Gupteswar Mahadev is a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Koraput district of Odisha. The cave Temple is situated on a limestone hill and is about 80 km away from Koraput town. The cavernous interior of the temple enshrines a huge 'lingam'. The cave is a multi-chambered wonder and is also popularly known as Gupta Kedra Shabari. The main attraction of the temple is the gigantic Shiva Linga which is said to be increasing in size. The temple is situated amidst picturesque surroundings, with lush green forests and streams flowing nearby, making it a popular destination for nature lovers as well. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Gupteswar Mahadev and explore its history, significance, and attractions.
The Cave Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. The temple is situated on a limestone hill and has a multi-chambered interior.
History of Gupteswar Mahadev
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram visited this cave temple during his exile. It is believed that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita took refuge in this cave temple during their stay in the forest. The temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile in the forest. The cave temple has also been mentioned in the Skanda Purana, an ancient Hindu text.
Significance of Gupteswar Mahadev
Gupteswar Mahadev is considered to be a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva at this temple can fulfill their wishes and bring them peace, prosperity, and happiness. The cave temple also holds great importance in the lives of the tribal communities of the region.
Attractions at Gupteswar Mahadev
Apart from the temple itself, Gupteswar Mahadev has several other attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. The temple is located in a cave, and visitors have to climb down a flight of stairs to reach it. The cave is quite dark, and visitors are advised to carry a torch or use the flashlight on their phones.
One of the most popular attractions at Gupteswar Mahadev is the natural Shivling, which is formed by a stalagmite inside the cave. This Shivling is believed to have been formed by Lord Shiva himself, and it is considered very auspicious. The Shivling is bathed with water and milk by devotees, and it is said to have healing powers.
Another attraction at Gupteswar Mahadev is the waterfall located nearby. The waterfall is known as Badaghagara and is about 60 feet high. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, and visitors can take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
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How to reach Gupteswar Mahadev
Gupteswar Mahadev is located in the Koraput district of Odisha and is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is in Visakhapatnam, which is about 230 km away, and the nearest railway station is in Koraput, which is about 55 km away. From Koraput, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gupteswar Mahadev.
There are several nearby attractions that you can explore when you visit the Gupteshwar Mahadev temple in the Koraput district of Odisha. Some of them are:
Deomali: It is the highest peak in Odisha and is located at a distance of 60 km from Koraput.
Jagannath Sagar Dam: It is located at a distance of 15 km from Koraput and is a popular picnic spot.
Kolab Botanical Garden: It is located at a distance of 5 km from Koraput and is a beautiful garden with a variety of flora.
Conclusion
Gupteswar Mahadev is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu mythology and spirituality. The temple's historical significance, natural surroundings, and popular attractions make it a perfect destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers. If you're planning a trip to Odisha, be sure to add Gupteswar Mahadev to your itinerary.
