Berhampur

Brahmapur (old name Berhampur)
—  city  —
Brahmapur (old name Berhampur)
Location of Brahmapur (old name Berhampur)
in Odisha
Coordinates
Country  India
State Odisha
District(s) Ganjam
Population 702,672 (2009)
Official languages Oriya
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area

• Elevation

• 27 metres (89 ft)

Brahmapur (or old name Berhampur) (Oriya: ବ୍ରହ୍ମପୁର) , nicknamed "The Silk City", is a city located in the eastern coastline of Ganjam district of the Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the oldest and largest cities of Odisha. It is famous for its silk, its temples and its culture. The latest estimate of the population of the city is 702,672 (2009 est.) making it the third most populous urban area in the state and 58th overall in India.[1] Brahmapur (old British name Berhampur) got Corporation status after Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Contents

Etymology

The city's official Sanskrit name is Brahmapur[Means Home of Lord Bramha]. In the age of British India time, it was known as Berhampur(English name).. Now this city is renamed as Brahmapur to retain its original name.

Overview

Brahmapur is the primary rail head for nearby tourist destinations. It serves as a node for the nearby small towns and villages, so trade is predominant. A majority of the people are self-employed in various businesses of different scales. Brahmapur is well known for its intricately designed silk sarees called Berhampuri patto, handloom cloth and Jewellery shops. It is also known as the "Silk City".

Geography

Brahmapur is located at .[2] It has an average elevation of 27 m (89 ft).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[3] Brahmapur City had a population of 307,726 with the population of Greater Brahmapur region consisting of Chatrapur & Gopalpur (People are demanding to include Hinjilicut) reaching more than 513 thousands. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Brahmapur has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%, with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 64%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.It is 15 km away from Gopalpur sea beach/Port and 35 km away from Sugar City,Aska (The place which has the 1st Sugar factory in Asia).

Culture

One of the oldest and most prominent place lying in between north Andhra Pradesh and Cuttack, Berhampur boasts of true Oriya speaking, Hindu culture. In British period, this used to be part of the Madras Presidency. The prominence can be gauged from the fact that a Court existed here since the beginning of British style of Judiciary System. After Vizianagaram, the next Court was in this town.

The oldest Municipal School,Government High School - MKCG Medical Campus, Girls High School, K. C. Town High School, City High School are probably among the oldest schools in India. Prominent lawyers like G L Narasimham, Rajaguru, GL Jagannadham, etc., are still considered prominent legal experts by the lawyers in and around Odisha, AP, etc.

Theater has been very prominent in the early days of 1930 and was the main source of entertainment till the advent of motion pictures. Since then, theater and drama have become cultural events here.Ganjam Kala Parishad, Prakasam Hall are some of the oldest drama-halls in India which is located here. The oldest theater in the History of Odisha was the SSVT hall which was closed down around 10 years back.

Oriya culture has been prominent in this southern city of Odisha since ancient times. As this region was merged with Madras Presidency in British era, a large number of South Indians (mostly Telugu and Tamil) were employed here by the British Government. Being the border city nearest to Andhra Pradesh, the city has a mixed Odisha and Andhra culture. The city is famous for the shops in Bada Bazaar, Annapurna Market and Bhapur bazar .

Brahmpur is very famous for its Pappad (popadum),Aachara (pickles) & various kinds of Badi. It is the also a big market place for fruits especially Mango market for mangos arriving from orchards of Andhra pradesh

The town is also a major center of education in south Odisha. There are many major educational institutions in Brahmapur like Berhampur University, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gjapati (MKCG) Medical College & Hospital, Khallikot Govt College, Government Engineering School (Polytechnic). There are some prominent private engineering colleges as well National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Roland Institute of Technology(RIT), Sanjaya Memorial Institute of Technology (SMIT),

A lot many students come here to prepare for engineering and medical entrance examinations especially from southern central part of Odisha.

Night life in this town come alive with some glitter and bustling shops around Annapurna Market, some market complexes down the market street and a pond (Ram linga Tank)which is often polluted but people sit there and enjoy the evening. The streets around Goutam cinema hall are famous for street side food, though hygiene of the food can be questionable.

There are some old quick food/sweets joints like Calcutta Sweets which are quite old and famous Sahoo lasi stall and giraja restaurant at girija square, baikuntha bhawan at bada bazar, dharma hotel at khaspa street, samal canteen at annapurna square are quite famous from olden days.

