Berhampur
Encyclopedia
Brahmapur (Oriya
: ବ୍ରହ୍ମପୁର) , nicknamed "The Silk City", is a city located in the eastern coastline of Ganjam district
of the India
n state of Orissa
, about 160 kilometres (99 mi) south to state capital, Bhubaneswar
.It is also dubbed as "The Dance City" of Orissa
after Prince Dance Group and Harihar Das made the state famous in India's Got Talent. It is one of the oldest and largest city of Orissa
. It is also famous for its silk, its temples and its culture, etc. The latest estimate of the population of the city is 799,282 (2009 est.) making it the third most populous urban city in the state and 58th overall in India. Brahmapur (old British name Berhampur) also got Corporation status after Bhubaneswar
and Cuttack
.
name was Brahmapur [or Home of Lord Bramha], but in the age of British India, it was changed to Berhampur (English name).. Now this city is renamed as Brahmapur
to retain its original Sanskrit
name.
cloth and jewellery shops.
) reaching more than 513 thousands. Males constitute 52% of the population and females only 48%. Brahmapur has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%, with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of only 64%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. It is 15 km away from Gopalpur sea beach/port and 35 km away from Aska
,"The Sugar City"(The place which has the 1st Sugar factory in Asia).
, Berhampur boasts of true Oriya
,Ganjami (Oriya mix with Telugu) & Telugu speaking, and Hindu culture. In the British period, this used to be part of the Madras Presidency. The prominence can be gauged from the fact that a Court existed here since the beginning of British style of Judiciary System. After Vizianagaram, the next Court was in this town.
The oldest Municipal School, Government High School – MKCG Medical Campus, Girls High School, K. C. Town High School, City High School are probably among the oldest schools in India. Prominent lawyers like G.L. Narasimham, Rajaguru, G.L. Jagannadham, and others are still considered prominent legal experts by the lawyers in and around Orissa
, and Andhra Pradesh
.
Theater has been very prominent in the early days of 1930 and was the main source of entertainment till the advent of motion pictures. Since then, theater and drama have become cultural events here.Ganjam Kala Parishad, Prakasam Hall are some of the oldest drama-halls in India which is located here. The oldest theater in the History of Orissa was the SSVT(established in 1927) hall which was closed down around 10 years back.
Oriya
culture has been prominent in this southern city of Orissa since ancient times. As this region was merged with Madras Presidency in British era, a large number of South Indians (mostly Telugu and Tamil) were employed here by the British Government. Being the border city nearest to Andhra Pradesh, the city has a mixed Orissa and Andhra culture. The city is famous for the shops in Bada Bazaar, Annapurna Market and Bhapur Bazaar.
Brahmapur is very famous for its Pappad (popadum), Aachar (pickle) & various kinds of Badi. Berhampur is well known for its intricately designed silk sarees and handloom cloth and hence is known as the “Silk City”. It is the also a big market place for fruits especially mango for mangos always arrive from orchards of Andhra Pradesh
.
The town is also a major center of education in south Orissa
. The city is the home to 9 engineering colleges & 11 Polytechnic colleges, 14 ITI’s (as of 2011) and the number is growing every year. The city is also home to many tutorials and coaching institutes who prepare students for various entrance exams.Real Estate have also emerged as big players in Brahmapur urban area. Recent times have seen large scale retail chains such as Vishal Mega Mart, The Planet, Kolkata Bazar, Reliance, The World, Sri Durga Cloth Store etc. have outlets in Brahmapur.
There are many major educational institutions in Brahmapur like Berhampur University, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gjapati (MKCG) Medical College & Hospital,College of pharmaceutical Sciences(CPS), Khallikot Government College, Government Engineering School (Polytechnic) and with the establishment of colleges Parala Maharaj Engineering College(PMEC) and some prominent private engineering colleges as well National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Vignan institute Of Technology and Management(VITAM), Roland Institute of Technology (RIT), Sanjaya Memorial Institute of Technology (SMIT),Gandhi Institute for Industrial Technology( GIIT) the city has highest number of engineering colleges after the state capital Bhubaneswar
.
Many students come here to prepare for engineering and medical entrance examinations especially from southern central region of Orissa.
Night life in this town comes alive with some glitter and bustling shops around Annapurna Market, some market complexes down the market street and a pond (Ramlinga Tank)which is often polluted but people sit there and enjoy the evening. The streets around Goutam Cinema Hall are famous for street side food, though hygiene of the food can be questionable.
There are some food and sweets joints like Calcutta Sweets which are quite old and famous.NEW CHITARANJAN HOTEL at BIJUPUR CHOWK, Balaji Mishtan Bhanda at " BADA BAZAR CHOWK " Sahoo lassi stall and the Girija restaurant at Girija Square, Baikuntha bhawan at Bada Bazar, Jata/Sankaram Hotel in Joura Street, Dharma Hotel at Khaspa Street, Dandapani Hotel and Kasi Hotel in Beraka Street, Samal canteen at Annapurna Square, Anna Chowmein in front of city high school ground, Lavanya Hotel raja street squre, May Fair Fast food near sub-registrar office, New Biryani Center at Corporation Road and Hotel Satya Sai in Komapalli Square are quite famous from olden days.Hotel "Sri Radhe" at RANDHA (7 KM from berhampur toward Inchapur) which is very famous for Tiffin & Sweets.
Voluntary organisations like Bahumukhi Samajamangala O Sanskrutika Kendra(Multipurpose Socio-cultural centre) is working for environment and Oriya
language from 1977.
Every two years a festival is held in honor of the main deity of the city, Thakurani Maa and the Festival is known as Thakurani Jatara/Yatra.It is said that goddess Thakurani maa come to their parent's home in holidays for some days from her in-laws home.
The other communities of the city such as Telugu, Tamil, Marwari, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujrati celebrate their festivals along with the major festivals of the city.
Brahmapur has a full fledged All India Radio Station which broadcasts FM radio with Frequency (100.6 MHz)in Greater Brahmapur region (BCGH-Brahmapur, Chhatrapur
, Gopalpur
& Hinjilicut
). Also there is a high power transmitter of (6 KW) Doordarshan which telecasts Oriya
programs. B-TV, U-TV are two local channels that telecast from here.
There are many print media houses in Brahmapur. The oldest Oriya
daily Dainik Asha, The Samaj, The Dharitri, The Sambad and Anupam Bharat are publishing from Brahmapur.
Ganjam Pharma Wholesalers'Association,
Beeraka Street,
Berhampur- 760002.
Dist:Ganjam.
email:gpwa@rediffmail.com.
Mob:094370 65995.
General Stream
The Berhampur University came into existence on 2 January 1967 being inaugurated by Dr. A.N. Khosla, the then Governor of Orissa and the first Chancellor of the University. The University was later shifted to the present site known as Bhanja Bihar, named after the celebrated poet of Orissa Kabisamrat Upendra Bhanja. Spreading over an area of 250 acres (1 km²) the university is twelve kilometres and five kilometres away from the Berhampur City and Sea-beach of Gopalpur respectively.
http://www.kvsangathan.nic.in/
Professional Stream-Engineering Degree & Master Degree (9+1 Nos)
Professional Stream- Medical, Pharmacy & Nursing College
Professional Stream-Diploma School- 11 Nos
Professional Stream-Others
Padhy DJ,Khallingi,Pro-ramesh Chandra Padhy
Work has started on establishing a second IIIT at Berhampur. The Government has allotted 100 acre (0.404686 km²) for the proposed institute at Rangeilunda. Also NID (National Institute of Design) is coming to Berhampur city as stated by our Ex-MP / Central Minister Mr. Chandrasekhar Sahu.
