 Boudh district in Orissa is a paradise for devotees and nature lovers. The place is famous for its century old temples, ancient Buddha statues and caves. The spread of Shaivism, Vaishnavism and numerous other cults and shrines dedicated to various deities were found in the region. There are numerous places of tourist attraction in Boudh, namely, Buddha Statue, Ramanath Temple, Jogindra Villa Palace, Hanuman Temple, Chandra Chuda and Matengeswar Temple, Bhiarabi and Madan Mohan temple, Jagannath temple, Debagarh, Jagati, Purunakatak, Padmatola Sanctuary and Satakosia Gorge, Dambarugada, Nayakpada Cave etc.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Boudh District Three Buddhist statues are found in Boudh indicates that it was once a centre of Buddhist culture. One of the statues is present in Boudh town. The total height of this image is 6ft. 9 inches of which the seated figure measures 4 ft. 3 inches in height and 3 ft. 10 inches from knee to knee. It is seated in the Bhumisparsa Mudra on a lotus throne 1 ft. 2 inches in height placed on a pedestal. The whole image is built up in sections with carved stones. The only attendant figures are two Gandharvas flying with garlands in their hands on the sides of the head. At a distance of 40 km. from Boudh town the image of Budhha is in the village Shyamsundarpur. The height of statue is 5 feet and the image is in the same posture as in Boudh town. Locally it is known as Jharabaudia Mahaprabhu. The other Budhha statue is also seen in the village Pragalapur which is at a distance of 2 km. from Shyamsundarpur. The height of this statue is 3.5 ft. In the left hand side of the statue there are 3 numbers of invisible image and on the right hand side their lies five numbers of image called Ugratara.  A group of three temples of Lord Shiva are situated at Boudh town called the Rameswar or Ramanath temples, dating back to the 9th century A.D. The decorative motifs and the plastic art of three temples at Boudh are certainly superior to and older than the great Lingaraja -Ananta -Vasudeva group. Their plan is quite different from any other temples. In plan these temples are eight-rayed stars and the Argha-Pattas of the Lingas are also similar. These magnificent temples were built of red sandstone and profusely carved. The temples with rich texture and curved surfaces are strikingly noteworthy.
Bhiarabi and Madan Mohan temples are built nearby the palace of the ex-ruler of Boudh. In Bhairabi temple goddess Bhairabi has been worshipped. In Madan Mohan temples idol of Radha-Krishna has been worshipped. Gayatri Pragnya Mandir is also situated nearby to these temples. Jagannath temple is one of the ancient temples of Orissa. It is situated at the heart of Boudh town. Here Ratha Yatra is celebrated with large pompous and show. Jagati is situated at a distance of 16 Km. from Boudh. The twin temples of Nilamadhava and Sidheswar were situated near the village at Gandhradi. These temples were constructed under the patronage of the Bhanja rulers of Khinjali mandala in 9th century A.D. The two temples were built on one platform which is exactly similar to each other. The one on the left hand is dedicated to Siva named Siddheswar and its sikhara is surmounted by a Shivalinga. The second is dedicated to Vishnu named Nilamadhava and its sikhara is surmounted by a wheel of blue chlorite. The principle of construction of the jagamohanas at Gandharadi is slightly different than that of other temples. Their roofs are built on the cantilever principle and originally it appears to have been supported on twelve large pillars arranged as a hollow square.  Purunakatak is situated at a distance of 30 Km. from Boudh on Boudh-Bhubaneswar road. Goddess Bhairabi is the presiding deity of Boudh District. Durga puja festival is observed here for sixteen days. Just opposite to the Bhairabi temple is the temple of Maheswar Mahadev.
Hanuman Temple is situated in the midst of the Mahanadi River to the east of Boudh town. The Hanuman temple was constructed by a religious follower and was constructed with charitable donations. This shrine was constructed on a large stone. The temple commands a beautiful view, especially during rain when the Mahanadi is in full flow
The Chandra Chuda and Matengeswar temple are situated on the bank of river Mahanadi in Boudh town. Both the temples are Shiva temples. In the Matengeswar temple there is also separate temple for goddess Parvati.
Leisure Tourism in Boudh District Jogindra Villa Palace is the palace of ex-Ruler of Boudh locally known as Rajabati. This was constructed during the reign of Raja Jogindra Dev, who a generous ruler. The palace is a picturesque and a strong building commanding a fine view of Mahanadi. The Padmatola Sanctuary in the district can be reached from Charichhak 43 km. east on the Bhubaneswar -Balangir road and by a fair weather road from Daspalla. The distance of this place from Boudh town is 80 Km. To the end of this sanctuary the majestic Satakosia Gorge with its lush green forests and rich wild life is located. The crocodile sanctuary set up at Tikarapada, located on the left bank of the gorge is an added attraction of this place. The meandering Mahanadi, flowing amidst the hills forms here the mightiest gorge in India, measuring 22 km long. This is an ideal place for boating, angling and adventure. Goddess Binikeyee, the presiding deity of Satakosia gorge is enshrined at the entrance. She is seen in the form of a four armed Chamundi and is worshipped according to Tantric rites. The Dambarugada Mountain is situated at a distance of 21 Km. from Boudh town toward Boudh -Balangir road. The name the place is Sangrampur. The river Mahanadi flows down the mountain. The mountain gives a curve look from all of its side. The height of the mountain is 70 feet. On the top it there is a temple of Chiatanya deva. The Nayakpada Cave is located at a distance of 12 Km. from Boudh town in the Boudh-Bhubaneswar road. This cave was said to have been associated with mythology. Once upon a time this cave was ashram of sadhus. The forest here is in rich of different types of flora and fauna. 
Visiting Information on Boudh District How to Reach Boudh District Boudh is well connected with road and rail with other district headquarter and the state capital Bhubaneshwar. Air: The nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar. Rail: Regular train services are available from Bhubaneshwar, like Bhubaneshwar - Sambalpur Intercity Express, Hirakud Express, Puri-Sambalpur passenger train. To reach Boudh one has to get down at Rairakhole station. From here one has to travel around 27 Km. either by Bus or taxi to reach Boudh. Road: The distance of Boudh from Bhubaneshwar is 240 Km. |
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