Budhakhol

Budhakhol ବୁଦ୍ଧଖୋଲ
Historical Tourist Place
Budhakhol
Budhakhol Show map of Odisha Budhakhol Show map of India Location of Buguda in Odisha
Coordinates: 19°49′13″N 84°49′25″E / 19.820230°N 84.823503°E / 19.820230; 84.823503Coordinates: 19°49′13″N 84°49′25″E / 19.820230°N 84.823503°E / 19.820230; 84.823503
Country	India
State	Odisha
District	Ganjam
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Official language	Odia
Spoken languages	Odia

Budhakhol is a heritage of Odisha located in Buguda block of Ganjam District in Odisha, India.^[1][2] It is located about 92 km away from the district headquarters. The old heritage is known for its beautiful trees, caves, temples and perennial waterfall which attracts tourists.Another attraction point of the place is the presence of a bunch of five temples. The five temples are Sri Sri Makareswar Swami, Sri Sri Gangadhareswar Swami, Sri Sri Jagadieswar Swami, Sri Sri Siddheswar Swami, Sri Sri Budheswar Swami, which is popularly known as Panchu mahadeva Temple.

History

The name of the place Budhakhol is derived from Badhesvara, which means Buddha in meditating position.It is strongly believed that Buddha visited the place.Huentsang also visited the place and witnessed the learning and teaching of Buddhists and believed that it was one of the best place to learn buddhism.The Panchumahadeva temples are believed to be built in the era of Jagadguru AdiShankaracharya. Hence the place is a mix of both Buddhism and Hinduism.^[3]

Tourism

Budhakhol is widely known for its Buddhist culture. A number of Buddhist remains found at the place which gives the impression about Buddhist settlement at the place.The main attraction point of this place is the combination of caves, jungles and water falls, along with it the combination of bunch of five temples makes the place a must visit for pilgrims too.^[4]

The main attractions of the place are:

The Cave

Budhakhol is a science spot frequently visited by tourists, pilgrims and picnickers. The caves are one of the most attractive point of the place. The place is located at a distance about 3 km. towards the north of Buguda in Ganjam District.While climbing to the top of the hill, one can notice a very big stone on south, which is called Patharakhai.^[5] In the same hill tourist can find different caves. One of which are Siddha Gumpha where the Buddhist monks are usedo stay and meditate.Another cave named Dayana is also present on the main hills. Statue of Siva.Parbati..Brusava ...Hanuman...Swimming pool...Hilltop road to temple...about 495steps to temple..etc...

Waterfalls

At the uppermost part of the hills a perennial stream forms a waterfall, named Panjuria. Water from the falls trickles down from 25 feet on the Banyan tree and converts itself into a shower. Water of the Panjuria waterfall is believed to carry medicinal properties.^[6]

Festivals

• Maghasaptami
• Samba Dashami
• Rath yatra
• Danda Yatra (April)
• Durga Puja
• Kalipuja
• Bolbam
• Kartikapurnami
• Mahasivaratri

References

Budhakhola.Facebook