Stadiums:
Brahmapur has a National level stadium which has been hosted for several Ranji Trophy matches. The city has produced many reputed Ranji players in the recent times.
This welcomes the goddess Budhi Thakurani to her temporary abode for the biannual Thakurani Jatra festival late at night. The hereditary head of the festival, who is also regarded as the head of the weaver Dera community of the city, Desibehera, dressed in his traditional attire, visits the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple to invite the goddess to her parental abode at his home on Saturday afternoon. His wife also accompanies him, and they make offerings at the Kalika temple.
Rituals to welcome the deity for the festival started at the temporary temple built at Desibehera street from evening with the Changudi Puja. After these rituals, flowers are carried from Desibehera's house to the Budhi Thakurani temple. Fallen flowers are carried as representative of the deity to Desibehera Street in a large decorated procession at night. Photo Gallery of Bi-Annual Thakurani Yatra.
The Thakurani Yatra is celebrated in different parts of Ganjam district. One such major biennial Thakurani Yatra is Lanjipalli Thakurani Yatra.
The nearby coastal place of importance and worth a visit is Gopalpur beach. Located at a distance of 16 km from the city, Gopalpur on Sea is a retreat for sun, sea and sand lovers. At one time a busy seaport, it still displays the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty. There are various town buses that run from Old Bus-stand to Berhampur University to Gopalpur. Also it is quite convenient to drive to Gopalpur on personal vehicle. Gopalpur once used to be a bustling place with tourists. There are many good hotels like Oberoi Palm Beach. It is also a very less known fact that Oberoi Group of Hotels started with this small Hotel in Gopalpur.
Gopalpur has an old light house, and a small fishermans cove. Gopalpur Beach Photo Gallery.
Photo Gallery of Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine
Near the silk city Berhampur in Orissa is one of the oldest pilgrimage place of mother goddess and amongst the four major ancient Adi Shakti centers in India. The mythological texts recognize four major Shakti Peethas (centers), like Bimala, Taratarini, Kamakshya and Dakhina Kalika, which originated from the limbs of the Corpse of Mata Sati in the Satya Yuga.
Rooted in the hoary past, mentioned in the Puranas, the Tantras and as the main seat of Tantric cult for thousands of years and center of Shakti worship since time immemorial, this Hill Shrine is believed to be the Sthana Peetha (Breast Shrine of Mata Sati) and an important prehistoric religious center which bears an uninterrupted history of about 6000 years.
According to mythological texts and folk lore this Shrine has seen all the greatest icons of the human civilization like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Parasuram, the Pandavas and great saints like Jagadguru Sankaracharya, Shri Chaitanya and Balayogi Neelakanthi. It has also been the confluence ground of plethora of ancient religions like the Vedic religion, the Brahminical religion, the Hinduism, the Buddhism, the Tantricism etc. Unquestionably, these facts from the mythology demonstrate the historicity and importance of the Hill Shrine it occupied in the past. Further, the presence of the mythological pious river Rushikulya or Rushikalyani (Known as the elder sister of the Ganges in the Vedas) on the foothill of the Shrine has further enhanced the significance of the Tara Tarini Shakti Dham which is also known as Kalyani Dham.
Highlights of the 6000 years history
According to the mythological Puranas the origin of Maa Tara Tarini is directly attributed to Daksha Prajapati's Jagna in Satya Yuga. The famous Shakta Peethas of Bimala, Tara-Tarini, Dakshina Kalika, and Kamakshi originated from the limbs of the divine Corpse of Devi Sati. Mythological sacred texts like the Shiva Purana, the Kalika Purana, the Devi Bhagabat (a contemporary text of the Mahabharata written by Shri Vyasa Dev around 6000 years ago) attested this fact.
It is known from the Mahabharata that before the commencement of the Mahabharata war Lord Srikrishna had advised Arjuna to offer prayer for victory at Shridevi kupa or Bhadrakali. Bhadrakali originated from the limbs of Mata Sati like the other four major Shakti Peethas, existed during the time of the Mahabharata or around 6000 years ago. This is the oldest data/information we get till date, regarding the existence of the Shrines originated from the limbs of Mata Sati.
Tara Tarini Hill Shrine under Buddhist control
According to available historical sources the fall of Kalingan Empire and its capital Sampa (Samapa) in the Kalinga war around 2300 years ago by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, strengthened the grip of Buddhists in this part of India. The then Sampa capital of the Kalingan empire, was hardly 4 km away from Taratarini Hill Shrine. So, scholars believe that Tara Tarini might be the principal deity (Ista-Devi) of the mighty Kalinga Empire.
According to the texts of Mahayana Buddhists, in the initial days, the Buddhists didn't believe in the Matrupuja (Goddesses worship) or in Pratimapuja (Idol Worship). But, the ecclesiastical texts of Mahayana's reveal that from 1st century AD after the fall of Kalinga, for the first time the Mahayana Buddhists accepted the worship of Mother Goddess 'Tara'. So there is seldom any doubt that the Buddhists have learned the 'Tara' Puja concept from this Shrine. The Bouddha Tantrik texts, texts of Vajrajani sect and Hindu Tantrik texts also attest these facts. Scholars believe that in the primary days the Buddhists worshiped Taratarini, the principal seat of Tantrik sect in Hinduism at that time, as Bouddha Tara, and later on included 'Tara' as the Tantrik deity or spouse of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in their belief system. Gradually this 'Tara' worship spread to different parts of the world.
Besides the worship of Tara by the Buddhist Tantrikas, the maritime history of Kalinga also suggest the worship of 'Tara' by the Sadhavas (merchants) and seamen before launching their sea voyage from the great sea ports like Dantapura (Gopalpur), Pallur near Chilika Lake, kalingapatna and river Rushikulya. It is important to mention, that all these major Seaports of the ancient world were present very near to the Taratarini Hill Shrine.
According to folklore and folk stories, it is around 9th century AD when Jagadguru Sankaracharya toured the whole country, that he discovered this Shrine. But, it did not exist in its present form. After long try he came to know that this ancient Shakti centre was under the control of Buddhist tantrikas. Then he released this Peetha from the control of Bouddha tantrikas and handed it over to Hindus.
It is known from the available sources that till 17th century this place was out of the sight of the common man. But, according to a folk story once Maa Taratarini appeared as two sisters in the house of Shri Basu Praharaj. He was a learned Brahmin of Kharida Vira Jagannathpur village in Ganjam District and one of the great devotees of the Mother Goddess but child less. After staying for some years one day both the sisters disappeared suddenly from the house of Basu Praharaj and according to the account of the villagers both the sisters traveled up to the Tarini Parvat/ Ratnagiri and disappeared there. Basu Praharaj searched these two sisters but did not find their tracings. His heart broke down with grief and pain. On that night he saw a dream where the Goddesses Tara Tarini informed Basu Praharaj that actually they were not his daughters; but they are the Goddesses Tara and Tarini. The Goddesses ordered Basu to come out of the grief and said that the time has arrived and with full devotion renovate the temple on the Hill Top of Tarini Parvat and establish the deities according to the tradition.
