Mahendragiri – Legends

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.