Landmarks

Bada Bazaar,Gate bazaar, Bhapur Bazaar (one of the oldest market in Berhampur, where one can get all types of daily items for use ), Gandhi Nagar,Gajapati Nagar,Sano Bazaar, Brajanagar, Pani Tank, Ramlingeshwara Pond, Thakurani Temple, Old Bus Stand, Siddharth Nagar, Bank Colony, Sridevi Vihar-Gopalpur Junction,Godavaris nagar,Housing Board, Lanjipalli Jail, Uma Charan Pattnaik Engineering School, Govt ITI,Polytechnic,MKCG Medical College,K.C.high school (gosaninua gaon), De Paul School, Khallikote College,Tulasi Nagar, Co-Operative colony, courtpeta square, Tata benz Square, Hillpatna, Khodasingh, Bijipur, Sriram Nagar, Jagantha Bihar, Haradakhandi Square, Laxminrusingha Street i.e. from 1st lane to 14th lane and Laxminrusingha Big Street largest Street in Odisha ,First Gate etc.

Festivals

The people of Brahmapur celebrate all the major festivals of Odisha like Rath Yatra,Durga Puja,Diwali, Kumar Purnima or Gaja Laxmi Puja, Manabasa Gurubar, Raja Sankranti, Makar Sankranti,Bishuba/Pana Sankranti or Oriya New Year,Dola Yatra or Holi,Chandan Yatra,Gamha Purnima or Rakshya Bandhan, Kartik Purnima,Nabanna, Janmastami, Ram Navami, Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Puja etc.Some Festivals are unique to the City,like Sharad Purnima or kumara purnima. Every two years a festival is held in honor of the main deity of the city, Thakurani Maa and the Festival is known as Thakurani Jatara/Yatra.

The other communities of the city such as Telugu,Tamil,Marwari,Punjabi,Bengali,Gujrati celebrate their festivals along with the major festivals of the city.

Media

Brahmapur has a full fledged All India Radio Station which broadcasts FM radio with Frequency (100.6 MHz)in Greater Brahmapur region (BCGH- Brahmapur, Chhatrapur, Gopalpur & Hinjilicut). Also there is a high power transmitter of (6 KW) Doordarshan which telecasts Odia programs.

There are many print media houses in Brahmapur. The oldest Odia daily Dainika Asha,The Samaja,The Dharitri, Sambad and Anupam Bharat are pulishing from Brahmapur.

Health care

Government/society-owned hospitals:

Private hospitals:

PHARMACEUTICAL business

Berhampur plays a vital role in pharmaceutical business of southern Odisha. Pharmaceutical distributors of Berhampur supplies stocks to retails of Gajapthi, Gunupur, Malkangiri, Nowrangapur, Korapur and Khandamal districts apart from Ganjam district. Earlier Ganjam Phulbani Chemists and Druggists Association (GPCDA), Berhampur used to play vital role in making policy making of pharmaceutical business in Southern Odisha. However, after the dispute in GPCDA over various issues among the leaders, the GPCDA became sub-judice. To look after various issues of Pharmaceutical trade and to safeguard the interests of wholesalers and the retailers, The wholesalers of Ganjam district formed a new Association in the name and style "Ganjam Pharma Wholesalers' Association" with Mr. Santosh Kumar Patro as its founder President and Mr. V. Satyanarayana as its founder Secretary.

Colleges

General Stream

The Berhampur University came into existence on 2 January 1967 being inaugurated by Dr. A.N. Khosla, the then Governor of Odisha and the first Chancellor of the University. The University was later shifted to the present site known as Bhanja Bihar, named after the celebrated poet of Odisha Kabisamrat Upendra Bhanja. Spreading over an area of about two hundred fifty acres the university is twelve kilometres and five kilometres away from the Berhampur City and Sea-beach of Gopalpur respectively.

Professional Stream-Engg. Degree & Master Degree

Professional Stream- Medical,Pharmacy & Nursing College.

Professional Stream-Diploma School

Professional Stream-Others

Reputed Schools

IT Organisations

Many state level software companies have set up their centres here, as Berhampur offers opportunities associated with Grade II and grade III cities for BPO and software companies. The Delhi-based IT company Perfect Infotech has operations here. The third Software park (STPI) of the state is inaugurated recently. Due to its moderate climate and technical education infrastructure base it may become a leading IT and ITES destination of Eastern India.

Work has started on establishing a second IIIT at Berhampur. The Government has allotted 100 acres for the proposed institute at Rangeilunda. Also NID (National Institute of Design) is coming to Berhampur city as stated by our Ex-MP /Central Minister Mr. Chandrasekhar Sahu.