After that divine direction Basu discovered the tracings of ancient most presence of Goddesses Tara-Tarini on the sacred Hill Top and immediately took steps to reconstruct the temple and the Shrine. Since that time for its magnetism and sanctity this Shakti Peetha became a centre of faith and reverence for countless numbers of people, out in search of peace, tranquility, guidance and spiritual energy and its fame spread like wild fire to become one of the popular religious destinations for millions of devotees.
Excerpts from the article of R P Tripathy, New Delhi.
Ballipadar is famous for black bucks.
This temple is centrally located in the city near Giri Road, which will be one of the largest Ganesh Temple in Orissa.The templework is in progress. for further reference on this temple please visit the site sidhibinayakpitha.org.
Bada bazar, Sana bazar, Hanuman bazar, Urban Bank Road etc.
It is a forested hilly area where Goddess of shakti'Maa Thakurani' is worshiped. it is about 30 km far from Berhampur.In every sankranti people reach in numbers for worship.
Berhampur: The Kalua jatra festival begun in Gosani Nuagaon area of the city from Sunday. This festival would continue for 15 days till next full moon's day which is celebrated as Kumar Purnima in the State. According to the president of the organising committee, Panchanan Choudhury, they will try to promote traditional folk art forms through regular shows during the festival.
Dhabaleswar is a quiet beach close to Gopalpur beach, with facilities for surfing, sailing, and sun-bathing. The famous pilgrim center, Dhabaleswar, with its sand-bleached Shiva temple and the Dhabaleswar Island are nearby attractions.
The place is named after the presiding deity goddess Bhairabee at the remote village Mantridi. Carved in crude fashion, the icon (one-legged goddess with four hands) was discovered and enshrined in a newly adorned temple in 1937. According to legend, fisherman and sailors used to worship the deity for blessings before commencement of their journey. Bhairabee now a day has become an important Sakti Pitha Venerable for the fisherman community that lives in nearby villages. Tourists from almost all parts of southern Orissa as well as northern Andhra Pradesh visit this holy shrine every day. The important dates with the deity are the Sankranties of the Hindu calendar, and all Tuesdays.
Taptapani, as the name suggests, is famous for its hot springs. Nestled at about 1800 feet (548.6 m) above sea level, this spot is 56 kilometres away from Behrampore (or Brahmapur as the locals call it), the nearest rail station. The sprawling Panthanivas is the only shelter for tourists at Taptapani. The cottages overlook a pristine valley, and the dining hall is strategically placed between two crests of mountain fold. A few minutes walk from here will take you to Kandimata Mandir, where the locals bathe in the spring before offering their daily prayers. There is also a deer park maintained by the forest department.
* Bala kumari
The temple of Balakumari is reached by climbing 1,240 steps and is dedicated to the goddess Durga.
Chilika is India's biggest inland lake, spread over 1,100 square kilometres stretching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha and Ganjam and finally joining the Bay of Bengal through narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island, Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.
Buguda
is a small town in Ghumusar Subdivision of Ganjam district. It is famous for the temple of Biranchinarayan. The temple was built by king Srikara Bhanja, who ascended the throne of Ghumusar in 1790 A.D. The image of the god Biranchinarayan which is installed in the sanctum of the temple was recovered from the ruins of Malatigarh. The temple is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses and is conspicuous for its remarkable wood carvings and wall paintings. At the other end of the main road facing the temple of Biranchinarayan is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is built in such a manner that the devotees can see the arati of both the temples at the same time from any of these two places
Kulada is famous for the goddess Bagh Devi; it is also said to be the birthplace of the great Oriya poet Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. It is situated in the northwest of Ganjam District, with a ruined fort, the river Mahanadi flowing in the east, and dense forest in the west side of the ruined fort. The original temple is at the top of the hill known as Upper Bagh Devi, with 210 steps.
Panchama is a small village famous for the temple of Panchama Ganesh, or Siddha Binayaka, as it is locally known. Tradition says that the Gajapati King Purushottamadeva (15th century) on the way to his conquest of Kanchi recovered the image in the hallow of two trees of Vara and Aswastha and paid his homage to the image after its consecration. Since then the place has become an important centre of Ganapataya worship, preserving the great tradition of Panchadevata worship of Orissa.
Narayani, on the celebrated Vallery Mountain, is known for its romantic setting with a perennial spring and green mango groves, as well as the shrine of the goddess Narayani (Durga) with six hands.
Potagarh, built by Britishers in the 18th century close to the river Rusikulya, is a fort surrounded by a moat with remnants of majestic fort houses and a buried tunnel.
The shrine of Ujjaleswar, 19 km from Digapahandi
and 45 km from Berhampur, near Ghodahada Dam, was developed from a cave temple, on a hillock which is approachable by steps. A huge stone shadowing the deity forms the back side of the temple, which has been also chiseled to steps for facilitating a circumambulating around the shrine. Before reaching the unctuous site, one would come across the pleasing surrounding of Ghodahada Dam, which has submerged a fort named Vijayanagar and its temple. The reservoir shelters a herd of elephants, crocodiles, and pythons and provides subsoil water for a horticulture farm of tuberose.
The beach at Aryapalli is 32 km from Berhampur and 8 km from Chhatrapur and Berhampur
The hill Mahendragiri, 5000 feet (1,524 m) high, is in the Parlakhemundi subdivision of the district of Gajapati. It is associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and has interesting archaeological remains.
Sonepur beach is on the Orissa–Andhra Pradesh border along the river Bahuda; on the other side is the beach Pati Sonepur.
Current MLA from Berhampur Assembly Constituency is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik of BJD
, who won the seat in the state elections of 2004 and 2000 and also as JD
candidate in 1995.
Berhampur Corporation comes under four Assembly segments i.e., Berhampur old town, Gopalpur, Chatrapur & Digapahandi.
Berhampur is part of Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency
.
Oriya language
Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
: ବ୍ରହ୍ମପୁର) , nicknamed "The Silk City", is a city located in the eastern coastline of Ganjam district
Ganjam District
Ganjam district is a district in the Indian state of Orissa located on the border of Andhra Pradesh. Ganjam's total area is 8,070 km² . Its population is approximately 2,704,056.Ganjam is known for its beaches bordering the Bay of Bengal, the most famous ones being Gopalpur and Dhavaleshwar...
of the India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n state of Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
, about 160 kilometres (99 mi) south to state capital, Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
.It is also dubbed as "The Dance City" of Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
after Prince Dance Group and Harihar Das made the state famous in India's Got Talent. It is one of the oldest and largest city of Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
. It is also famous for its silk, its temples and its culture, etc. The latest estimate of the population of the city is 799,282 (2009 est.) making it the third most populous urban city in the state and 58th overall in India. Brahmapur (old British name Berhampur) also got Corporation status after Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
and Cuttack
Cuttack
Cuttack is the former capital of the state of Orissa, India. It is the headquarters of Cuttack district and is located about 20 km to the north east of Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. The name of the city is an anglicised form of Kataka that literally means The Fort, a reference to the...
