Gandhamardan mountain range, home to the Nrusingnath and Harishankar temples, is a significant religious and cultural site attracting thousands of devotees
OdishaPlus Bureau
Bargarh Member of Parliament Pradip Purohit on Monday brought to the attention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah the need for the protection and conservation of the Gandhamardan Hills, highlighting its historical, cultural, religious, and ecological importance.
During a meeting in New Delhi, Purohit presented a memorandum addressing this issue. In the document, he noted that the Gandhamardan mountain range is home to numerous ancient shrines, including the esteemed Nrusingnath and Harishankar temples. These temples draw thousands of devotees, rendering the area a significant site of religious and cultural heritage.
Additionally, he emphasized the historical significance of Gandhamardan, referencing the writings of the Chinese traveler Xuanzang in his book Si-Yu-Ki, which mentions a Buddhist monastery in the area where the illustrious philosopher Nagarjuna held the position of pro-rector.
The region, rich in cultural and historical significance, faces threats due to its plentiful mineral resources such as bauxite, limestone, iron ore, and granite. The Member of Parliament noted that during the Congress administration, mining leases were issued to BALCO for 47 years, resulting in considerable environmental degradation and impacting the sentiments of local communities. Nevertheless, a persistent grassroots movement successfully halted mining operations in the area.
“The Gandhamardan mountain range serves not only as a biodiversity hotspot but also as a representation of Odisha’s religious, mythological, and historical legacy. Its preservation is vital for the benefit of future generations,” he stated in the memorandum. Purohit appealed to Shah to visit the area, asserting that such a visit would not only elevate the importance of Gandhamardan but also bolster conservation and development initiatives. Additionally, the MP urged the Home Minister to advocate for the inclusion of Sambalpuri/Kosali, the predominant language of western Odisha, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and to recognize it as the official language of Odisha.
