Nabarangpur, July 30 UDN}:: A survey by the National Monuments Survey of India has begun at the historic Podagada site, located in Bhandariguda Gram Panchayat under Umerkote Block of Nabarangpur district.
In this regard, Dr. Kailash Chandra Behera, Chief Advisor of the Podagada Sebayat Charitable Trust, had submitted a letter to the Hon’ble President of India, requesting attention to the historic site. The Hon’ble President gave due importance to Dr. Behera’s request and examined the blueprint of Podagada that had been submitted. Subsequently, letters were sent to the Odisha Tourism Department and the Archaeological Department for the overall development and preservation of Podagada.
As part of the survey, District Culture Officer Mr. Ghasia Harijan, along with Sanjeev Hussain, who had arrived from the national level, and his associate Sunil, visited the site. They were accompanied by Umerkote Police Station ASI Kulbhushan Nayak and five police constables. Following the directions of Umerkote Block Development Officer Mr. Manoj Meher, Additional Block Development Officer Mr. Jitendra Samal and Junior Engineer Mr. Udayanath Murmu also participated in the survey.
Members of the Podagada Sebayat Charitable Trust, including President Mr. Uddhav Charan Nayak, Joint Secretary Tulsiram Bhatra, Treasurer Mr. Jaladhar Majhi, Bharat Bisoi, Deba Pujari, Jharigam MLA representative and Trust Advisor Mr. Sona Majhi, Krishna Pujari, Rising Pujari, Debraj Pujari and Dasaru Nayak, along with all the teachers and students of Podagada Adarsha Forest School, welcomed the visiting team.
The survey work formally commenced today. The team first examined the ancient idols and artefacts preserved in the museum. Later, the team visited the Gunduru Bhairav Temple and climbed the Uppergarh hill. During the visit, the survey team inspected several historically significant sites and objects, including the Hatibandha stone, Lekhani stone, the grain-pounding pits, Gadimai Temple, Devara Paik’s bow and the king’s ceremonial sword. The team also examined the king’s shield and sword preserved at the Chauria Temple.
The team subsequently visited the Bhairav Temple, where they examined the idols of Bhairav, Lord Ganesha, Maa Danteswari and Mauli, followed by a visit to the Kala Bhairav Temple and Yogi Cave. The team also photographed the inscriptions located at B.S. Padar before returning to Nabarangpur for the day.
The survey is scheduled to continue tomorrow. The team plans to photograph the twelve traditional bullock-cart wheels, Shiva Lingas, Ganesha idols and the idol of the twelve-armed goddess located near the Baragada Durdani Temple. Following the completion of the survey, all available historical information and archaeological evidence related to the Podagada heritage site are expected to be systematically documented and recorded.
The survey is being viewed as an important step towards documenting, preserving and promoting the rich historical, archaeological and cultural heritage of Podagada and developing the site as a significant heritage and tourism destination in Nabarangpur district.
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