.
Etymology
The city's official SanskritSanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
name was Brahmapur [or Home of Lord Bramha], but in the age of British India, it was changed to Berhampur (English name).. Now this city is renamed as Brahmapur
Brahmapur
Brahmapur is a semi-rural suburb of Kolkata. It is located in the southern fringes of the city and is flanked by Bansdroni to the north and west, Naktala to the east and by Boral to the south.-History:...
to retain its original Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
name.
Overview
Brahmapur is the primary railway head for nearby tourist destinations. It serves as a node for the nearby small towns and villages, so trade is predominant here. A majority of the people are self-employed in various businesses of different scales. Brahmapur is well known for its intricately designed silk sarees called Berhampuri patta, handloomLoom
A loom is a device used to weave cloth. The basic purpose of any loom is to hold the warp threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft threads...
cloth and jewellery shops.
Geography
Brahmapur is located at 19.32°N 84.78°E. It has an average elevation of 27 m (88.6 ft).Demographics
According to 2011 India census, Brahmapur had a population of 355,823 with the population of Greater Brahmapur region consisting of Chatrapur & Gopalpur (People are demanding to include HinjilicutHinjilicut
Hinjilicut is a town and a notified area committee in Ganjam district in the Indian state of Orissa.-Geography:...
) reaching more than 513 thousands. Males constitute 52% of the population and females only 48%. Brahmapur has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%, with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of only 64%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. It is 15 km away from Gopalpur sea beach/port and 35 km away from Aska
Aska
Aska can refer to:*ASKA , an American heavy-metal band*Aska Hundred, or Aska härad, was an hundred of Östergötland, Sweden.*Isuzu Aska, a Japanese car....
,"The Sugar City"(The place which has the 1st Sugar factory in Asia).
Culture
Berhampur is one of the oldest and most prominent places between north Andhra Pradesh and CuttackCuttack
Cuttack is the former capital of the state of Orissa, India. It is the headquarters of Cuttack district and is located about 20 km to the north east of Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. The name of the city is an anglicised form of Kataka that literally means The Fort, a reference to the...
, Berhampur boasts of true Oriya
Oriya language
Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
,Ganjami (Oriya mix with Telugu) & Telugu speaking, and Hindu culture. In the British period, this used to be part of the Madras Presidency. The prominence can be gauged from the fact that a Court existed here since the beginning of British style of Judiciary System. After Vizianagaram, the next Court was in this town.
The oldest Municipal School, Government High School – MKCG Medical Campus, Girls High School, K. C. Town High School, City High School are probably among the oldest schools in India. Prominent lawyers like G.L. Narasimham, Rajaguru, G.L. Jagannadham, and others are still considered prominent legal experts by the lawyers in and around Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
, and Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
.
Theater has been very prominent in the early days of 1930 and was the main source of entertainment till the advent of motion pictures. Since then, theater and drama have become cultural events here.Ganjam Kala Parishad, Prakasam Hall are some of the oldest drama-halls in India which is located here. The oldest theater in the History of Orissa was the SSVT(established in 1927) hall which was closed down around 10 years back.
Oriya
Oriya people
The Oriya, known classically by various names , are an ethnic group of eastern India and of eastern Indo-Aryan stock...
culture has been prominent in this southern city of Orissa since ancient times. As this region was merged with Madras Presidency in British era, a large number of South Indians (mostly Telugu and Tamil) were employed here by the British Government. Being the border city nearest to Andhra Pradesh, the city has a mixed Orissa and Andhra culture. The city is famous for the shops in Bada Bazaar, Annapurna Market and Bhapur Bazaar.
Brahmapur is very famous for its Pappad (popadum), Aachar (pickle) & various kinds of Badi. Berhampur is well known for its intricately designed silk sarees and handloom cloth and hence is known as the “Silk City”. It is the also a big market place for fruits especially mango for mangos always arrive from orchards of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
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The town is also a major center of education in south Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
. The city is the home to 9 engineering colleges & 11 Polytechnic colleges, 14 ITI’s (as of 2011) and the number is growing every year. The city is also home to many tutorials and coaching institutes who prepare students for various entrance exams.Real Estate have also emerged as big players in Brahmapur urban area. Recent times have seen large scale retail chains such as Vishal Mega Mart, The Planet, Kolkata Bazar, Reliance, The World, Sri Durga Cloth Store etc. have outlets in Brahmapur.
There are many major educational institutions in Brahmapur like Berhampur University, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gjapati (MKCG) Medical College & Hospital,College of pharmaceutical Sciences(CPS), Khallikot Government College, Government Engineering School (Polytechnic) and with the establishment of colleges Parala Maharaj Engineering College(PMEC) and some prominent private engineering colleges as well National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Vignan institute Of Technology and Management(VITAM), Roland Institute of Technology (RIT), Sanjaya Memorial Institute of Technology (SMIT),Gandhi Institute for Industrial Technology( GIIT) the city has highest number of engineering colleges after the state capital Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
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Many students come here to prepare for engineering and medical entrance examinations especially from southern central region of Orissa.
Night life in this town comes alive with some glitter and bustling shops around Annapurna Market, some market complexes down the market street and a pond (Ramlinga Tank)which is often polluted but people sit there and enjoy the evening. The streets around Goutam Cinema Hall are famous for street side food, though hygiene of the food can be questionable.
There are some food and sweets joints like Calcutta Sweets which are quite old and famous.NEW CHITARANJAN HOTEL at BIJUPUR CHOWK, Balaji Mishtan Bhanda at " BADA BAZAR CHOWK " Sahoo lassi stall and the Girija restaurant at Girija Square, Baikuntha bhawan at Bada Bazar, Jata/Sankaram Hotel in Joura Street, Dharma Hotel at Khaspa Street, Dandapani Hotel and Kasi Hotel in Beraka Street, Samal canteen at Annapurna Square, Anna Chowmein in front of city high school ground, Lavanya Hotel raja street squre, May Fair Fast food near sub-registrar office, New Biryani Center at Corporation Road and Hotel Satya Sai in Komapalli Square are quite famous from olden days.Hotel "Sri Radhe" at RANDHA (7 KM from berhampur toward Inchapur) which is very famous for Tiffin & Sweets.
Voluntary organisations like Bahumukhi Samajamangala O Sanskrutika Kendra(Multipurpose Socio-cultural centre) is working for environment and Oriya
Oriya language
Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
language from 1977.
Festivals
The people of Brahmapur celebrate all the major festivals of Orissa, like Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Kumar Purnima or Gaja Laxmi Puja, Manabasa Gurubar, Raja Sankranti, Makar Sankranti,Bishuba/Pana Sankranti or Orissa New Year,Dola Yatra or Holi, Chandan Yatra, Gamha Purnima or Rakshya Bandhan, Kartik Purnima, Nabanna, Janmastami, Ram Navami, Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Puja and others.Some Festivals are unique to the City, like Sharad Purnima or kumara purnima. In Kumar purnima all the girls do janiusa puja and pray tulasi maa for blessing them with a good life partner.Every two years a festival is held in honor of the main deity of the city, Thakurani Maa and the Festival is known as Thakurani Jatara/Yatra.It is said that goddess Thakurani maa come to their parent's home in holidays for some days from her in-laws home.
