunday issued an advisory for movement of vehicular traffic…

November 24, 2024

Elon Musk Proposal: Fire US Federal Employees Who Want To Work From Home

New York: Now that President-elect Donald Trump has tasked Elon Musk with the responsibility of co-heading…

November 24, 2024

Odisha Govt Warns Of Stern Action For Renting Out Its Quarters

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has warned its employees of stern action for sub-letting their allotted…

November 24, 2024

AR Rahman Best Man In The World, Certifies Saira Banu; Then Why Their Separation?

Mumbai: There has been a lot of talk over AR Rahman and his wife Saira…

November 24, 2024

Process On To Form NODC In 2-3 Months, Says Odisha CM Mohan Majhi

Sundargarh: The North Odisha Development Council (NODC) would be formed in 2-3 months, said Chief…

November 24, 2024

Odisha DGP Reviews Security Arrangements For President’s Visit To Puri

Puri: Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania on Sunday reviewed the security arrangements for…

November 24, 2024