Sonepur a city having Eight different Hanumans

Odisha has created a unique identity in India for its culture, tradition and heritage. The state Odisha has a very old civilization and history. The plains, hills, forests, rivers, springs and temples of western Odisha have a special attraction. From the point of research and history, it holds an important place. Even today, there are many areas and historical sites that are not accessible to the public.

There is no doubt that Subarnapur is a famous pilgrimage site among the ancient tourist attractions of Odisha. Like Ganges-Yamuna-Saraswati in the Prayag Tirtha in Allahabad, the Triveni confluence of the Mahanadi-Telandi-Karpur rivers has taken place here. For this reason, it has been referred to as Varanasi and also called as second Prayag Tirtha. It is also called Parshuram's land as Maharshi Jamadagna performed the Maharudra Yajna here.

The Subarnapur city is also known as the temple City of Odisha. Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of many temples and deities. Many old and new temples have been built, both small and large.Among them, many Hanuman temples can be seen in this city. Once upon a time, the city was called the place of Astha Mahavir (eight ancient hanuman temples) like Ashta Shambhu, Ashta Chandi and Ashta Vishnu.Out of these eight ancient hanuman temples, few are lost due to lack of proper maintenance. The eight Mahabirs are named after their location as Bada Hanuman, Gad Hanuman, Bat Hanuman, Ghat Hanuman, Dhar Hanuman, Jhar Hanuman, Ghar Hanuman and Par Hanuman.

The district's main hospital in Sonepur has the highest Hanuman temple in the city. According to its construction style, it was built by Maharaja Achal Singhdev between 1725 and 1750. In front of the temple, military feudal lords used to practice warfare. Over time, he was worshiped by the subjects. Before independence, on the full moon day of Ashwin, Lord Hanuman's famous festival used to happen and it used to start from the palace.

There is a Hanuman temple inside the fort of Sonepur city. It is called Gad Hanuman as it is inside the fort. The Hanuman temple is located at the east gate of the Subarnapur Fort to protect the fort. For a long time, God Hanuman lived in a half-broken mandapa. Later, Maharaja Birmitrodaya Singh Deb built a small temple and established the idol.

Not far from Sonepur town, there are seven ponds. People call it " Seven ponds" (ସାତ ବନ୍ଧଲି) . It is important for flood control, irrigation and rainwater conservation in Sonepur. There is a Hanuman temple near the ponds called Ghat Hanuman. It is unknown about the history of the Temple. Under the sky God was being worshipped. Later on, a devotee built a small temple in place.

One more Hanuman Temple is located in the courtyard of the West Somnath Temple. The temple was built by King Prataparudra Dev between 1891-1902. Inside the king's palace one more Hanuman temple was there. The king and his family used to worship them. As the temple was inside the Palace, he was called Ghar Hanuman. The temple of Jhar Hanuman was located in the Dilbahalipur forest. Today, all these Hanumans are about to lose their existence. Apart from this, many temples are facing the negligence of maintenance.

Subarnapur or Sonepur is known as Tribeni Sangam. At the confluence of the Mahanadi and the Telnadi temple of Hanuman can be seen. This temple is called Dhar Hanuman. The floor of the river is called Kaleshwar rock. The old temple was flooded, but the Vishnu feet and the sacrificial tank there were all safe. The present temple was built a few years ago. Outside the city, one more Hanuman temple is located at the Gandhasana mouth of the Tel River. Being outside the city, the temple is called the Par Hanuman. 

Even today Sonepur is regarded as the city of Tantra. This area is known as one of the oldest Tantrik establishments in India. Inside the Mahanadi river Lankeswari temple is situated. This temple is evidence of the Tantrik establishments. This city celebrates a rare and unique festival called Lanka Podi. It is celebrated on the day of Bhadrapada Amabasya. It is believed that Hanuman set fire to the city of Lanka on this particular day. To commemorate this, children roam the city, setting fire to the tails of various Hanuman idols made of clay and wood.

It is an old city. It has old culture, traditions and heritage. Yet the city is utterly neglected. Many of the monuments have been lost today, and many are on the verge of extinction. Due to negligence and lack of research, a lot of information is not available.

Shibashish Mahapatra

shibashishmahapatra.100@gmail.com