The other communities of the city such as Telugu, Tamil, Marwari, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujrati celebrate their festivals along with the major festivals of the city.
Media
- Electronic Media
Brahmapur has a full fledged All India Radio Station which broadcasts FM radio with Frequency (100.6 MHz)in Greater Brahmapur region (BCGH-Brahmapur, Chhatrapur
Chhatrapur
Chhatrapur is a town and a notified area committee in Ganjam District in the state of Orissa, India. It is the headquarter town of Ganjam District. There are two railway stations in Chhatrapur. They are Chhatrapur station and Chhatrapur court station.-Geography:Chhatrapur is located at...
, Gopalpur
Gopalpur-on-Sea
Gopalpur is a town and notified area in Ganjam district in the Indian state of Orissa. Gopalpur is located at . It has an average elevation of 1 metres ....
& Hinjilicut
Hinjilicut
Hinjilicut is a town and a notified area committee in Ganjam district in the Indian state of Orissa.-Geography:...
). Also there is a high power transmitter of (6 KW) Doordarshan which telecasts Oriya
Oriya language
Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
programs. B-TV, U-TV are two local channels that telecast from here.
- Print Media
There are many print media houses in Brahmapur. The oldest Oriya
Oriya language
Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
daily Dainik Asha, The Samaj, The Dharitri, The Sambad and Anupam Bharat are publishing from Brahmapur.
Health care
Government/society-owned hospitals:- MKCG Medical College and Hospital, which is a combined medical school and hospital and one of the three government medical colleges in Orissa. www.bogsodisha.com
- Sahara Diagnostics,courtpeta square,highly quality oriented diagnostics of Berhampur
- City Hospital.
- Janana Hospital(Christian Hospital).
- Red Cross Hospital.
- Amit Hospital,Cannal Street,Gate bazar,BAM-1,Phone:0680-2224535,2225480
- Sriram Hospital,1st Line,JP Nagar,Near Sales Tax Office, BAM-10,Phone:0680-2296424 /2292259
- Narayan Jeevan Daan Hospital at Subba Rao Square
- Narayan Eye Clinic near Gate Bazar
- Sree Ortho Clinic (Dr. A V Ranganadham)at Gandhi Nagar Main Road
- New Care Hospital,Bramhanagar
Pharmaceutical Business
Berhampur plays a vital role in pharmaceutical business of southern Orissa. Pharmaceutical distributors of Berhampur supplies stocks to Retailers & Sub-Stockits of Gajapthi, Gunupur, Malkangiri, Nowrangapur, Koraput and Khandamal districts apart from Ganjam district. After the District Chemists & druggists Association became Sub-Judice over the leadership and other issues, Ganjam Pharma Wholesalers Association (GPWA), Berhampur was formeed in the year 2009 with Mr.Santosh Kumar Patro as Founder President and Mr.V.Satyanaryana as Founder Secretary. The Ganjam Pharma Wholesalers Association was inaugurated by Orissa IT Minister Mr.Surjyanarayan Patro in the year 2009. GPWA plays vital role in policy making of pharmaceutical business in Southern Orissa and looks after various issues of Pharmaceutical trade and safeguards the interests of wholesalers and the retailers of Ganjam and Gajapati Districts of Orissa. The GPWA is an Independent Body, which follows the suggestions and guidance of All India Organisation of Chemists & Drugists (AIOCD), Mumbai with good spirit. A total of 250 Wholesalers of Ganjam and Gajapathi Districts with valid Drug license and having retail catering are the members of Ganjam District Wholesalers Association. The address of District Association:Ganjam Pharma Wholesalers'Association,
Beeraka Street,
Berhampur- 760002.
Dist:Ganjam.
email:gpwa@rediffmail.com.
Mob:094370 65995.
General Stream
- Berhampur UniversityBerhampur UniversityBerhampur University is a university near Berhampur, Orissa, India. It is one of the oldest and major universities of Orissa, the others being Utkal at Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur University.-History:...
, Bhanja Bihar http://berhampurphoto.blogspot.com/search?q=berhampur++university+
The Berhampur University came into existence on 2 January 1967 being inaugurated by Dr. A.N. Khosla, the then Governor of Orissa and the first Chancellor of the University. The University was later shifted to the present site known as Bhanja Bihar, named after the celebrated poet of Orissa Kabisamrat Upendra Bhanja. Spreading over an area of 250 acres (1 km²) the university is twelve kilometres and five kilometres away from the Berhampur City and Sea-beach of Gopalpur respectively.
- Khallikote Autonomous CollegeKhallikote Autonomous CollegeThe Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, Orissa is one of the oldest educational institutions of India. It was started as a school in 1856 in Berhampur and became an intermediate College in 1878. Its earlier name was Native College. The present name Khallikote College was conferred on it in...
- Proposed to convert a Unitary University - Berhampur University Higher secondary School-Intermediate in science & arts,Berhampur University
- CAMBRIDGE JUNIOR COLLEGE – for +2 Sc Day cum Residential, Engg. school Road. http://caambridgejuniorcollege.com
- Great India Institute of Technology(GIIT), Aska Road,Berhampur. http://greatiit.weebly.com
- Science College Hinjilicut http://www.sch.org.in/Pages/Home.aspx
- Binayak Acharya CollegeBinayak Acharya CollegeBinayak Acharya College is a college in Berhampur, a city in Orissa, India. It was established in the early 1980s to cater to the necessity of a government college in the old city segment of Berhampur. It was named after the late Chief Minister of Orissa, Mr. Binayak Acharya. Its first principal...
- D.A.V Public School, Berhampur (A Senior Secondary (Std. XII), CBSE Affiliated School)http://www.davberhampur.org
- 'Kendriya Vidyalaya' ,Berhampur (A CBSE Affiliated Senior Secondary school ), {Up to std XII with science and art streams} http://www.kvberhampur.org/
http://www.kvsangathan.nic.in/
- Supriya Junior College
- Women's College, Berhampur
- KD Science College, Pochilima, Hinjilicut http://kdscpochilima.dheOdisha.in/
- Takshashila Resd School, Ankuspur, http://www.takshashilaschool.com
Professional Stream-Engineering Degree & Master Degree (9+1 Nos)
- SMIT(Sanjay Memorial Institute of Technology),Chandipadar,Berhampur http://www.smitorissa.org
- Vignan Institute Of Technology and Management, Bhairavi, Mantridi village, Berhampur(VITAM)http://www.vitam.edu.in/
- National Institute of Science and Technology Palur Hills, Berhampur (NIST) Pvt.http://www.nist.edu
- Roland Institute of Technology Surya Vihar, Berhampur (RIT) Pvt. http://www.roland.ac.in/
- IIIT Berhampur (planned)
Professional Stream- Medical, Pharmacy & Nursing College
- MKCG Medical College and HospitalMKCG Medical College and HospitalThe Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Medical College & Hospital, Bramhapur, Ganjam, Orissa, also popularly known as MKCG Medical College and Hospital, is a government medical college and hospital which started functioning in 1962 and 1966 respectively, as a medical college...
