Keonjhar: Apart from rich mineral resources, Keonjhar district has been endowed with a number scenic spots, but many of them lie hidden from public view for lack of development and publicity.
Chandangiri hill with its Patahara cave under Harichandanpur block is one such spot. The hallmark of the site is drops of water falling from atop the cave if someone claps, locals claimed.
Tourists, who negotiate their way to the site, are thrilled to watch the phenomenon. Locals said there is need of research on the ‘miracle’.
The hill and its cave are nestled amid a beautiful sylvan surrounding. From a distance, the peak of the hill looks like a towering crown in the vast forested expanse. The hill has been an article of faith for the local populace because of the miracle of water dropping.
Legend has it that saints used to come to this site for their penance. People of surrounding villages often throng the place for ‘sankirtan’ while tourists enjoy picnicking near Baghamara creek.
“A rocky foot-track leads up to a mutt atop the hill, about 300 ft above the ground level. At night, people from nearby areas perform sankirtan and recite devotional songs,” said Samara Murmu, a local resident.
Murmu said the place also has a huge pond. Narrating his thrilling experience at the site, Murmu said, “I had one day entered through the dark Patahara cave with a torch to fetch water from the pond, but after going some distance, I could not move ahead as I lost visibility ahead due to pitch darkness. Finally, I had to come back.”
Residents of nearby villages Ranipada, Barapada, Palaspal, Nelo and Ostiapasi have strong beliefs on the divine power of the hill. When there is sign of drought or want of rainfall, locals gather at the hill for worship and rituals, it was learnt.
Locals lamented that for lack of development such a beautiful place has failed to come into the view of visitors. PNN
