If you go just a little outside the main town, you will come across a rocky hill jutting out sharply from the flat plains. This is Bhima Dunguri, a place that seems to have been silently keeping the land for ages. At the bottom of these rocks, there is a peaceful spot where water collects during the rains. It is not a big lake, however, this water is the very source of life here. Why this place? It is generally thought that the Pandava brothers, especially the strong Bhima, might have been here during their exile. The local people say that the big deep marks on the stones are his footprints. During winter the sun heats up the big rocks and thus it becomes a favorite picnic spot in Balangir for those who want to enjoy nature and feel the earth’s energy under their feet.
Bhima Dunguri is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating Balangir tourist places due to its unique natural setting. The hill consists of huge, smooth, round boulders heaped on one another. An impression is given as if a giant child was playing marbles and scattered them there. Among those stones, there are caves where holy men used to do meditation. I recall a visit on a windy Sunday. If you remain very still near the summit, the wind passing through the narrow gaps of the stones sounds like a flute. The heart is aware of what the signs by themselves don’t reveal that this place is not merely about stones, but also about the hush that dwells between them. It is a little bit scary to scramble the steep parts, but the eye, candy from the top is a great reward for the effort.
There is a very strong and ancient pride in the culture here. Girigovardhan Puja is a major festival in Balangir and a famous place that brings the community together. People behave with a quiet devotion. They don’t come with loud music; they come with their families and homemade food. While on a trip to the region, you might also want to consider the distance from Balangir to Nrusinghanath which is around 110 kilometers. A lot of people choose Bhima Dunguri as their first step before going further into the mountains. The locals are modest and will frequently indicate “Bhima Chula” (the stove of Bhima) with a small, understanding smile.
The ideal time for a visit to this Balangir picnic destination is during the months from October to February. The rocks get so heated by the summer sun that they can even burn your hands. It is advisable to wear shoes with a good grip as the stone surfaces may be slippery. What I would recommend is to bring your own water and a couple of snacks from the town, as there are no stores up the hill. Also, when you take a walk on the path, don’t rush; and enjoy the little wildflowers that grow between the cracks. This is a spot that demands of you to be as firm as the stone and as silent as the wind.