(Medical)- Proposed to convert to AIIMS or Unitary University - College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mohuda (Pharmacy)- Proposed to convert a Unitary University (1st Pharmacy college of Orissa) or National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
- Roland Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ambapua(PHARMACY)
- Royal College Of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Andhapasara Road (PHARMACY)
- Om Sai College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Gopalpur on Sea, Brahmapur
- Sivananda College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Near Engineering College Square, Panda Colony, Brahmapur
Professional Stream-Diploma School- 11 Nos
- Uma Charan Pattanaik Engineering School, Berhampur
- Aum Sai Institute of Technical Education, Berhampur
- Berhampur School of Engineering & Technology(BSET), Berhampur
Professional Stream-Others
- College of Fisheries (OUAT), Rangeilunda, Berhampur
- Army Air Defence College (AADC), Gopalpur, Berhampur
- J N Tata Technical Education Center, Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), Gopalpur
- Academy of Technocrats for the IT courses like BCA,BES & BBA Under Berhampur University, Berhampur.
- DISHA College of Management & Technology (BCA & BBA under Berhampur University, Distance Programs under Punjab Technical University, Karnataka State Open University, Manomaniam Sundaranar University). http://www.dishaworld.in
Hotels
Hotel MoonLite (http://www.hotel-moonlite.com/),Hotel Moti (202386), Hotel Nandan (200232), Municipal Guest House (200466), Lake View Lodge (203334), Ananda Bhavan Lodging (208364), Hotel Radha (202341), Laxminivas Lodging (204381), Hotel Shankar Bhawan (203309), Sriram Bhawan ( 203369), Berhampur Rest House (203636) & Others.Padhy DJ,Khallingi,Pro-ramesh Chandra Padhy
IT organisations
Many state level software companies have set up their centres here, as Berhampur offers opportunities associated with Grade II and grade III cities for BPO and software companies. The Delhi-based IT company Perfect Infotech has operations here. Also, certain small and medium scale software organizations like TeamIn Technologies Private Limited. An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company , Integrity Infocomm Private Limited , Ozone Softwares, Auro Infotech have set up operations here to cater the IT needs in and around Berhampur. The third Software park (STPI) of the state is inaugurated recently. Due to its moderate climate and technical education infrastructure base it may become a leading IT and ITES destination of Eastern India.Work has started on establishing a second IIIT at Berhampur. The Government has allotted 100 acre (0.404686 km²) for the proposed institute at Rangeilunda. Also NID (National Institute of Design) is coming to Berhampur city as stated by our Ex-MP / Central Minister Mr. Chandrasekhar Sahu.
Sports
Brahmapur has produced some of the best weight lifting and boxing players for India at the international level including present day India champion in Commonwealth Games gold medalist winner K Ravi Kumar. Veer Hanuman Club of Brahmapur has produced international lifters like Bijay Kumar Satapathy, Chandra Sekhar Sahu and Tikina Gopal from the town. Satapathy, also an Arjuna Award winner, had grabbed silver in the 1982 CWG held in Australia, and gold medal in the 1981 Mini-Commonwealth Games. Railway employee Sahu had clinched gold in the SAARC sports meet in 1990. Similarly, Tikina Gopal had also won silver and bronze in the Junior and Senior Asian Championship, while Ranu Mohanty, a girl from the town won medals in international events in power lifting.Stadiums:
Brahmapur has a National level stadium which has been hosted for several Ranji Trophy matches. The city has produced many reputed Ranji players in the recent times.
- Brahmapur Stadium (Barracks)
- Khallikote College Stadium
- Veer Hanuman Circus and Physical Institute (VHCPI)- Indoor Stadium
Eminent personalities
- Er. Aditya Ranjan Pattanayk (MD Tapan Infotech Ltd.)
- Late Dr. V. V. GiriV. V. GiriVarahagiri Venkata Giri , commonly known as V. V. Giri, was the fourth President of the Republic of India from 24 August 1969 to 23 August 1974.-Early life:...
, former President of IndiaPresident of IndiaThe President of India is the head of state and first citizen of India, as well as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. President of India is also the formal head of all the three branches of Indian Democracy - Legislature, Executive and Judiciary... - Mr K. Ravi Kumar, Weightlifter, Commonwealth Gold Medalist
- Gyanendra Sahoo ,CEO REX intertainment.
- Sadguru Swami Chetanananda Saraswati Paramahansa ( former Dean, R&D, OUAT )
- Mr. George Amit Das , Director Das And Sons.
- Prof Gadadhar Mishra, Director,IISc,Bhatnagar Awardee.
- Late Shri Biswanath Das, Former Chief Minister of Orissa and Governor of Uttar Pradesh
- Late Shri Binayak Acharya, former chief minister of Orissa
- Dr B K Mishra, Director, IMMT, Bhubaneswar.
- Dr Kapali Krishna Murthy, Vet. LI. Berhampur.
- Late Shri Brundaban Nayak, Ex-Minister, Founder of SMIT & Dainika Asha.
- Shri Ramachandra Rath, Ex. National Youth Congress President and former minister of state, Govt. of India
- Late Justice Lingaraj Panigrahi, Former Chief Justice, Orissa and first Vice Chancellor, Berhampur University
- Late R. P. Padhi, Retd Addl Chief Secretary, Orissa and former Vice Chancellor of Berhampur University
- Late Justice Abhimanyu Mishra, Retd. Justice Orissa High Court and former Vice Chancellor, Berhampur University
- Dr. Kota Harinarayana, Former Vice Chancellor, Univ. of Hyderabad and an eminent aero-space engineer and scientist
- Dr. Sisinthy Shivaji, Deputy Director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad
- Prof. Sudarsan Acharya, Former Professor of Oriya, Berhampur University, National Sahitya Academy Awardee.
- Sri. Kunja Bihari Panda, Lawyer,Bendalia,Berhampur.
- Sri Dukhisyam Choudhary, Educationalist, Social Worker
- Late Ananta Tripathy Sharma, Sanskrit Scholar and Aayurvedacharya
- Late Ramachandra Acharya, an eminent teacher, author, noveslist and oriya essayist.
- Prof. Dr. Bijoy Kumar Sahu, Professor of Marine Science & Vice Chancellor, Berhampur University.
- Sri Suresh Senapathy, CFO and Director – Wipro Limited, Bangalore.
- Dr.Soumya Ranjan Patnaik,thau.
- Mr. Anil K. Sahu, Director – The Children Emancipation Society, Social Activist. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Dr. Binoda Chandra Sabata, Senior Scientific Officer, Department of Environment, Govt. of Delhi
- Sisir Mishra (Dada Saheb Phalke Academy award winner)
- late sri biswambar behera , freedom fighter , social worker , congress political leader.
- Sri . Jeevanananda Pattanaik,Popular as LITU Pattnaik, Social Activist, Red Cross Blood Bank. Free Lancer ActiVist.Saved Many Lives.
Attractions
- Bi-Annual Thakurani Yatra – The Festival of the Goddess.
This welcomes the goddess Budhi Thakurani to her temporary abode for the biannual Thakurani Jatra festival late at night. The hereditary head of the festival, who is also regarded as the head of the weaver Dera community of the city, Desibehera, dressed in his traditional attire, visits the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple to invite the goddess to her parental abode at his home on Saturday afternoon. His wife also accompanies him, and they make offerings at the Kalika temple.
