In the grand fabric of Indian history, few royal personalities have any lasting effect as Maharaja Gajapati Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, the illustrious king of Paralakhemundi. As a scion of the great Gajapati dynasty, which had ruled several parts of Odisha for over seven centuries, Krushna Chandra Gajapati was not only the preserver of a glorious cultural heritage, but at the same time a far-sighted leader who had laid the base for modern Odisha.
One of the most revered in the Eastern India, Gajapati Dynasty, comes with an ancestry that date back medieval times. Their patronage of art, literature, and religion are well known, they shaped socio cultural fabric of Odisha. As the head of this storied dynasty, Krushna Chandra Gajapati came into possession of more than a crown, he inherited a quest to defend and uplift the distinction of his land and people.
Born in 1892,Krushna Chandra was not just born with the badge of royalty but also born to lead. He was a man believed in progress and reform and his reign was guided by a forward- thinking attitude. He promoted education, health and rural development and also put in a huge amount of money in the infrastructure development across Ganjam and Koraput districts.
Located amidst the serene green lands of the state of Odisha, Chandragiri Chandragirii, situated in the Lobarsing Gram Panchayat, Mohona Block is a treasure which whispers peace, spirituality and cultural heritage. Despite its small size, this peaceful village has won fame thanks to its grand contribution to Buddhist legacy in South Asia.
But what actually makes Chandragiri special is its magnificent Buddhist temple which is counted among the tallest in entire South Asia. This beautiful monument is not just an ancient statue, but it is also spiritual for those belonging to theBuddhist faith and travelers from all around the world.
In 2010 the temple was set in a special place of the history when His Holiness the Dalai Lama personally arrived at Chandragiri to consecrate the temple. The occasion lured shall thousands of devotees, monks, and audiences, flanking the village constituted a intricué place on the Buddhist pilgrimage compose.
A nature wonder named Gandahati Waterfall exists within the verdant landscape of Gajapati district in Odisha state which attracts people from all sections of the district plus regional and international visitors. Gandahati’s scenic location remains only 27 kilometers away from the District Headquarters to provide visitors a beautiful combination between natural landscapes historical sites and wildlife biodiversity.
Gandahati functions as more than an attractive natural setting by maintaining essential historical value. Back in the past Gandahati served as a mutha administrative unit in the Paralakhemundi Zamindari. The origin of Gandahati reveals itself through its original name because elephants once migrated through its ancient forest region. Although elephants have vanished from this land the name preserves its former wild nature.
Mahendragiri Hill rules over the Eastern Ghats from its central placement as it connects the borders of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The hill elevation measures 4923 feet above sea level earning it the position of the second highest peak in the region behind Singharaj (4976 feet) and preceding Devagiri (4534 feet).
Mahendragiri resides at lat 18° 24′ where it operates as a natural Dosimali stone which divides Andhra from Odisha provincially. This stone serves to establish the Trisimali stone for the districts of Ganjam and Gajapati in Odisha and the Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.
Visitors seeking tranquility in untouched natural surroundings should make MankodaDiya Waterfall in Odisha’s Gajapati district their next travel destination.
MankodaDiya lies within the lush R.Udayagiri Block territory as one of the few locations that showcases pristine nature. MankodaDiya Waterfall exists near Sialilati which remains among the most sought-after waterfalls in the region but MankodaDiya maintains a discreet appeal of its own. During monsoon and post-monsoon seasons visitors experience an impressive view of the mountain stream that flows between forested trees and rocky hills.
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