Kalimela,Jan, 15: The 30-foot-tall giant statue of Lord Shiva (Mahadev) standing majestically on Tagurakota Hill under Manyamkonda Panchayat of Kalimela Block is now becoming a major attraction for tourists.
The statue, depicting Lord Shiva seated on a tiger skin, is highly captivating. The beauty of the place has been further enhanced by four damarus (small drums) around the statue and two viewpoint platforms in front of it. Built on a massive black granite rock, the site is currently undergoing beautification work costing about ₹25 lakh by the block administration. Construction of railings and approach roads is also underway.
However, due to the absence of electricity, tourists are unable to enjoy the beauty of the site at night. There is also a lack of drinking water and other basic facilities.
Visitor Chiranjeevi Malik, who came here for the first time with his family, said that the natural beauty of the place is breathtaking and that it is no less beautiful than Kailasgiri. He expressed great happiness after visiting the site.
Local residents Harishchandra Bhumiya and Lakshmidhar Madkami said that if the area around Manyamkonda is further developed and beautified, it can become a popular tourist destination in the district.
It is noteworthy that people from Balraju, Potraju, and Kanamaraju villages often pass through Tagurakota Hill to go for a holy bath at Tadakareu, located near Polur village in Andhra Pradesh.
Since the famous Badayatra festival of Malkangiri district is scheduled to be held here next year, the giant Mahadev statue at Tagurakota is sure to attract a large number of tourists.