Rituals to welcome the deity for the festival started at the temporary temple built at Desibehera street from evening with the Changudi Puja. After these rituals, flowers are carried from Desibehera's house to the Budhi Thakurani temple. Fallen flowers are carried as representative of the deity to Desibehera Street in a large decorated procession at night. Photo Gallery of Bi-Annual Thakurani Yatra.
The Thakurani Yatra is celebrated in different parts of Ganjam district. One such major biennial Thakurani Yatra is Lanjipalli Thakurani Yatra.
The nearby coastal place of importance and worth a visit is Gopalpur beach. Located at a distance of 16 km from the city, Gopalpur on Sea is a retreat for sun, sea and sand lovers. At one time a busy seaport, it still displays the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty. There are various town buses that run from Old Bus-stand to Berhampur University to Gopalpur. Also it is quite convenient to drive to Gopalpur on personal vehicle. Gopalpur once used to be a bustling place with tourists. There are many good hotels like Oberoi Palm Beach. It is also a very less known fact that Oberoi Group of Hotels started with this small Hotel in Gopalpur.
Gopalpur has an old light house, and a small fishermans cove. Gopalpur Beach Photo Gallery.
- Maa Tara Tarini Hill ShrineMaa Tara Tarini Hill ShrineThe tradition of Shakti worship in India can be traced back to the period of antiquity. Shakti is the mother of Universe the highest primal power transferred to powerful Goddess representing the creative force, Matrika, later developed to Shakti or Prakriti under various names of Sati...
, the Sthana Peetha (Breast Shrine of Mata Sati) - Taratarini Hill Shrine http://taratarini.nic.in
Photo Gallery of Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine
Near the silk city Berhampur in Orissa is one of the oldest pilgrimage place of mother goddess and amongst the four major ancient Adi Shakti centers in India. The mythological texts recognize four major Shakti Peethas (centers), like Bimala, Taratarini, Kamakshya and Dakhina Kalika, which originated from the limbs of the Corpse of Mata Sati in the Satya Yuga.
Rooted in the hoary past, mentioned in the Puranas, the Tantras and as the main seat of Tantric cult for thousands of years and center of Shakti worship since time immemorial, this Hill Shrine is believed to be the Sthana Peetha (Breast Shrine of Mata Sati) and an important prehistoric religious center which bears an uninterrupted history of about 6000 years.
According to mythological texts and folk lore this Shrine has seen all the greatest icons of the human civilization like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Parasuram, the Pandavas and great saints like Jagadguru Sankaracharya, Shri Chaitanya and Balayogi Neelakanthi. It has also been the confluence ground of plethora of ancient religions like the Vedic religion, the Brahminical religion, the Hinduism, the Buddhism, the Tantricism etc. Unquestionably, these facts from the mythology demonstrate the historicity and importance of the Hill Shrine it occupied in the past. Further, the presence of the mythological pious river Rushikulya or Rushikalyani (Known as the elder sister of the Ganges in the Vedas) on the foothill of the Shrine has further enhanced the significance of the Tara Tarini Shakti Dham which is also known as Kalyani Dham.
Highlights of the 6000 years history
According to the mythological Puranas the origin of Maa Tara Tarini is directly attributed to Daksha Prajapati's Jagna in Satya Yuga. The famous Shakta Peethas of Bimala, Tara-Tarini, Dakshina Kalika, and Kamakshi originated from the limbs of the divine Corpse of Devi Sati. Mythological sacred texts like the Shiva Purana, the Kalika Purana, the Devi Bhagabat (a contemporary text of the Mahabharata written by Shri Vyasa Dev around 6000 years ago) attested this fact.
It is known from the Mahabharata that before the commencement of the Mahabharata war Lord Srikrishna had advised Arjuna to offer prayer for victory at Shridevi kupa or Bhadrakali. Bhadrakali originated from the limbs of Mata Sati like the other four major Shakti Peethas, existed during the time of the Mahabharata or around 6000 years ago. This is the oldest data/information we get till date, regarding the existence of the Shrines originated from the limbs of Mata Sati.
Tara Tarini Hill Shrine under Buddhist control
According to available historical sources the fall of Kalingan Empire and its capital Sampa (Samapa) in the Kalinga war around 2300 years ago by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, strengthened the grip of Buddhists in this part of India. The then Sampa capital of the Kalingan empire, was hardly 4 km away from Taratarini Hill Shrine. So, scholars believe that Tara Tarini might be the principal deity (Ista-Devi) of the mighty Kalinga Empire.
According to the texts of Mahayana Buddhists, in the initial days, the Buddhists didn't believe in the Matrupuja (Goddesses worship) or in Pratimapuja (Idol Worship). But, the ecclesiastical texts of Mahayana's reveal that from 1st century AD after the fall of Kalinga, for the first time the Mahayana Buddhists accepted the worship of Mother Goddess 'Tara'. So there is seldom any doubt that the Buddhists have learned the 'Tara' Puja concept from this Shrine. The Bouddha Tantrik texts, texts of Vajrajani sect and Hindu Tantrik texts also attest these facts. Scholars believe that in the primary days the Buddhists worshiped Taratarini, the principal seat of Tantrik sect in Hinduism at that time, as Bouddha Tara, and later on included 'Tara' as the Tantrik deity or spouse of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in their belief system. Gradually this 'Tara' worship spread to different parts of the world.
Besides the worship of Tara by the Buddhist Tantrikas, the maritime history of Kalinga also suggest the worship of 'Tara' by the Sadhavas (merchants) and seamen before launching their sea voyage from the great sea ports like Dantapura (Gopalpur), Pallur near Chilika Lake, kalingapatna and river Rushikulya. It is important to mention, that all these major Seaports of the ancient world were present very near to the Taratarini Hill Shrine.
According to folklore and folk stories, it is around 9th century AD when Jagadguru Sankaracharya toured the whole country, that he discovered this Shrine. But, it did not exist in its present form. After long try he came to know that this ancient Shakti centre was under the control of Buddhist tantrikas. Then he released this Peetha from the control of Bouddha tantrikas and handed it over to Hindus.
It is known from the available sources that till 17th century this place was out of the sight of the common man. But, according to a folk story once Maa Taratarini appeared as two sisters in the house of Shri Basu Praharaj. He was a learned Brahmin of Kharida Vira Jagannathpur village in Ganjam District and one of the great devotees of the Mother Goddess but child less. After staying for some years one day both the sisters disappeared suddenly from the house of Basu Praharaj and according to the account of the villagers both the sisters traveled up to the Tarini Parvat/ Ratnagiri and disappeared there. Basu Praharaj searched these two sisters but did not find their tracings. His heart broke down with grief and pain. On that night he saw a dream where the Goddesses Tara Tarini informed Basu Praharaj that actually they were not his daughters; but they are the Goddesses Tara and Tarini. The Goddesses ordered Basu to come out of the grief and said that the time has arrived and with full devotion renovate the temple on the Hill Top of Tarini Parvat and establish the deities according to the tradition.
After that divine direction Basu discovered the tracings of ancient most presence of Goddesses Tara-Tarini on the sacred Hill Top and immediately took steps to reconstruct the temple and the Shrine. Since that time for its magnetism and sanctity this Shakti Peetha became a centre of faith and reverence for countless numbers of people, out in search of peace, tranquility, guidance and spiritual energy and its fame spread like wild fire to become one of the popular religious destinations for millions of devotees.
