Podagada Heritage Site in Umerkote Draws National Attention as Survey Team Undertakes Comprehensive Archaeological and Cultural Assessment

Umerkote,July 31 UDN}:: A survey has begun at the historic Podagada Heritage Site, located in Bhandariguda Gram Panchayat under Umerkote Block of Nabarangpur district, by the National Monument Survey of India.

The survey follows a request made by Dr. Kailash Chandra Behera, Chief Advisor of the Podagada Sebayat Charitable Trust, through a letter addressed to the President of India. Acting on the representation and a blueprint submitted for the site’s development, the President reportedly directed the Odisha Tourism Department and the national archaeological authorities to take appropriate steps for the conservation and overall development of Podagada.

The survey team included Sanjeev Hussain and his associate Sunil, who were accompanied by District Culture Officer Ghashia Harijan. Security arrangements were provided by Umerkote Police, led by ASI Kulbhushan Nayak and five constables. Officials from the Umerkote Block Administration, including Additional BDO Jitendra Samal and Junior Engineer Udayanath Murmu, also participated under the direction of BDO Manoj Meher.

Members of the Podagada Sebayat Charitable Trust, including President Uddhab Charan Nayak, Joint Secretary Tulsiram Bhatra, Treasurer Jaladhar Majhi, along with Bharam Bishoi, Deb Pujari, MLA representative and Trust Advisor Sona Majhi, Krishna Pujari, Raising Pujari, Devaraj Pujari, Dasharu Nayak, teachers, and students of Podagada Adarsha Vanavidyalaya welcomed the visiting team.

The survey began with an inspection of the sculptures preserved in the local museum. The team then visited several important heritage locations, including the Gunduru Bhairava Temple, Upper Fort Hill, the Elephant-Binding Stone, Lekhani Stone, ancient rice-pounding pits, Gadi Maa Temple, Devara Paika bow and the king’s ceremonial sword, the king’s shield and sword preserved at Chauria Temple, Bhairava Temple, idols of Bhairava, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Danteswari and Maa Mauli, the Kala Bhairava Temple, and the Yogi Cave.

The officials also photographed an ancient inscription located at B.S. Padar before returning to Nabarangpur.
The survey will continue on the following day with documentation of the Twelve Stone Chariot Wheels, Shiva Linga, Ganesha idol, and the idol of the Twelve-Armed Goddess near the Durdani Temple. All historical details and findings are planned to be officially recorded as part of the heritage documentation process.