Rourkela: The most auspicious month of Hindus – Shraavana – is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it sees devotees throng Shiva temples across the country to pay their obeisance. The more devout carry water from holy rivers and walk long distances to pour it on Shivalingas with the hope that their prayers will be answered.
Ghoghar Dham at Kansbahal, 25 km from Rourkela is one such Shiva shrine in Odisha. It is one of the most important destinations for the devotees in western Odisha.
During Shraavana month, all roads here lead to Ghoghar Dham as thousands of Bol Bam devotees from neighbouring states, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal along with locals walk with Kanwars to offer Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva.
The pilgrims collect holy water from the Brahamni, which is the confluence of river Shankha, Koel and Saraswati (hidden) and believed to be the abode of Vyas Muni, at Vedvyas before commencing their journey to Ghoghar temple. Kanwariyas believe that once they collect the holy water during the Kanwar Yatra, it should not touch the ground until it is poured over a Shivalinga.
The saffron-clad pilgrims travel barefoot for around 20 km from Vedvyas to Ghoghar with their kanwar carefully balanced on their shoulders while constantly chanting Bol Bam. The chanting gives them the strength to carry on walking.
The temple, situated on the bank of a small river Badjore, is believed to have been built in the 19th century by erstwhile Gangpur rulers. Sprawling over one acre, there are more than 10 small and large subsidiary temples in the courtyard. Today the temple houses various other temples beside Shiva himself. The scenic surroundings and tranquility here are a source of delight.
Legends has it that a Shivalinga emerged here. When the Gangpur king learnt about it he sent two priests to the spot for carrying out regular rituals. Gangpur rulers also allotted lands to the priests for their livelihood. Initially, a small temple with a tin shed was built. It was renovated in 1987 after Rajgangpur and Kansbahal towns developed on either side of the temple. Puri Shankaracharya inaugurated the newly-renovated temple on February 3, 1987.
A seven-member private trust called Shri Ghoghreswar Mahadev Trust was formed in 1999 to look after the affairs related to the temple. Last year, the erstwhile BJD government sanctioned Rs 1.70 crore for its development and some work has begun here.
The novelty of Ghoghar Dham is that only priests belonging to the tribal Bhuiyan community conduct the rituals here. At present, seven priests of four bhuiyan families are engaged in the service of the Lord.
Though devotees visit the temple throughout the year, it sees maximum footfalls during the Shraavana month. More than 10 lakh people visit the temple during this holy month, said Sandeep Agarwal of Temple Management committee.
A fair is also organised on the occasion.
Ceremonies like marriages, mundn, thread ceremonies are performed at this temple.