Mahendragiri – Legends
Association with Mahabharata:
As per Mahabharata, Mother Kunti
along with her five sons stayed here for a certain time during their 12 years
of Vanavasa (exile). It is also believed that the Lingas were installed by the
Pandavas and the subsequent construction of temple is also attributed to the
Pandavas. The Pandavas were believed to have worshipped Gokarneshwara at the
crack of dawn on Shivaratri before they left the place. Sarala Dasa, the author
of Oriya Mahabharata, attributes the establishment of the Gokarneshwara Shivalinga
to Pandava brothers who visited Mahendragiri during the period of their exile.
Gokarnesvara:
As per Hindu Mythology, Lord
Siva himself established the temple of Lord Gokarnesvara. Lord Shiva once
slaughtered the divine cow Kapila whose body fell in the sea and ear (Karna)
fell on Mahendragiri Hills. Lord Shiva performed penance here to get rid of the
sin caused by killing a cow.
Parashurama:
Legend says that it is the place
where Lord Parashurama, a Chiranjeevi staying
eternally and performing penance. He received his weapon Parasu (the double axe)
from Lord Shiva here only. The temple of Parashuram is located on the foothills
at Tumba Village.
Association with Ramayana:
Mahendragiri is associated with
mythological stories from the Ramayana as Mahendra Parvata (mountain).
Kula Parvata:
Mahendragiri is a Kula Parvata
along with Malaya, Sahyadri, Parijatra, Shuktiman, Vindhya and Malyavaan.
Southern Amarnath:
Mahendragiri is also Known as
the Southern Amarnath of Orissa.
References
in ancient poetical works:
Mahendragiri finds mention in the works of poets
Kalidas, Sarala Das and Radhanath Ray.
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