Eminent personalities

Attractions

The nearby coastal place of importance and worth a visit is Gopalpur beach. Located at a distance of 16 km from the city, Gopalpur on Sea is a retreat for sun, sea and sand lovers. At one time a busy seaport, it still displays the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty. There are various town buses that run from Old Bus-stand to Berhampur University to Gopalpur. Also it is quite convenient to drive to Gopalpur on personal vehicle. Gopalpur once used to be a bustling place with tourists. There are many good hotels like Oberoi Palm Beach. It is also a very less known fact that Oberoi Group of Hotels started with this small Hotel in Gopalpur.

Gopalpur has an old light house, and a small fishermans cove.

The Gopalpur Beach Festival, yearly extravagenza is the main attraction of Gopalpur. The Ganjam District Hotel Association, Berhampur organising the Beach Feastival every year with the support of Ganjam Distrct Administration. The credit of Gopalpur Beach Festival goes to Mr V.Santosh Kumar, who has first mooted the idea of having the Beach festival.

Taratarini Hill Shrine [1] near the silk city Berhampur in Odisha is one of the oldest pilgrimage place of mother goddess and amongst the four major ancient Adi Shakti centers in India. The mythological texts recognize four major Shakti Peethas (centers), like Bimala, Taratarini, Kamakshya and Dakhina Kalika, which originated from the limbs of the Corpse of Mata Sati in the Satya Yuga.

Rooted in the hoary past, mentioned in the Puranas, the Tantras and as the main seat of Tantric cult for thousands of years and center of Shakti worship since time immemorial, this Hill Shrine is believed to be the Sthana Peetha (Breast Shrine of Mata Sati) and an important prehistoric religious center which bears an uninterrupted history of about 6000 years.

According to mythological texts and folk lore this Shrine has seen all the greatest icons of the human civilization like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Parasuram, the Pandavas and great saints like Jagadguru Sankaracharya, Shri Chaitanya and Balayogi Neelakanthi. It has also been the confluence ground of plethora of ancient religions like the Vedic religion, the Brahminical religion, the Hinduism, the Buddhism, the Tantricism etc. Unquestionably, these facts from the mythology demonstrate the historicity and importance of the Hill Shrine it occupied in the past. Further, the presence of the mythological pious river Rushikulya or Rushikalyani (Known as the elder sister of the Ganges in the Vedas) on the foothill of the Shrine has further enhanced the significance of the Tara Tarini Shakti Dham which is also known as Kalyani Dham.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 6000 YEARS HISTORY

According to the mythological Puranas the origin of Maa Tara Tarini is directly attributed to Daksha Prajapati's Jagna in Satya Yuga. The famous Shakta Peethas of Bimala, Tara-Tarini, Dakshina Kalika, and Kamakshi originated from the limbs of the divine Corpse of Devi Sati. Mythological sacred texts like the Shiva Purana, the Kalika Purana, the Devi Bhagabat (a contemporary text of the Mahabharata written by Shri Vyasa Dev around 6000 years ago) attested this fact. It is known from the Mahabharata that before the commencement of the Mahabharata war Lord Srikrishna had advised Arjuna to offer prayer for victory at Shridevi kupa or Bhadrakali. Bhadrakali originated from the limbs of Mata Sati like the other four major Shakti Peethas, existed during the time of the Mahabharata or around 6000 years ago. This is the oldest data/information we get till date, regarding the existence of the Shrines originated from the limbs of Mata Sati.

Tara Tarini Hill Shrine under Buddhist control

According to available historical sources the fall of Kalingan Empire and its capital Sampa (Samapa) in the Kalinga war around 2300 years ago by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, strengthened the grip of Buddhists in this part of India. The then Sampa capital of the Kalingan empire, was hardly 4 km away from Taratarini Hill Shrine. So, scholars believe that Tara Tarini might be the principal deity (Ista-Devi) of the mighty Kalinga Empire.

According to the texts of Mahayana Buddhists, in the initial days, the Buddhists didn't believe in the Matrupuja (Goddesses worship) or in Pratimapuja (Idol Worship). But, the ecclesiastical texts of Mahayana's reveal that from 1st century AD after the fall of Kalinga, for the first time the Mahayana Buddhists accepted the worship of Mother Goddess 'Tara'. So there is seldom any doubt that the Buddhists have learned the 'Tara' Puja concept from this Shrine. The Bouddha Tantrik texts, texts of Vajrajani sect and Hindu Tantrik texts also attest these facts. Scholars believe that in the primary days the Buddhists worshiped Taratarini, the principal seat of Tantrik sect in Hinduism at that time, as Bouddha Tara, and later on included 'Tara' as the Tantrik deity or spouse of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in their belief system. Gradually this 'Tara' worship spread to different parts of the world.

