Murga Mahadev Temple & Waterfall — Attraction in Odisha

During my visit to Keonjhar few days back, at a spur of the moment I decided to visit the holy shrine of Murga Mahadev. I had heard about it many a times from my parents who frequented the place for picnic, when they were newly married and posted at Padampur, a nearby village.

I wanted to go alone so that there is no diversion. My husband gladly lent me his car and driver and off I went to the temple early in the morning. It took me around 1.5 hrs to reach the place. The road from Kjr till Bilaipada square was smooth. Sanki, our driver knew the road well so I was relaxed. As we turned right from Bilaipada square, the road condition detoirated. The muddy road coupled with water due to previous night rainfall, made travelling the last 6 kms a bit difficult. However as we reached the spot, I was mesmerised. The greenery was captivating.

We parked the car...yes it has a good parking spot and went to buy offerings for the God. I found the shopkeepers talking in hindi, to which Sanki replied that most of the devotees come from Jharkhand which is near near to the place.

As we walked inside Sanki informed that the renovation work of the temple was completed recently and it looked colourful and beautiful against the panoramic beauty of the jungle.

There were two roads at the entrace, one for the waterfall and other for the temple. There was a changing room and separate wash rooms for tourists. I had no intension of bathing so took the stairs with railings on both sides straight to the temple. Yes...we brought two tickets of Rs 5 each. As we climbed down the staircase, i was smitten by the beauty of the waterfall just left side to the temple. After soaking in the beauty, I went inside the temple. There were just a handful of devotees. There I learnt that the temple follows brahmanical and tribal form of worship. Its like pray from the heart and not follow any strict rules. I loved it, something aligning with my thought process.

There I got to know that the temple is very old and was discovered by a hunter, Ananga Dehury in 1836. It is said that the hunter got a vision or a dream of the linga as he was resting in the jungle. He at once went for a search and found it. Since then his family has been serving the lird as the main priest and follow their family tradition of praying.

The shrine of Murga Magadev is located on the Nuamundi mines, in the foot of Thakurani hills, in the Champua sub division of Keonjhar district. It is around 60 kms away from Keonjhar, 23 kms from Barbil and 139 kms from Rourkela. The nearest airport is Jharsuguda 213 kms and then Bhubaneswar 286 kms away, the nearest railway station is Joda-Barbil 10 kms away and the nearest bus stop is Joda, from where you can...

Murga Mahadev Waterfall and Temple, located in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, is a serene and spiritually significant destination. Nestled amidst dense forests and hills, this site is a popular pilgrimage spot dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees and nature lovers alike.

Murga Mahadev Temple

The Murga Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees come to offer prayers, especially during Mahashivratri and Shravan month. The temple, set in a tranquil environment, is considered highly sacred, with many visitors believing that their wishes are fulfilled upon offering prayers here. The site is also associated with local tribal traditions, and the temple holds cultural significance for the surrounding communities.

Murga Mahadev Waterfall

A short distance from the temple, the Murga Mahadev Waterfall is a breathtaking natural attraction. The waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs into a clear pool, creating a refreshing and peaceful ambiance. Visitors often take a dip in the water, believing it to be holy and spiritually purifying.

Tourist Experience

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months (July to February) when the waterfall is in full flow, and the greenery is at its peak.

Activities: Visitors can enjoy trekking, picnicking, and photography while experiencing the serene surroundings.

Connectivity: The site is accessible from Manoharpur and Chakradharpur, with good road connectivity.

Conclusion

Murga Mahadev Waterfall and Temple offer a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Whether seeking divine blessings or simply looking for a peaceful escape into nature, this destination provides a memorable experience for...

The Murga Mahadev Mandir, located near Joda in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, has a history rooted in the region’s ancient spiritual and tribal traditions. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple sits at the foot of Thakurani Hills, near the Nuamundi mines, about 11 km from Joda. Its origins are old, blending Brahminical and tribal worship practices, though exact records of its founding are scarce. The site gained prominence over time, especially with the nearby perennial spring and waterfall, which became a natural draw for devotees. Major festivals like Makar Sankranti and Mahashivratri have long attracted crowds, cementing its status as a revered local shrine. Local people often come to this place to offer pooja at the Mandir and also to take bath in the cool and refreshing waters of the waterfall there. You can go there from Joda as well as Noamundi. In case you are on the Joda-Keonjhar Road, take the path to Murga Mahadev mandir...