Nabarangpur, March 17: Podagada, a heritage site dating back to the 5th century, is now lying neglected. Many ancient stone slabs, inscriptions, and stone idols have reportedly been stolen. Earlier, a news report titled “Ruins Narrate the History of the Nala Dynasty” was published highlighting the site’s condition.
Following the report, human rights activist Anup Patra has tweeted to the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, State Culture Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, District Collector, and other authorities, demanding the restoration of the Podagada heritage site. Podagada is located about 52 km from Nabarangpur.
During the reign of the Nala dynasty kings, deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the presiding deity Goddess Gadima were worshipped here. However, many Shiva Lingas that were once worshipped are no longer visible. Some inscriptions, stone carvings, and sculptures have been preserved in a nearby museum close to Panjuri village. The condition of the museum is also dilapidated, and many stone carvings have been joined together.
As the original idol resembling the king has been damaged, a cement idol of the presiding deity Goddess Gadima is now being worshipped atop a 500-foot-high hill. However, there are no proper steps or access roads to reach the hilltop. Basic amenities for tourists such as drinking water, electricity, and rest facilities are also lacking.
Although a massive rock surface bears several ancient inscriptions, their preservation has not been given due importance. Human rights activist Anup Patra, INTACH Koraput Zone Chapter President Ajit Patra, and researcher Dr. Paresh Rath have urged the State Departments of Culture, Archaeology, and Tourism to pay attention to this heritage site, ensure its comprehensive development, and include information about it in academic curricula.
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