Besides the worship of Tara by the Buddhist Tantrikas, the maritime history of Kalinga also suggest the worship of 'Tara' by the Sadhavas (merchants) and seamen before launching their sea voyage from the great sea ports like Dantapura (Gopalpur), Pallur near Chilika Lake, kalingapatna and river Rushikulya. It is important to mention, that all these major Seaports of the ancient world were present very near to the Taratarini Hill Shrine.

According to folklore and folk stories, it is around 9th Century AD when Jagadguru Sankaracharya toured the whole country, that he discovered this Shrine. But, it did not exist in its present form. After long try he came to know that this ancient Shakti centre was under the control of Buddhist tantrikas. Then he released this Peetha from the control of Bouddha tantrikas and handed it over to Hindus.

It is known from the available sources that till 17th century this place was out of the sight of the common man. But, according to a folk story once Maa Taratarini appeared as two sisters in the house of Shri Basu Praharaj. He was a learned Brahmin of Kharida Vira Jagannathpur village in Ganjam District and one of the great devotees of the Mother Goddess but child less. After staying for some years one day both the sisters disappeared suddenly from the house of Basu Praharaj and according to the account of the villagers both the sisters traveled up to the Tarini Parvat/ Ratnagiri and disappeared there. Basu Praharaj searched these two sisters but did not find their tracings. His heart broke down with grief and pain. On that night he saw a dream where the Goddesses Tara Tarini informed Basu Praharaj that actually they were not his daughters; but they are the Goddesses Tara and Tarini. The Goddesses ordered Basu to come out of the grief and said that the time has arrived and with full devotion renovate the temple on the Hill Top of Tarini Parvat and establish the deities according to the tradition.

After that divine direction Basu discovered the tracings of ancient most presence of Goddesses Tara-Tarini on the sacred Hill Top and immediately took steps to reconstruct the temple and the Shrine. Since that time for its magnetism and sanctity this Shakti Peetha became a centre of faith and reverence for countless numbers of people, out in search of peace, tranquility, guidance and spiritual energy and its fame spread like wild fire to become one of the popular religious destinations for millions of devotees.

Excerpts from the article of R P Tripathy, New Delhi.

This welcomes the goddess Budhi Thakurani to her temporary abode for the biennial Thakurani Jatra festival late at night. The hereditary head of the festival, who is also regarded as the head of the weaver Dera community of the city, Desibehera, dressed in his traditional attire, visits the Budhi Thakurani temple to invite the goddess to her parental abode at his home on Saturday afternoon. His wife also accompanies him, and they make offerings at the Kalika temple.

Rituals to welcome the deity for the festival started at the temporary temple built at Desibehera street from evening with the Changudi Puja. After these rituals, flowers are carried from Desibehera's house to the Budhi Thakurani temple. Fallen flowers are carried as representative of the deity to Desibehera Street in a large decorated procession at night.

This temple is centrally located in the city near Giri Road,which will be one of the largest Ganesh Temple in Odisha.The templework is in progress. for further reference on this temple please visit the site [www.sidhabinayakpitha.co.in]

It is a deep dense forest where Goddess of shakti'maa Thakurani' is worshiped. it is near about 30 km from Berhampur.In every sankranti house people are coming for worship the goddess.

BERHAMPUR: The Kalua jatra festival begun in Gosani Nuagaon area of the city from Sunday. This festival would continue for 15 days till next full moon's day which is celebrated as Kumar Purnima in the State . According to the president of the organising committee, Panchanan Choudhury, they will try to promote traditional folk art forms through regular shows during the festival.

Dhabaleswar is a quiet beach close to Gopalpur beach, with facilities for surfing, sailing, and sun-bathing. The famous pilgrim center, Dhabaleswar, with its sand-bleached Shiva temple and the Dhabaleswar Island are nearby attractions.

The place is named after the presiding deity goddess Bhairabee at the remote village Mantridi. Carved in crude fashion, the icon (one-legged goddess with four hands) was discovered and enshrined in a newly adorned temple in 1937. According to legend, fisherman and sailors used to worship the deity for blessings before commencement of their journey. Bhairabee now a day has become an important Sakti Pitha Venerable for the fisherman community that lives in nearby villages. Tourists from almost all parts of southern Odisha as well as northern Andhra Pradesh visit this holy shrine every day. The important dates with the deity are the Sankranties of the Hindu calendar, and all Tuesdays.

