Tihidi: The Biranchinarayan temple at Paliabindha under this block in Bhadrak district is known as the second Arakashetra of the state, next to the world famous Konark temple, but its tourism potential has not been tapped yet despite the site being accorded tourist spot tag by the state government.
A major hurdle in the way of wooing tourists to the place is lack of peripheral development of the temple and basic infrastructure.
Locals are of the view that the temple can draw visitors in hordes if infrastructure around it is developed.
Legend has it that Shamba, son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted with leprosy due to a curse for his wrongdoing. He went into deep penance seeking favour of the Sun God at this place.
Shamba was cured of his illness following which he got a temple built for the Sun God. At this temple, four-faced Lord Brahma is also worshipped.
The temple bears some architectural similarity with Konark. The temple is built with chariot wheels as its base and has four entry points.
Five major festivals – Gunduni Mela, Sripanchami, Makaramela, Kartika Purnima and Jhulana Mela – are organised here with large crowds thronging the temple.
Thousands of devotees come here seeking cure of skin diseases and offer flowery umbrellas and hand fans to the deity.
Old timers say the Bay of Bengal was stretching upto Paliabindha where a maritime hub known as Gunduni used to exist.
To commemorate the past maritime glory, locals have been organising Gunduni Mela every year.
Besides, in the Hindu month of Magha, Badasinghar Besa of the deity is solmenised here. At this time, leprosy patients turn up in large numbers and lie prostrate with the hope of getting cured of the disease.
Huge crowds witness the marvelous sunrise at Paliabindha on Magha Saptami.
Locals say the government has set up a Panthanivas for tourists, but much more is need for the development of the spot so as to attract visitors. PNN
