Mahendragiri — Attraction in Odisha

—Best for picnic 🧺 spot —This is the second highest mountain peak of Odisha after Deomali in Koraput district. —It has interesting archaeological remains. —Nice climate. I just loved it. — biodiversity hotspot —Scenic area . Mahendragiri is associated with the Ramayana as Mahendra Parvata (mountain). It is a 'Kula Parvata' along with Malaya, Sahyadri, Parijatra, Shuktiman, Vindhya and Malyavaan.In the Puranas and Ramayana It is said that Parashurama was mediating on Mahendragiri when Lord Rama broke the sacred bow of Shiva. Mahendragiri is situated in Gajapati district, Odisha. Legend says that it is the place where Lord Parashurama, a chiranjeevi stays eternally and performs tapas. Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism and he is one of the Chiranjeevis (long - lived), who will appear at the end of the Kali yuga to be the guru of Vishnu's tenth and last avatar, Kalki. He carried a number of traits, which included aggression, warfare and valor; also, serenity, prudence and patience. He retired in the Mahendra Mountains, according to chapter 2.3.47 of the Bhagavata Purana.He is the only Vishnu avatar who never dies, never returns to abstract Vishnu and lives in meditative retirement. Further, he is the only Vishnu avatar that co-exists with other Vishnu avatars Rama and Krishna in some versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata respectively.Temples, which are said to be built by the Pandavas are seen. The main festival observed here is Shivaratri. Mahendragiri hill and its surrounding areas are recognized as a biodiversity hot spot due to numerous medicinal plants and other species that are found here. A haven for medicinal plants, Mahendragiri Hills, which is part of the Eastern Ghats, is home to over 600 flowering plants. The faunal diversity of the region is huge and particularly known for being a...

Mahendragiri Hill: Odisha’s Sacred Gem of Nature and Mythology

Nestled in the Gajapati district of Odisha, Mahendragiri Hill stands tall at 1,501 meters, making it the second-highest peak in the state. Surrounded by lush greenery and steeped in ancient mythology, Mahendragiri is a mystical blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Mythical Echoes of the Past Mahendragiri finds mention in the sacred epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed to be the meditative abode of Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is said to still reside here in eternal penance. The hill is also connected to the Pandavas, who are believed to have built several ancient temples here during their exile. The temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parashurama still stand as timeless relics of this rich history.

A Paradise for Nature Lovers Beyond its spiritual allure, Mahendragiri is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Over 600 species of flowering plants flourish on the hill, including rare medicinal herbs. The hill is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and researchers. The panoramic views from the peak, combined with the crisp mountain air and the rustling of ancient trees, create a truly magical atmosphere.

A Spiritual and Cultural Hub The hill comes alive during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival when devotees from across the country ascend its slopes to offer prayers at the ancient Shiva temples. The sound of chants and temple bells echoing through the hills creates an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Getting There Though Mahendragiri remains largely untouched by modern infrastructure, it is accessible via road from nearby towns like Brahmapur and Paralakhemundi. However, no accommodation facilities exist on the hill itself, adding to its...

Mahendragiri is a beautiful place in the midst of cloud covered hills. I remember I couldn’t sleep the whole night before the day we visited this place. I was afraid of heights ; still I’m and we were ready to go to the 2nd highest peak of Eastern Ghats the next day. It was surely a mesmerizing experience for us and it will be for all of you too.

Before we move further you can feast your eyes with these beautiful views of Mahendragiri.

Mahendragiri is the 2nd highest peak (4925ft) of Odisha which comes under Gajapati district. It is associated with the stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharat. The common misconception of the people is that it’s a picnic spot. No it’s not. This is considered as a religious site or say Sanjibani Kshetra. You can find temples built by the Pandavas on the top of the hill. Legend says Lord Parasurama is still doing tapasysa (austerity) here. The main festival to be observed here is Shivaratri.

You may be wondering now - Oh ! It's better to visit on a wintry day. Actually if you're lucky you can witness all the views on a single day as the view changes from rainy to wintry randomly throughout the day. Be patient and wait ; the sky will automatically get cleared after some time.

Most of the visitors travel from Berhampur ( which is around 100 km from Mahendragiri ) through Jarada-Tumba route or you can travel from Paralakhemundi too. You can follow the Google Map attached below to reach there without any...