Taptapani, as the name suggests, is famous for its hot springs. Nestled at about 1,800 feet (550 m) above sea level, this spot is 56 kilometres away from Behrampore (or Brahmapur as the locals call it), the nearest rail station. The sprawling Panthanivas is the only shelter for tourists at Taptapani. The cottages overlook a pristine valley, and the dining hall is strategically placed between two crests of mountain fold. A few minutes walk from here will take you to Kandimata Mandir, where the locals bathe in the spring before offering their daily prayers. There is also a deer park maintained by the forest department.

* Bala kumari

The temple of Balakumari is reached by climbing 1,240 steps and is dedicated to the goddess Durga.

Chilika is India's biggest inland lake, spread over 1,100 square kilometres stretching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha and Ganjam and finally joining the Bay of Bengal through narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island, Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.

Buguda is a small town in Ghumusar Subdivision of Ganjam district. It is famous for the temple of Biranchinarayan. The temple was built by king Srikara Bhanja, who ascended the throne of Ghumusar in 1790 A.D. The image of the god Biranchinarayan which is installed in the sanctum of the temple was recovered from the ruins of Malatigarh. The temple is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses and is conspicuous for its remarkable wood carvings and wall paintings. At the other end of the main road facing the temple of Biranchinarayan is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is built in such a manner that the devotees can see the arati of both the temples at the same time from any of these two places

Kulada is famous for the goddess Bagh Devi; it is also said to be the birthplace of the great Oriya poet Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. It is situated in the northwest of Ganjam District, with a ruined fort, the river Mahanadi flowing in the east, and dense forest in the west side of the ruined fort. The original temple is at the top of the hill known as Upper Bagh Devi, with 210 steps.

Panchama is a small village famous for the temple of Panchama Ganesh, or Siddha Binayaka, as it is locally known. Tradition says that the Gajapati King Purushottamadeva (15th century) on the way to his conquest of Kanchi recovered the image in the hallow of two trees of Vara and Aswastha and paid his homage to the image after its consecration. Since then the place has become an important centre of Ganapataya worship, preserving the great tradition of Panchadevata worship of Odisha.

Narayani,on the celebrated Vallery Mountain, is known for its romantic setting with a perennial spring and green mango groves, as well as the shrine of the goddess Narayani (Durga) with six hands.

Potagarh, built by Britishers in the 18th century close to the river Rusikulya, is a fort surrounded by a moat with remnants of majestic fort houses and a buried tunnel.

The shrine of Ujjaleswar, 19 km from Digapahandi and 45 km from Berhampur, near Ghodahada Dam, was developed from a cave temple, on a hillock which is approachable by steps. A huge stone shadowing the deity forms the back side of the temple, which has been also chiseled to steps for facilitating a circumambulating around the shrine. Before reaching the unctuous site, one would come across the pleasing surrounding of Ghodahada Dam, which has submerged a fort named Vijayanagar and its temple. The reservoir shelters a herd of elephants, crocodiles, and pythons and provides subsoil water for a horticulture farm of tuberose.

The beach at Aryapalli is 32 km from Berhampur and 8 km from Chhatrapur and Berhampur

The hill Mahendragiri, 5,000 feet (1,500 m) high, is in the Parlakhemundi subdivision of the district of Gajapati. It is associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and has interesting archaeological remains.

Sonepur beach is on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border along the river Bahuda; on the other side is the beach Pati Sonepur.

Extra Activity

Politics

Current MLA from Berhampur Assembly Constituency is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik of BJD, who won the seat in the state elections of 2004 and 2000 and also as JD candidate in 1995.[4]

Berhampur Corporation comes under four Assembly segments i.e., Berhampur old town, Gopalpur, Chatrapur & Digapahandi.

Berhampur is part of Berhampur (Lok Sabha constituency).[5]

References

  1. ↑ "World Gazetteer: - largest cities". http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=pnan&col=adhoq&msz=1500&geo=-104. Retrieved 2 September 2010. 
  2. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Berhampur
  3. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
  4. ↑ "State Elections 2004 - Partywise Comparision for 75-Berhampur Constituency of ODISHA". Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/March2004/pollupd/ac/states/s18/Partycomp75.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-25. 
  5. ↑ "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Odisha". Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Odisha_AC_Dist_PC.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-25. 
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