In the Bhadrak district of Orissa lies Aradi Village, where you will experience the power of an ancient secret—the powerful energy of Baitarani River and Baba Akhandalamani. While walking toward the Temple area, the banks of the Baitarani River will be within reach. Just a short walk from the Temple, there is a peaceful Temple Tank called Shiva Ganga, which is located just a few feet from the main Temple Building. Why do people get such amazing things from this water? Because, according to spiritual belief, this water is brought through a special channel called “Shiva Mahara”. According to local beliefs and legends, this water has healing qualities.
If you happen to be at the Temple in the early morning, the mist will sit on the Shiva Ganga, creating the illusion of the Temple floating between the clouds and the earth in humble perfection, preparing your heart for the arrival of Baba Akhandalamani.
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ToggleThe Akhandalamani temple Aradi is a temple of strength; unlike other temples, it is not light or airy, but rather heavy with solidity due to its construction from heavy stones obtained from Nilagiri Hills and Lalitgiri Hills. The legend of Akhandalamani tells of a miraculous event that occurred approximately 350 years ago during the reign of Raja Niladri Samara Singha Mohapatra. At that time, a farmer plowing in his field struck something hard with his plow, and when he looked down he found that blood was flowing from a black stone.
The story was shared with me by the local priest named Dasharathi, who stated that when the king came upon the stone, the blood had turned to milk, and there was a large cobra protecting that area where the blood had flowed. This was the first time Baba Akhandalamani had revealed himself to the world. The king built a temporary wooden shrine at the location where the large black stone was located that evening while he was sleeping. Years later, in response to a promise made by her husband, Satyabhama Patadei, the queen of Kanika built the grand stone structure we see today as the permanent home of Baba Akhandalamani.
The Akhandalamani Temple Aradi (Odisha) is most revered for its healing properties. This temple is referred to as Vaidya Baba (Doctor God), and the overall experience is one of surrendering to a higher power. Many people will be sitting in Dharnarna (a silent and fasting vigil) waiting for a dream or sign, and their faith is strong and resolute. If an individual has been bitten by a snake; they will be brought to this temple and given holy water; therefore the local peoples believe that all who come here and pray to Baba Akhandalamani with a pure heart will not die from the effects of the poison.
The Aradi temple is also a location of dispute resolution where people will take an oath of Manika Dwahi, believing that divine justice will follow the truth. The inner sanctum also has a certain level of intimidation because of the height of the black stone Linga, yet the presence of camphor and the sound of the river gives one a feeling of safety.
The winter months provide the best time to experience Pilgrimage at Akhandaramani Temple Aradi. While Bhadrak can be very hot in the summer months, the weather is nice during the winter months. Be sure to dress in light cotton clothing and be able to walk on the cold marble floor without shoes. When you visit, do not forget to taste the “Ghurshana” bhoga (bhoga is food given as a religious offering) which is prepared by pouring a mixture of milk, honey, bananas, and coconut onto the stone; you can find all of the ingredients needed to make this offering from most of the little shops close to the entrance to the temple. Be sure to spend some time at the Shiva Ganga. Do not rush through your prayer, and allow the Aradi temple’s quietness to calm down the noise in your thoughts. The temple is a place for humility as well as for you to remember that God is always listening.