Excerpts from the article of R P Tripathy, New Delhi.
- Ballipadar:
Ballipadar is famous for black bucks.
Sri Sri Sri Sidha Binayak Pitha
- Hillpatana, Berhampur
This temple is centrally located in the city near Giri Road, which will be one of the largest Ganesh Temple in Orissa.The templework is in progress. for further reference on this temple please visit the site sidhibinayakpitha.org.
- City market area
Bada bazar, Sana bazar, Hanuman bazar, Urban Bank Road etc.
- "Mahurikalua"
It is a forested hilly area where Goddess of shakti'Maa Thakurani' is worshiped. it is about 30 km far from Berhampur.In every sankranti people reach in numbers for worship.
- Kalua jatra
Berhampur: The Kalua jatra festival begun in Gosani Nuagaon area of the city from Sunday. This festival would continue for 15 days till next full moon's day which is celebrated as Kumar Purnima in the State. According to the president of the organising committee, Panchanan Choudhury, they will try to promote traditional folk art forms through regular shows during the festival.
- Dhabaleshwar beach
Dhabaleswar is a quiet beach close to Gopalpur beach, with facilities for surfing, sailing, and sun-bathing. The famous pilgrim center, Dhabaleswar, with its sand-bleached Shiva temple and the Dhabaleswar Island are nearby attractions.
- The Chatrapur Port Area
- Maa Bhairavi Temple
The place is named after the presiding deity goddess Bhairabee at the remote village Mantridi. Carved in crude fashion, the icon (one-legged goddess with four hands) was discovered and enshrined in a newly adorned temple in 1937. According to legend, fisherman and sailors used to worship the deity for blessings before commencement of their journey. Bhairabee now a day has become an important Sakti Pitha Venerable for the fisherman community that lives in nearby villages. Tourists from almost all parts of southern Orissa as well as northern Andhra Pradesh visit this holy shrine every day. The important dates with the deity are the Sankranties of the Hindu calendar, and all Tuesdays.
- Taptapani
Taptapani, as the name suggests, is famous for its hot springs. Nestled at about 1800 feet (548.6 m) above sea level, this spot is 56 kilometres away from Behrampore (or Brahmapur as the locals call it), the nearest rail station. The sprawling Panthanivas is the only shelter for tourists at Taptapani. The cottages overlook a pristine valley, and the dining hall is strategically placed between two crests of mountain fold. A few minutes walk from here will take you to Kandimata Mandir, where the locals bathe in the spring before offering their daily prayers. There is also a deer park maintained by the forest department.
* Bala kumari
The temple of Balakumari is reached by climbing 1,240 steps and is dedicated to the goddess Durga.
- Chilika
Chilika is India's biggest inland lake, spread over 1,100 square kilometres stretching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha and Ganjam and finally joining the Bay of Bengal through narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island, Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.
- Biranchi Narayan
Buguda
Buguda
Buguda is a town and a notified area committee in Ganjam district in the state of Orissa, India. It is also situated in Ghumusara province.-Geography:Buguda is located at . It has an average elevation of 84 metres .-Demographics:...
is a small town in Ghumusar Subdivision of Ganjam district. It is famous for the temple of Biranchinarayan. The temple was built by king Srikara Bhanja, who ascended the throne of Ghumusar in 1790 A.D. The image of the god Biranchinarayan which is installed in the sanctum of the temple was recovered from the ruins of Malatigarh. The temple is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses and is conspicuous for its remarkable wood carvings and wall paintings. At the other end of the main road facing the temple of Biranchinarayan is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is built in such a manner that the devotees can see the arati of both the temples at the same time from any of these two places
- Kulada
Kulada is famous for the goddess Bagh Devi; it is also said to be the birthplace of the great Oriya poet Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. It is situated in the northwest of Ganjam District, with a ruined fort, the river Mahanadi flowing in the east, and dense forest in the west side of the ruined fort. The original temple is at the top of the hill known as Upper Bagh Devi, with 210 steps.
- Panchama
Panchama is a small village famous for the temple of Panchama Ganesh, or Siddha Binayaka, as it is locally known. Tradition says that the Gajapati King Purushottamadeva (15th century) on the way to his conquest of Kanchi recovered the image in the hallow of two trees of Vara and Aswastha and paid his homage to the image after its consecration. Since then the place has become an important centre of Ganapataya worship, preserving the great tradition of Panchadevata worship of Orissa.
- Narayani
Narayani, on the celebrated Vallery Mountain, is known for its romantic setting with a perennial spring and green mango groves, as well as the shrine of the goddess Narayani (Durga) with six hands.
- Potagarh
Potagarh, built by Britishers in the 18th century close to the river Rusikulya, is a fort surrounded by a moat with remnants of majestic fort houses and a buried tunnel.
- Ujaleswar
The shrine of Ujjaleswar, 19 km from Digapahandi
Digapahandi
Digapahandi is a town and a notified area committee in Ganjam district in the state of Orissa, India.-Geography:Digapahandi is located at . It has an average elevation of 53 metres .-Demographics:...
and 45 km from Berhampur, near Ghodahada Dam, was developed from a cave temple, on a hillock which is approachable by steps. A huge stone shadowing the deity forms the back side of the temple, which has been also chiseled to steps for facilitating a circumambulating around the shrine. Before reaching the unctuous site, one would come across the pleasing surrounding of Ghodahada Dam, which has submerged a fort named Vijayanagar and its temple. The reservoir shelters a herd of elephants, crocodiles, and pythons and provides subsoil water for a horticulture farm of tuberose.
- Aryapalli
The beach at Aryapalli is 32 km from Berhampur and 8 km from Chhatrapur and Berhampur
- Mahendragiri
The hill Mahendragiri, 5000 feet (1,524 m) high, is in the Parlakhemundi subdivision of the district of Gajapati. It is associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and has interesting archaeological remains.
- Sonepur
Sonepur beach is on the Orissa–Andhra Pradesh border along the river Bahuda; on the other side is the beach Pati Sonepur.
Politics
Current MP (Member Of Parliament) of Berhampur Parliamentary Constituency is Siddhant Mohapatra(BJD), elected in the year 2009.Current MLA from Berhampur Assembly Constituency is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik of BJD
Biju Janata Dal
The Biju Janata Dal is a state political party of the Indian state of Orissa led by Naveen Patnaik, son of former state chief minister Biju Patnaik. It was founded on 27 December 1997.-History:...
, who won the seat in the state elections of 2004 and 2000 and also as JD
Janata Dal
Janata Dal is an Indian political party which was formed through the merger of Janata Party factions, the Lok Dal, Congress, and the Jan Morcha led by V. P...
candidate in 1995.
Berhampur Corporation comes under four Assembly segments i.e., Berhampur old town, Gopalpur, Chatrapur & Digapahandi.
Berhampur is part of Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency
Berhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)
Berhampur is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency in Orissa. Assembly constituencies which constitute this parliamentary constituency are: Chatrapur, Gopalpur, Berhampur, Chikati, Mohana, Ramagiri and Parlakhemundi.-Members of Parliament:...
.